What is biotechnology, and how does it affect our daily lives?
A new course offered in Fall 2015 examines this question by highlighting what happens in the biotechnology research laboratory—and how this relates to the field, the marketplace, and daily life.
Dr. Zhihua Hua
The course is PBIO 2050: Biotechnology: From the Lab to Daily Life. It is offered by the Department of Environmental & Plant Biology, and it meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 to 2:55 p.m.
The course covers the basic biological principles behind biotechnology, from brewing to genetically modified organisms (GMO). Topics include:
- Microbial biotechnology: wine, cheese, and bread
- Agricultural biotechnology: crop improvement, traditional breeding, and genetic engineering
- Environmental biotechnology: biofuels and bio-remediation
- Special issues: gene therapy, drug discovery, disease detection, bio-terrorism, and forensics
- Biotechnology industry: regulations, marketing, and sales
- Public debate: ethical issues, public concern, and media
This course introduces students not only to the science but also to the public debates surrounding these issues.
The course is designed for non-majors and counts for T2 General Education credit in Applied Science and Math.
PBIO 2050 is taught Dr. Zhihua Hua, a new Assistant Professor of Environmental and Plant Biology who works in the fields of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, omics, and evolutionary biology.
The course contributes to the Making and Breaking the Law theme, sponsored by the Center for Law, Justice & Culture.
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