BIOL 205 - Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Prerequisite: BIOL 200, CHEM 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for Life Science majors and introduces them to the basic concepts of biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics; including protein structure and function, DNA structure and replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and recombinant DNA technology. Students will also be introduced to the science of biotechnology by providing both the theory and hands-on experience with laboratory protocols that include the isolation, purification, and cloning of a gene; including the use of restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, library construction, blotting and hybridization and sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will be explained in detail, particularly how it has revolutionized research in molecular biology, medicine, forensics, systematics and evolutionary biology.