An in-depth coverage of recombinant DNA/genetic engineering concepts and principles with a strong emphasis on the laboratory procedures involved in DNA and RNA manipulation. Techniques include DNA and RNA purification, spectroscopy, restriction enzyme analysis, DNA cloning, bacterial transformation, PCR and real-time PCR, site directed mutagenesis, and DNA sequencing. General topics in DNA/RNA structure and synthesis, control of gene expression, and genomics. Computer activities include DNA sequence analysis and PCR primer design using software such as SnapGene Viewer, Benchling, and NCBI resources. This course is part of the Biotechnology Program at City College of SF.

Some of what we do in Recombinant DNA Technology

• Purify genomic and plasmid DNA (mini and maxi preps).

• Design and run restriction enzyme analyses

• Design, run, and analyze PCR and real-time PCR

• Design and build DNA constructs using standard cloning techniques and Gibson assembly.

• Run, image & analyze 4-5 agarose gels

• Analyze Sanger DNA sequencing results

• Learn concepts in modern genomics including CRISPR, new DNA sequencing technologies, new cloning techniques.