Biomed Pathway

Biotechnology

Level 1: Biotechnology Accelerated and Research (Year long)

ROP Grades: 11-12 CSU/UC: “d”

Highly Recommend: Biology, Algebra, Chemistry

This course enables students to complete the Biotechnology course at an accelerated pace. Students collaborate with local institutions to create and conduct authentic group research projects

Lab topics include extraction and analysis of DNA, electrophoresis, bacteriological techniques, culturing strains of bacteria, determining and making solutions, and cloning and sequencing. Plasmids are used to achieve bacterial transformation. Students conduct research and read and analyze scientific literature, preparing them for post-secondary education while exploring scientific career paths. In this accelerated class, students will also obtain advanced understanding of biotechnology skills and concepts in preparation for summer internships or university lab research during undergraduate study.

Level 2 Biological Sciences Laboratory Research (Year long) -

ROP Grades: 11-12 CSU/UC: “d”

Pre Req: Biotechnology Accelerated & Research

This is the 2nd level, laboratory science course for students interested in hands-on science. With creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills, each student will brainstorm and choose a research project representative of the biological sciences. By using laboratory experimentation with fundamental knowledge in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, students will research, communication with scientists regarding their research topic, and use additional off campus sites to access data such as genetic sequencing. Computer modeling will be used to both graphically represent and analyze student data. Scientific journal writing formats are used in project documentation and presentations. Students will publish their research on the internet or in student-oriented science journals, and will present their research findings to the class.

Semester 1 will focus on themes in Biomimicry. Semester 2 students will participate in the BioEHSC (Bioengineering High School) put on by UC Berkeley Students. Individual projects have the option to entered in the Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair/Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, BioGenius or District Student Recognition Competition.