Courses

BTEC 108A. Practical Laboratory Math (2)

Concepts, techniques and applications of arithmetic and elementary algebra emphasizing applications to practical problems. Interactive and traditional problem solving methods. Class interactive group exercises applying mathematical techniques to various applications and real world problems.  This course is part of the Bridge to Bioscience. 

BTEC 14A. Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques (3)    

A laboratory focused introduction to laboratory techniques needed for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry, especially in the research field.  This course is part of the Bridge to Bioscience.  Recommend completion of or concurent enrollment, in BTEC 108A.

BTEC 5. Briefings in Biotechnology (1)

A seminar course.  Underlying principles of molecular biology and the laboratory procedures involved in the biotechnology industry. Examples of new products, processes, and prospects for the future in medicine, environmental restoration, forensics, and agriculture. Implications for society and governmental regulations. Features lectures by scientists currently working in the biotechnology industry. Further description of the current course content can be found here.

CSU, UC

BTEC 12A. GLP and GMP Principles (1)

General overview of Food and Drug Administration regulations as they pertain to the biotechnology field. The course will emphasize cGLP, cGMP and SOP practices that pertain to biopharmaceutical laboratory and manufacturing facilities.

CSU

BTEC 14B. Biotechnology Internship Experience (4)

Internship opportunities ▶︎ 

PREREQ.: BTEC 14A and BTEC 15 (BTEC 14A can be substituted with 4 units of  CCSF Biotech Program lab courses, see instructor)

COREQ: BTEC 93

Support for student interns placed in local bioscience laboratories. Provide tools to effectively communicate internship experience, present scientific concepts and network with professionals in the field. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to basic research, biomanufacturing, environmental sciences, quality control or assurance technicians.

CSU

BTEC 15. Career Exploration in Bioscience (2)

Internship opportunities ▶︎

ADVISORY: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in any laboratory course in the CCSF Biotechnology Program or Bridge to Biosciences Program (BTEC 10, 107 and 108A); and completion of ESLN 3700 or ESL 130 or ENGL L or placement into ESLN 3800 or ESL 140, or ENGL 91

Networking is one of the most important things students can do to advance their career in the biotechnology field.   The goal is to teach students the skills to build your network and your knowledge so you are ready to take advantage of City College of San Francisco’s BioSymposium, which takes place on one of the last Fridays in the semester.  Students will look for an internship at the end of the course.  Further description of the current course content can be found here. 

BTEC 20 Mammalian Cell Culture (3)

ADVISORY: BIO 11 and BTEC 108A, Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 32

Introduction to techniques for culturing and maintaining mammalian cells, including proper use of equipment, aseptic technique, media formulation, storage, counting and subculturing of cells. Contents include proper growth conditions, cell cycle regulation, cellular responses to DNA damage, growth patterns, viability assays, transfection and an introduction to the use of fluorescent molecules in visualization of cellular structures.

No longer offered BTEC 21A. Mammalian Cell Culture (2)

ADVISORY: BIO 11 or 101A; and CHEM 32 or 40 or 101A; and MATH 840 or BTEC 108A

Introduction to techniques for culturing mammalian cells, including media preparation, sterile technique, freezing, thawing, subculturing, and maintaining cells. Theory includes the selection of media, maintaining sterile conditions, preventing contamination, as well as cellular responses to DNA damage and gene expression. Practical experience includes the proper use and care of equipment for culturing cells.

CSU

No longer offered BTEC 21B. Fluorescent Cell Technology (2)

PREREQ.: BTEC 21 or 21A

Introduction to advanced techniques in the study of normal and mutant tissue culture cells including organelle visualization with various fluorophores, transfection with fluorescent markers, and immunostaining. In depth coverage of the theory behind and use of fluorescent microscopy and current research methods using fluorescent technology, including apoptosis and DNA damage assays.

CSU

BTEC 21C. Stem Cell Technology (3)

PREREQ.: BTEC 21B

A general introduction to the principles of stem cell biology. Topics include embryonic stem cells in early development, adult stem cells, potential applications of stem cell culture and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. Emphasis on laboratory techniques including proper use and care of equipment, culture and analysis of mouse embryonic stem cells, and flow cytometry. Further description of the current course content can be found here.

CSU

BTEC 21D and BTEC 21E. Stem Cell Technology Internship (4)  

Restricted to students selected for the Stem Cell Internship program

Provides the necessary tools for students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships in companies and research laboratories. Types of internships may include, but not be limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS analysis, primary cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, microarray analysis and tumor cell characterization.

CSU

BTEC 22. Immunoassay: ELISA (1)

Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on ELISA. Examples of new procedures, technical advances, past, present and future prospects in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical laboratory settings will be discussed.  Course will feature hands on exercises emphasizing all aspects of ELISA.

CSU

BTEC 23. Western Blotting Techniques (1)

Underlying principles of immunoassays with focus on Western blotting. Examples of new procedures, technical advances, past, present and future prospects in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical laboratory settings will be discussed.   Course will feature hands-on laboratory exercises emphasizing all aspects of Western blotting.

CSU

BTEC 24. Introduction to PCR (1)

An introduction to the theoretical aspects and laboratory techniques of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Students gain practical experience performing PCR as well as experimenting with optimization of the reaction. Applications of PCR used in DNA fingerprinting, diagnostic medicine, genome mapping, evolutionary relationship determination, and epidemiology will be discussed. Further description of the current course content can be found here.

CSU

BTEC 25. Analytical PCR Technology (1)

PREREQ.: Completion of BTEC 24 or demonstration of BTEC 24 exit skills

A course in the theory and practice of current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analytical methods. Students will gain laboratory experience in performing techniques such as reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR (SYBR Green and TaqMan).  Experimental optimization will be emphasized.

CSU

BTEC 93. Biotechnology Work Experience (1-8)

Consent of Bioscience Internship/Work Experience Coordinator. Contact the instructor.

Students will be able to get work experience through internships. This valuable industry experience will help train them for future jobs in biotechnology. In addition, they will apply their skills gained from previous biotechnology courses to real life laboratory situations.

CSU

No longer offered BTEC 103. Protein Purification (2)

ADVISORY: CHEM 32 and (BIO 11 or BTEC 10) and (BTEC 102 or BTEC 120)

An introduction to protein purification techniques including sample preparation, column chromatography, and analysis of purification. Hands on training with manual and automated Akta chromatography systems used in industry and research laboratories. Purification analysis includes gel electrophoresis, specific activity, and mass balance calculations.

BTEC 115. Recombinant DNA Biotechnology (5)

Advisory: BIO 11

An in-depth coverage of recombinant DNA/genetic engineering concepts and principles with a strong emphasis on the laboratory procedures involved in DNA 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.  Covers general topics in DNA/RNA structure and synthesis, control of gene expression, and genomics.  Computer activities include DNA sequence analysis and PCR primer design. Further description of the current course content can be found here.

CSU

BTEC 120. Molecular and Cell Biotechnology (5)

Advisory: BIO 11 and CHEM 32

A thorough introduction to the principles and techniques of molecular and cell biology.  Techniques include spectroscopy, protein assays, enzyme assays, cell lysis, recombinant protein expression, stable cell transfection, Western blot, analysis of signal transduction.  Covers general topics in cell biology, and protein sequence and structure analysis.

CSU

BTEC 5. Briefings in Biotechnology (1)

Underlying principles of molecular biology and the laboratory procedures involved in the biotechnology industry. Examples of new products, processes, and prospects for the future in medicine, environmental restoration, forensics, and agriculture. Implications for society and governmental regulations. Features lectures by scientists currently working in the biotechnology industry.

CSU

BTEC 6. Basics of Cell Culture (1)

ADVISORY: BTEC 5, for high school students

Designed to introduce high school students to the field of mammalian cell culture.  Introduction to cell culture and stem cell biology and techniques. Topics include aseptic techniques, counting cells, cell/stem cell culture maintenance, transfection, cytotoxicity, fluorescence labeling and stem cell differentiation. Practical experience includes use of common laboratory equipments such as micropipettes, centrifuges, inverted and fluorescent microscopes.

CSU