THE
PROGRAM
The Biotechnology Teaching Center offers laboratories that introduce students
to molecular biology, biotechnology and forensics.
These laboratories are designed to give the students a strong hands-on, inquiry based laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on New York State Department of Education standards in scientific inquiry, experimental design, historical development of scientific ideas, and the understanding and use of genetic information. Students also discuss recent scientific developments the environmental, health, social and ethical implications.
THE FACILITIES
The University is readily accessible in its mid-Suffolk location. Parking
for school buses is available. Students may bring lunch or purchase it at
a cafeteria on campus.
The Biotechnology Teaching Center consists of three laboratories; each laboratory has 12 workstations, accommodating 24 students. This allows us to schedule up to three classes each day. Each workstation is equipped with micropipettors, gel apparatus, and power supply. Other laboratory equipment includes microcentrifuges, incubators, water-baths, and a thermalcycler.
THE EXPERIMENTS
DNA Restriction Enzyme Analysis
Restriction enzymes are used by bacteria to cut DNA at specific nucleotide
sequences. However, in the laboratory these enzymes are often used as molecular
scissors for genetic engineering. In this lab, students use three restriction
enzymes, EcoRI, HindIII, and BamHI, to cut DNA. Students then use agarose
gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA fragments by size and analyze the
DNA pattern on the gel. Students learn about enzyme action and are directly
involved in the experimental design and the designation of controls. This
laboratory is most appropriate for advanced classes.
Bacterial Transformation
Bacteria can be genetically modified by transformation. A process whereby
cells take up foreign DNA and make it part of their own. In this laboratory,
students induce bacteria to take up DNA containing genes that give the bacteria
two new characteristics: 1) resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin; and 2)
the ability to fluoresce green. Students then experimentally verify the presence
of these traits. Students are directly involved in experimental design and
the designation of controls. This laboratory can be adjusted to suit the academic
level of the class.
Human DNA Fingerprinting
In this experiment, students isolate DNA from their cheek cells and use Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify a region of this DNA. Students then use agarose
gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA by size, and compare their DNA pattern
on the gel with the rest of the class. Students learn current concepts in
forensics, genetic testing and genetic engineering. This laboratory can be
adjusted to suit the academic level of the class.
Forensics Laboratory
Forensics uses scientific methods to solve legal problems. This laboratory
introduces the technique of forensic identification. The students simulate
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis by cutting DNA with
restriction enzymes. They then use agarose gel electrophoresis to separate
the DNA fragments by size and compare the patterns to known samples. Students
use the scientific method to evaluate evidence, formulate a hypothesis, plan
and perform the experiment, and analyze results. The laboratory can be adjusted
to suit the academic level of the class.
SCHEDULING A SCIENCE TEACHING PROGRAM FOR YOUR SCHOOL
We would like to encourage you to book labs for your classes as early
as possible as we reach our maximum capacity each year.
Times are somewhat flexible. Cost: $17.00 per student per lab. AP classes can perform two experiments in one day.
To schedule your class please call (631-632-9750) or e-mail:
jnimmo@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
STAFF
Joan Kiely, Laboratory Director
Daniel Moloney, Laboratory
Director