AGT 120 - Agricultural Appl in Biotech

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This course will explore through discussion and laboratory demonstration the impact that biotechnology has in all agricultural applications. A variety of application techniques will be used in both the agronomic and animal science areas to provide students with an understanding of these significant developments and how they will be able to communicate more effectively with a customer base that utilizes the products being developed.
Competencies

Explain biotechnology and its impact on society.
1. Identify the different types of biotechnology classifications.
2. Review society perceptions and concerns for biotechnology.
3. Identify the current regulations and legislative issues affecting agricultural biotechnology.
4. Discuss the ethical implications associated with biotechnology in agriculture.
Describe the hands-on experiences with biotechnology.
1. Identify current uses associated with agriculture.
2. Develop a list of current uses and their benefits to the agricultural industry.
Debate both the cost and benefits assciated with the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
1. Identify the benefits of using current technologies.
2. Evaluate the cost relationship between biotechnology and non-biotechnology production.
Explain the relationship between DNA and current applications in the food, fiber and fuel system.
1. Identify the benefits of using current technology through laboratory application.
2. Establish laboratory protocols for using electrophoresis in DNA sampling.
Understand the history and development of biotech advancements and how it relates to agriculture.
1. Develop a flowchart of the biotechnology advancement for agriculture.
2. Explain the importance of these advancements on a global society.
Explain the importance of biotechnology research on the new frontiers of agricultural application.
1. Research the role that biotechnology research has on agricultural production.
2. Identify new applications of biotechnology that will impact agriculture over the next decade.
Demonstrate through laboratory experiences a variety of current technologies to reinforce the value of biotechnology in agriculture.
1. Identify the protocols of conducting laboratory activities.
2. conduct bioassay and microbial surveys.
3. Incorporate a laboratory experience that uses different types of food enzymes and micro-organisms to demonstrate food safety and development protocols.
4. Develop tissue cultures using aseptic and non-aseptic techniques.
5. Conduct a laboratory on the fermentation of preferential sugars.
6. Establish a laboratory that utilizes current technologies cellulosic and biodiesel fuels.