BIOSC186: Learn to produce biological molecules in living organisms, and how to purify and analyze them for safe and effective delivery to the consumer. Cell culture, chromatography, bioassays and data analysis techniques are useful in a variety of life science industries such as cannabis, prescription drugs (pharmaceuticals), vaccines, tests for diseases, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, genetic testing and more. Students with interests and skills in chemistry, biology, engineering, and mathematical skills learn the aspect of process development in an environment similar to what’ found in a regulated industry. This training directly prepares students for actual employment in the biomanufacturing sector of the life sciences industry.

Offered in Spring Semesters: for Spring 2025, BIOSC186-1866 meets Thursday 5:50-9:00PM. Starts January 30. (The non-credit version, BIOSC886N-1867 meets at the same place and time)

What happens in the course?

man with bioreactor
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Precision measuring devices

micropipettes, spectrophotometry, analytical balance

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cGMP, GLP

batch records, sampling, documentation, acurate technique

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Solution prepration

calculations, precision measurment, sterilization

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Calculate yield

efficiency of process, continuous improvement

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Analysis of purity data

(prepare certificate of analysis, active ingredient, contaminant/impurity levels

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Scale up

test multiple growth conditions, select most productive

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Biological assays

HPLC, FPLC to detect contaminants and impurities

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Protein isolation

extraction technique, separation, storage, labeling

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Column chromatography

ACTA-FPLC, size exclusion, ion-exhange

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Bioreactor use

grow and sample cells in carefully controlled aseptic conditions

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Skills in

  • Cell culture in bioreactors
  • Chromatography for purification and analysis
  • Quantitative analysis of purified molecules

Knowledge of

  • Laboratory calculations for media and assays
  • Scale up
  • cGMP, GLP

Ability to

  • Analyze purification data (yield, purity)
  • Batch Records
  • Develop purification strategies based on molecule characteristics

Who should take this?

  • Looking for employment in biotechnology/life science industry
  • STEM majors (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry)
  • Those needing to purify active ingredient or make an extract

What types of jobs does it prepare for?

  • Biomanufacturing (including pharmaceuticals)
  • Quality Control Technician/Assistant
  • Research and lab support

More details about Purification and analysis of biological molecules here

Part of certificates

  • Biotechnology Technician
  • AS Biotechnology
  • Laboratory Professional II (NC)