1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College
Biological Technology Program
g gy g
Pasadena City College
Natural Sciences Division
Pamela Eversole-Cire Ph D
Eversole-Cire, Ph.D.
SCBC – BioLink Conference, January 13 -14, 2012
2. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Mission of the Biotechnology Program
• The Mission of the Biotechnology Program is to:
– prepare students, including individuals from underrepresented or
special populations, f careers i research, b th i academia
i l l ti for in h both in d i
and in industry;
– ensure that students are competitive when applying to
institutions of higher education;
– facilitate internships and advanced training opportunities in a
variety of research fields such as stem cell biology and
fields,
bioinformatics; and
– provide a well trained workforce to the local research community,
at various educational and technical levels.
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3. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Biotechnology Program Successes
• PCC biotech students are provided with a theoretical and practical
education which effectively prepares them for research and various career
and educational opportunities
• Students ho ha e
St dents who have participated in the Biotechnology Program have
Biotechnolog ha e
successfully competed for employment opportunities in academic research
laboratories and in the biotechnology industry
• Program participants have t
P ti i t h transferred to institutions of higher l
f d t i tit ti f hi h learning t
i to
continue their education
– Often after transferring, students are capable of participating in undergraduate
research programs, an experience which has led to graduate school or job offers
• To date, more than 150 students have been placed as interns or hires at
over 50 sites including biotechnology companies, public and private
institutions, and academic research facilities in the local community
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4. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Biotechnology Program Design
• The biotechnology courses are taught in a working laboratory setting
– Allows the students to learn more than just core competencies and prepares the
students to work in a research laboratory environment
• Students are “employees” of the “PCC Biotech Company”
– Follow OSHA safety standards
F ll f t t d d
– Staff meetings
– Sign in for attendance (with time stamp)
– Notebook keeping skills and proper documentation of data
– Photo release forms
– Confidentiality
C fid ti lit agreements t protect i t ll t l property rights
t to t t intellectual t i ht
– Proper lab etiquette
– “Hierarchy” in a research laboratory
• Instructor’s role is the Principal Investigator/Research Supervisor
• Teaching Assistant’s role is a p
g postdoc/research scientist
• Students’ roles are graduate students/lab assistants
• Students are mentored and skills evaluated as if they were employed by a
research institute or biotech company
– S h d l d performance evaluations and negotiation f salary ( d )
Scheduled f l ti d ti ti for l (grade)
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5. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Laboratory and Employability Skills
• Students are trained to work in a research laboratory environment
– Work in groups
– Perform laboratory procedures and experiments
– Responsible for p p
p preparing own reagents and maintaining lab and
g g g
equipment
– Learn how to document notebook properly
– Participate in lab meetings
• Work environment teaches student employability skills
– Maintain confidentiality
– Protect intellectual property rights
• Notebook represents intellectual property of company
– Time and resource management
– How to work as part of a research team
– Negotiation techniques
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6. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Biotechnology Core Curriculum
Biology 102A
Bi l
Biology 28 Basic Laboratory Skills Biology 20
Bioinformatics Research
Biology 102B Biology 102C
Advanced Techniques
q Cell Culture - Mammalian
DNA/Protein
Biology 38
gy
Biology 102D
Cell and Molecular Biology
Internship
Stem Cell Culture Lab
Biology 171C Biology 71C Physical Science 2
Fluorescence Microscopy RNAi Applications Stem Cell Journal Club
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7. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Biotechnology Core Curriculum
• BIOL 102A* Introduction to fundamental laboratory skills. Basic laboratory
skills
techniques and use of laboratory equipment.
• BIOL 102B* Advanced skills in applied biological technology. DNA and Protein
Techniques. Presentation on technique/protocol (and prepare written summaries).
• BIOL 102C* Advanced skills in applied biological technology. Mammalian cell
pp g gy
culture techniques. Projects demonstrate an application of cell culture. Requires
preparation of a poster and presentation at a poster session.
• BIOL 102D Advanced skills in applied biological technology. Internship in a
biotechnology laboratory setting (234 hours).
• BIOL 38* Cell and Molecular Biology Stem Cell Culture and Manipulation
Biology.
Techniques. Projects require performing directed-differentiation of mouse embryonic
stem cells and evaluation of differentiated cell types. Journal Club presentations.
• BIOL 28 Introduction to Bioinformatics. Structure and function of proteins and
nucleic acids, molecular modeling, sequence alignment, and database management.
• BIOL 71C* Exploring Topics in Biology – RNA Interference (RNAi). Biological
mechanism and applications of RNAi.
• BIOL 171C* Exploring Topics in Biology – Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy.
• PHYSC 2 Scientific Method as Critical Thinking – Stem Cell Journal Club.
* Notebook keeping skills and proper documentation of data are emphasized in all
biotechnology laboratory classes at PCC to protect intellectual property rights.
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8. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Performance Evaluations
• Formal performance evaluations are performed twice each semester
– Students sign up for scheduled meeting time
– Need to arrive on time, be prepared, and bring required materials to meeting
• PI/Supervisor reviews assignments and overall performance with student
• Students negotiate with PI/supervisor for pay grade
– Grade is determined by the “value” the student employee has brought to the
company
– Value is based on work product and overall contributions to company
– Assessed on both hard (laboratory) skills and soft (employability) skills
• Assessment and evaluation criteria are customized for each course and
depend on the curriculum, laboratory skill set, and assignments
– Assessment tools are tailored for each course
– As knowledge base builds and skill set increases, expectations and evaluation
criteria increase accordingly
(teaches the students how to prepare for promotions in a research laboratory)
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9. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Performance Evaluations – BIOL 102A
BIOL 102A Introd ction to Fundamental Laborator Skills
Introduction F ndamental Laboratory
• Skills include:
– Basic laboratory techniques, solution preparation, sterile technique,
cloning procedures, p
gp , plasmid DNA p purification, use of laboratory
, y
equipment, and instruction on proper notebook keeping techniques
• Evaluation includes:
– Midterm
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation updated
evaluation,
resume, assignments, notebook assessment
• Students are required to locate an assignment(s) in notebook using the
Table of Contents and explain procedures and results in detail
(simulate PI requesting information regarding experimental results)
– Final
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation, updated
resume, notebook assessment
• Routine laboratory calculations performed without reference material
(simulate calculation assessment during an interview)
( )
• Grade (value) requested should be related to the student’s self evaluation
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10. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Performance Evaluations – BIOL 102B
BIOL 102B Ad anced Skills - DNA and Protein Techniq es
Advanced Techniques
• Skills include:
– Electrophoretic techniques (PAGE), column chromatography, PCR,
ELISA, DNA and protein purification, and Southern and Western Blot
, p p ,
analyses
• Evaluation includes:
– Midterm
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation updated
evaluation,
resume, assignments (written summaries), and notebook assessment
• Students are asked to explain principles governing the various techniques
and procedures performed (simulate an interview where the interviewer asks
detailed questions regarding techniques listed on resume)
– Final
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation, updated
resume, notebook assessment
• Students are asked to explain principles governing the various techniques
and procedures performed and gene expression induction experiment
• Grade (value) typically related to the student’s self evaluation results
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11. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Performance Evaluations – BIOL 102C
BIOL 102C Ad anced Skills - Mammalian Cell C lt re
Advanced Culture
• Skills include:
– Basic and advanced mammalian cell culture techniques. Projects
demonstrate an application of cell culture (p j
pp (project p p
proposal), requires
), q
preparation of a poster and presentation at a poster session.
• Evaluation includes:
– Midterm
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation
evaluation,
assignments, notebook assessment
• Self evaluation checklist includes written explanations/calculations
• Student skills are assessed using a timed practical evaluation
• Peer evaluation of project p p
p j proposal
(simulate peer review of grant applications)
– Final
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation, notebook
assessment
• Self evaluation checklist also requires written explanations/calculations
• Peer evaluation of final project presentation
• Poster and poster presentation
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12. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Performance Evaluations – BIOL 38
BIOL 38 Cell and Molec lar Biolog - Stem Cell C lt re
Molecular Biology Culture
Skills include:
– Laboratory procedures for the growth and maintenance of mouse
embryonic stem (ES) cells in culture, characterization of stem cells,
y ( ) , ,
non-directed and directed differentiation of stem cells, and genetic
modification of stem cells. Projects require performing directed-
differentiation of mouse ES cells and evaluation of differentiated cell
types. Participation in a Journal Club.
• Evaluation includes:
– Midterm
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation, notebook
assessment
• Peer evaluation of Journal Club presentation
• Peer evaluation of project proposal (simulate peer review of grant applications)
– Final
• Self evaluation checklist and written performance evaluation, notebook
p
assessment
• Peer evaluation of final project presentation
• Grade (value) typically related to the student’s self evaluation results.
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13. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Sample Written Evaluation Form
BIOL 102A, Fall 2011 Midterm/Final Evaluation
Basic Lab Skills Name:________________
Date:_________________
Please write a brief statement regarding your overall “job” performance in Bio 102A,
Fall 2011 (address the following areas: attendance, punctuality, teamwork, bench
skills, interpersonal skills, contributions to company, notebook documentation, etc.)
What do you think your “value” to the PCC Biotech Company was in Bio 102A Fall
2011 (in terms of a letter grade)?
Dates absent:
Supervisor’s (Instructor’s) comments:
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14. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Sample Checklist Evaluation Form
Midterm/Final Evaluation
Name:________________
Date:_________________
Exceeds Meets Needs Not
Standards Standards Work Applicable
Attendance
Punctuality
Preparedness
Respect for others
Interpersonal skills
Participation
Teamwork
Overall contributions Instructor Evaluation
Bench Skills Skills/assignments receiving an Exceeds Standards ranking
Calculations/math receive a check+ (performed superior to standard)
Documentation/Notebook Skills/assignments receiving a Meets Standards ranking
Project Proposal receive a check ( f
i h k (performed appropriately t standard)
d i t l to t d d)
Skills/assignments receiving a Needs Work ranking receive
Final Project Presentation
a check- (not performed appropriately to standard)
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15. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Sample Checklist Evaluation Form
BIOL 102B Midterm/Final Evaluation
DNA and Protein Techniques Name:________________
Date:_________________
Exceeds Meets Needs Not
Standards Standards Work Applicable
Standard Curve
ELISA
Affinity Column
PAGE
Gel drying Procedure
GFP Characterization
Growth Curve
Purification of GFP-hydropobic column
Western Blot Analysis
GFP induction curve-sample collection Instructor Evaluation (Notebook)
Protein Assay Skills/assignments receiving an Exceeds Standards ranking
Protein Standard Curve receive a check+ (performed superior to standard)
Protein Concentration Calculations Skills/assignments receiving a Meets Standards ranking
PAGE receive a check (performed appropriately to standard)
Electroblot protein transfer Skills/assignments receiving a Needs Work ranking receive
Detection a check- (not performed appropriately to standard)
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16. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Sample Checklist-Written Assessment Form
Checklist-
Biology 102C Final Evaluation Questions
Biological Technology - Cell Culture Techniques Name:_______________________
Instructor: Dr. Pamela Eversole-Cire Date:________________________
Exceeds Meets Needs Not
Cell Culture Equipment Standards Standards Work Applicable
Laminar Flow Hood (type, function, and use)
CO2 Incubator (conditions)
LN2 tank
Microscope (type and use)
Hemocytometer (dimensions of 4x4 g ; use)
y ( grid; )
Overview of Basic Cell Culture Procedures
Cryopreservation of cells (procedure)
Thawing of cells (procedure)
Maintenance of cells in culture
Written assessment evaluates students’ knowledge
Data record and understanding of basic cell culture techniques.
Culture vessels (sizes and types) Short responses to describe proper use of cell
se
Preparing medium (composition), etc. culture equipment, overview of basic cell culture
Specialized Cell Culture Techniques procedures, and specialized techniques. Includes
Transfection Primary culture, etc. calculations.
Cell Culture Safety Precautions
Disposal of waste
Di l f t
Simulates interview involving written assessment
Contamination/decontamination,etc.
Calculations
and sample calculations.
…
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17. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Successful Training Components
• PCC Biotechnology Program successfully prepares students t work i a
Bi t h l P f ll t d t to k in
research laboratory environment
– Teaching biotechnology courses in manner to closely simulate the work
environment in academic research laboratories and in the biotech industry
– Emphasizing proper notebook keeping and documentation of data as well as
signing confidentiality agreements trains a student to protect intellectual property
rights
– Working in groups teaches a student how to be an effective team member
– Designing and performing experiments teaches a student the fundamentals of
conducting research
d i h
– Understand laboratory responsibilities by preparing own reagents and
maintaining lab and equipment
– Learn time and resource management
– Participation in lab related activities - meetings and journal clubs - prepares
students to be a productive member of a research laboratory
• Mentoring and evaluating performance and acquired laboratory skills as if
students were employed by a research institute or biotech company is a key
element to the successful students outcomes
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18. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biological Technology Program at Pasadena City College PROGRAM
Acknowledgements
• Wendie Johnston, Ph.D. for having the foresight to
design the PCC Biotechnology Program to properly
prepare students to work in a research laboratory
environment
• David Douglass Ph D Dean of the Natural Sciences
Douglass, Ph.D.,
Division
• PCC Biotechnology Program students and participants