Dr. N. Bharathan of the IUP Biology Department will be running two separate two-week camps for students interested in biotechnology. Students should be in grades 10, 11, or 12 during the 2013–2014 school year. The goal of the program is to motivate students to study biology and to acquaint high school students with the techniques in modern biology research.
We will use lectures by university faculty, library research, and model systems such as bacteria and fungi to help the students choose and explore topic areas that interest them for laboratory work. Students working in groups will use the information and techniques to develop and test a hypothesis using one of the model systems. The students will present their work to their classmates at the end of the session.
The dates of the programs are June 16–29, 2013, for cohort A and July 7–20, 2013, for cohort B.
The cost to students and their families is $2,200 for the residential program and $1,850 for the nonresidential program. Families can save $100 off of registration fee by registering early. See the application for details.
Listed below are the activities for students.
Laboratory Activities, Week 1
- Growth, isolation, and characterization of microbes
- DNA and protein purifications
- Nucleic acid analysis, assay for purity and concentrations
- Amplification (PCR)
- Electrophoretic analysis using Bioanalyzer
- Genetic modification using standard laboratory model organisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi)
- cDNA synthesis and PCR cloning
- Student Group Presentations (20 minutes each)
Laboratory Activities, Week 2:
- Forensic laboratories will include microscopy; identification of biological samples like algae, diatoms, wood fragments, paint chips, mineral grains, synthetic and natural fibers, human hair and animal hair, variants of the characteristics seen in forensic examinations; cells and tissues.
- Laboratory analysis and identification other biological evidences like arthropods and plants found at a crime scene can provide corroborating evidence regarding both time and place of crime. In this laboratory, students will get a brief overview of the understanding of forensic aspects of plant biology, and of the entomology that require knowledge of evidence to be accepted in a Judicial System. Historical developments in forensic DNA analysis will be included as case examples featuring the use of botanical and entomological evidence in a variety of criminal cases to reconstruct crimes.
- RFLPs, genotyping, and power of allelic discrimination
- Forensic Laboratories will also include presentations from individuals from the Law Enforcement Authority and the Coroner’s Office.
Additional Activities:
- Explore and provide a three-page write-up on any one of the following selected topics on recombinant DNA technology protocols and applications:
- Bio-safety
- PCR technology
- Gene therapy
- GMOs
- Biofuels/bioenergy
- Students will have an opportunity to view selected videos outside the class room on the future applications of biotechnology in agriculture, health, vaccine production, edible vaccine, and translation medicine.
- Faculty-scientists seminar presentations—Nano Biotechnology
Program Format
During the first two days, the students will be introduced to basic laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. During this period, students will also use library and Internet resources to research an area of interest. They will develop a hypothesis that can be tested by applying one or two of the techniques learned to one of the selected model systems. During the rest of the week, students will work in small groups or with a partner to test their hypotheses and prepare a formal presentation of their work.
