Biotechnology Fundamentals 

Course #: 834460 | Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Credits: One/Weighted +.5

Biotech Foundation HN focuses on various techniques that are used to modify living organisms, or parts of organisms, to improve plants and animals, and the development of microorganisms for specific purposes. Student activities range from bioprocessing and DNA analysis, to medicine, biomechanical systems, and the environment. Students gain insight and understanding about biotechnology career fields. This course is part of the Claude Moore Scholars, a healthcare education program. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Industry certification may be available as part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Course Topics

• Biochemistry
• Forensics
• Biotechnology
• The preparation necessary to complete Biotechnology experiences
• Biotechnology in the environment, agriculture, and medicine
• Bioprocessing
• Investigating genetic engineering
• The social aspects and ethics involved in Biotechnology

Career Pathways

Students are introduced to all careers within the field of Biotechnology: 

• Forensic DNA Analyst
• Medical Scientist
• Biological Technicians
• Bioinformatics Specialist
• Medical and Clinical Lab Technologists & Technicians
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Microbiologists
• Epidemiologists
• R&D and Process Development Scientists
• Regulatory QA/QC Biomanufacturing Specialists
• Bioproduction Operators