Instructors
Natalie Betz
Credentials: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Position title: Academic Director
M.S. in Biotechnology Program (in-person)
Capstone Certificate in Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs (online)
School of Medicine and Public Health
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Amy Prevost
Credentials: PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Position title: Executive Director
BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTCI)
Course Overview
biomdsci 813: Molecular Technologies II: Biomanufacturing
(industry-sited, hands-on laboratory course)
Year 1, Spring Semester (2 credits)
This second laboratory-intensive course explores biotechnologies with research, industrial and diagnostic applications—with a special emphasis on nucleic acid and protein analysis in diverse areas of biotechnology.
Classroom and lab activities include gene cloning, protein expression and purification on a manufacturing scale; the detection of genetically modified organisms and its implications for science and society; automation in biotechnology, and human genetic identity and its role in forensics.
You’ll also hear guest lectures on directed evolution through protein engineering and DNA, protein and cell microarrays.
The biomanufacturing laboratory component highlights many of the topics covered in Biotechnology Operations.
Session Topics from Spring 2025
Session 1: Welcome to Molecular Technologies II; Introduction to Gene Cloning and Protein Expression/Purification; Introduction to Agricultural Biotechnology
Session 2: Gene Cloning Verification and GMO Detection Methods
Session 3: Introduction to Fermentation and Product Specifications; Introduction to Genetic Identity
Session 4: Introduction to Chromatography; DNA STR Reactions from Buccal Swabs
Session 5: STR Analysis Results and Introduction to the Science and Business of Genetic Identity and New Product Development; Protein Assay
Session 6: Scientific Poster Presentations
Session 7: Introduction to Laboratory Automation, Directed Evolution, and Epigenetics