Title: Welcome
Course: BTEC-2020-301-302-303-F21 > Section: Course Orientation

Orientation Course Overview

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to Biotech 2020: Biomolecular Separation and Analysis! In this class, you’ll learn about methods of purifying and analyzing proteins. The course format is unusual, as background material is available online, and you self-schedule time in the open learning lab to do the experiments. The course is competency-based, meaning that you will move at your own pace to achieve proficiency in all the learning outcomes. You can expect about half of your time to be spent in online learning activities, and half in the lab.

About Me

Depending on when you attend the open lab, you may work with one of several faculty and staff in Biotechnology. My name, though, is Jean Bower, and I’m the lead instructor of BTEC 2020. You’re welcome to call me Jean, or Dr. Bower if you prefer. I earned a PhD in microbiology in 2007, and have been teaching - which I love even more than lab work - ever since.

I am passionate about science as an ongoing process, a way of understanding the world; science is not a list of facts to be memorized. My favorite teaching moments often happen after something unexpected, or even frustrating, has occurred in the lab. When a student realizes that they are capable of reasoning through the experiment and figuring out what happened, it makes my day. My goal isn’t just to teach you about biotechnology; it’s also to help you develop confidence in your own abilities.

If you want to see me talk excitedly with my hands like I am in the picture, you can ask me about parasites that manipulate host behavior, or the need for more diversity in science. Outside of school, I’m a devoted pet parent and avid traveler. I look forward to getting to know you!

Teacher Participation Expectations

- I will log into the course at least five days a week, Monday through Saturday.
- I will respond to emails, Canvas messages, and calls within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
- I will grade your assignments within one week.

Student Participation Expectations

- You are expected to spend 6-9 hours per week on the course through the full semester, or more hours per week if you want to complete in less than a semester.
- You are expected to participate in the course, online or in the lab, at least twice a week.

Go to the next page to review the syllabus.

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