Learn the science and technology driving the biotechnology industry with this 8-hour fully animated, interactive course. Divided into 8 modules, the first module sets the foundation by explaining the different industry sectors; modules 2-4 explain the basic science upon which the industry is built; modules 5-7 explain the laboratory techniques used in research and discovery; module 8 completes the industry tour by explaining how drugs are developed and approved by the FDA for the marketplace.

The following is a more detailed description of each module.

1. Biotech Industry Overview- Learn the basics of the biotechnology industry. The learning begins with an explanation of biotechnology and how the industry is similar to the more traditional pharmaceutical industry. After a thorough overview of the term biotechnology, various biotechnology sectors are explored and the goals of each sector are explained. This interactive module ends with a survey of research laboratories and a look at how these entities interact with each other to advance our understanding of science. Basic science leads to breakthroughs in these laboratories that both biotech and pharma companies use to produce products that improve our lives.

2. Biology Basics: Putting BIO Into Biotech- Learn the basics of biology. Biology is the study of living things and the most basic living thing is the cell. This module focuses on cell structure, composition and function and highlights how knowledge of cells is utilized to create products. The biotechnology industry seeks to understand cell structure and function to create drugs, biofuels, pest-resistant crops and many other products.

3. DNA: Lifeís Blueprint- Learn the basics of DNA. DNA is the universal molecule of heredity; it contains all the information a cell needs in order to function. DNA is the code in cells used to make proteins, and proteins carry out all the functions of the cell. If a function is not performed correctly, disease can occur.

4. Proteins- Learn the basics of proteins. Proteins carry out all the activities in the cell. A proteins ability to perform is directly related to its structure. In this module learn how scientists manipulate proteins to produce products used every day.

5. DNA Tools: Technology That Enables Discovery- Learn the basic techniques and tools that enable discovery. In this module, learn how researchers learn about DNA gene sequences through the use of restriction enzymes, DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.

6. Making Recombinant DNA & Proteins- The biotechnology industry is based on recombinant DNA and recombinant proteins. In this module, learn molecular and expression cloningóthe processes used to make recombinant products.

7.Genomics & Proteomics- Learn the basics of genomics and proteomics. Genomics is the study of an organismís entire DNA content. Proteomics is the study of an organismís entire protein content. DNA and proteins are both the fundamental tools used and products produced by the biotech industry.

8. Drug Discovery & Development- Learn the basics of drug discovery and development. The goal of drug discovery and development is to get a product to market. Prior to products being made available to consumers, the products must be approved by a regulatory agency as safe and effective. In the US the regulatory agency is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This course will explain the general drug development process and the role the FDA and Institutional Review Board (IRB) play in this process.