for segue forms (.pdf) click below

Objectives

• Demonstrate some of the basic aspects of biotechnology particularly as they relate to studies of traditional societies.

• Illustrate broad applications of biotechnology

• Develop avenues for students to continue to learn about biotechnology that lead directly out of the segue experience.

Learning Structure

• Class-room/Laboratory discussion groups (students will have already watched assigned video presentations)

  • In class students participate in an activity where they try to determine the source of a "disease" spreading amongst themselves. Class discussion will address different applications of biotechnology.
    　

• Web-based delivery of information to students:

  • Provide a brief overview of some of the most interesting areas of biotechnology.

  • Direct students to practitioners of biotechnology within the University and in the community at-large.

  • Show students specific courses or other educational opportunities that can be used to further explore interests in biotechnology.

Learning Outcomes

(1 = Most Desired Outcome, 3 = A Desirable Outcome, 5 = Least Desired Outcome)

1. Students seek more information about studies in biotechnology, register to take a course in biotechnology, and become a degree seeking major in biotechnology.

2. Students seek more information about studies in biotechnology and register to take a course in biotechnology as part of an effort to broaden their education.

3. Students develop a sufficient (but minimal) understanding of biotechnology to be able to make decisions about their own career (and inclusion or not of this science). These students are probably better citizens/voters.

4. Students do not learn anything about biotechnology.

5. Students develop a negative perspective about biotechnology because of the information received through this project.

Ethnobotany Segue Experience

• Two ethnobotany activities are conducted together bridging this segue with a segue to biochemistry.
  　

• During the class session, students will participate in an activity where they simulate the spread of a harmful pathogen.  After students exchange this "disease" amongst themselves,  they will try to determine who was the original source.  During discussion students will learn about various forms of biotechnology applications that impact their daily lives.

 Other Science

• Biological technology is technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science, and medicine. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has come up with one of many definitions of biotechnology:^[1]  Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.

  　

• History of biotechnology through ancient methods to modern-day research

• Cultural perspectives in biotechnology research

• Hypotheses about the development of agriculture in ancient cultures

Other Science Practitioners

• Students interested in learning more about biotechnology may want to contact Dr. Anna Wieczorek, ania@hawaii.edu, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, St. John rm. 117, (808) 956-7058.
  　

• Dr. Robert Paull is also willing to talk with students about biotechnology. He can be contacted at paull@hawaii.edu, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, St. John rm. 102, (808) 956-8389.
  　

• Other practitioners of biotechnology include:

  • Scientists

  • Engineers

  • Law enforcement

  • Healthcare practitioners

  • Farmers

  • Alcoholic beverage makers

Other Biotechnology Courses

• Students interested in studying biotechnology may want to take Biology 171 Introductory Biology.  Alternatively, students may want to consider the survey level Biology 101 Biology and Society.
  　

• Students with some background in biology may want to take Biology 304 Biotechology: Science and Ethical Issues.  Another course that discusses biotechnology is TPSS 311 Current Topics in Plant Science.

Resources

• Students considering to major in any of the biological sciences should contact the University of Hawaii biology department advisor Joseph Menor, bioadvis@hawaii.edu, Dean Hall rm. 2, (808) 956-8303.
  　

• Students interested in biology may want to consider joining the biology club: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~bioclub/index.html
  　

• For career information, students may want to view the occupational outlook for potential careers in biotechnology at the U.S. Department of Labor:
  　

  • Agriculture and Food Scientists

  • Biological Scientists

  • Chemists and Materials Scientists

  • Engineering and Natural Science Managers

  • Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists

  • Medical scientists

  • Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing

  • Science Technicians

  • Scientific Research and Development Services