Engineering and Technology

An introduction to the growing field of biotechnology by pairing practical hands-on laboratory activities with career presentations by scientists and industry professionals. Basic biological concepts are covered along with discussions of careers in biomanufacturing, forensics, agriculture, biofuels, bioinformatics and drug discovery.

Career professionals in biotechnology and related fields will discuss their current bioscience programs and provide information on career opportunities and pathways. Presentations will cover basic research, new products, processes, and prospects for the future in medicine, environmental restoration, forensics, and agriculture. Implications for society and governmental regulations will also be discussed.

Introduction to mammalian cell culture and stem cell biology and techniques. Practical hands-on experience includes aseptic technique, counting cells, cell/stem cell culture maintenance, fluorescence labeling, and stem cell differentiation.

Introduction to the laboratory skills and concepts necessary to work in the biotechnology industry, allied health or other biology-related fields. This course is part of the learning community Bridge to Biosciences program.

A general overview of Food and Drug Administration regulations as they pertain to the biotechnology field. Knowledge of Current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is needed to work in biotechnology manufacturing and preclinical research laboratories. The course will emphasize those practices as they pertain to the biopharmaceutical industry.

An introduction to laboratory techniques needed for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry and research laboratories. The course covers basic lab skills such as solution making, bacteria cultures, plasmid DNA and protein purification. Intended as an introductory class for the students in preparation of the more advanced biotechnology classes and/or an internship in a biotechnology lab.

Support for student interns placed in local bioscience laboratories. Provide tools to effectively communicate internship experience, present scientific concepts and network with professionals in the field. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, basic research, biomanufacturing, quality control, environmental sciences, and food sciences.

Students will explore various careers in bioscience through online research, informational interviews and interactions with industry professionals. Students will present a summary of a chosen bioscience topic at a scientific meeting. Students will communicate and network with industry professionals, and attend professional workshops and seminars to gain career skills needed for finding internships and jobs in the biotechnology fields.

Introduction to techniques for culturing and maintaining mammalian cells, including proper use of equipment, aseptic technique, media formulation, storage, counting and subculturing of cells. Contents include proper growth conditions, cell cycle regulation, cellular responses to DNA damage, growth patterns, viability assays, transfection and an introduction to the use of fluorescent molecules in visualization of cellular structures.

Introduction to techniques for culturing mammalian cells, including media formulation, aseptic technique, freezing, thawing, subculturing, and maintaining cells. Theory includes maintaining proper growth conditions, preventing contamination, as well as cellular responses to DNA damage and gene expression. Practical experience includes the proper use and care of equipment for culturing cells and performing cell growth and viability assays.

Introduction to advanced techniques in the study of normal and mutant tissue culture cells including organelle visualization with various fluorophores, transfection with fluorescent markers, and immunostaining. In depth coverage of the theory behind and use of fluorescent microscopy and current research methods using fluorescent technology, including apoptosis assays and immunocytochemistry, DNA microarrays and FACS analysis.

A general introduction to the principles of stem cell biology. Topics include embryonic stem cells in early development, adult stem cells, and potential applications of stem cell culture and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. Current research methods involving cell differentiation and fluorescent technology will be presented. Emphasis on laboratory techniques including culture of mouse embryonic stem cells, analysis of stem cells by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

Provides the necessary communication tools for beginning students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships. Emphasis is put on demonstrating how their work contributes to the overall the scientific research being conducted at their internship site. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS analysis, primary cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, microarray analysis and tumor cell characterization.

Development of complex analysis and enhanced scientific presentation skills necessary for continuing students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships. Students will complete and present a novel research project. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS, cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, micro array analysis and tumor cell characterization.

Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on ELISA. Examples of ELISA techniques and applications in the pharmaceutical, environmental, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings will be discussed. Laboratory exercises and discussions cover qualitative and quantitative data analysis and direct, indirect, sandwich, and competitive ELISA methods.

Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on Western blots. Discussion of applications of Western blotting techniques used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings. Laboratory exercises feature hands-on exercises emphasizing all aspects of Western blotting, including running protein gels, blotting, immunodetection, and data analysis.

Introduction to the theoretical aspects and laboratory techniques of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Practical experience performing PCR as well as experimenting with optimization of the reaction. Discussion of applications of PCR used in biotechnology industry, basic science, forensics, epidemiology, diagnostics, and determination of evolutionary relationships.

The theory and practice of current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analytical methods. Laboratory experience in techniques such as multiplex PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and real-time PCR. Experimental optimization is emphasized.

Work experience for students in the Biotechnology Program through internships in the biotechnology industry. Students do internships in local academic/government institutions and biotechnology companies. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Skills needed to serve as a technician in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industries. Students grow and monitor bacterial and yeast cultures that produce recombinant proteins, emulating the large-scale production used in industry. Cleaning, sterilization, aseptic inoculation, operation, and monitoring of fermenters and bioreactors. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will be emphasized.

An introduction to protein purification techniques including sample preparation, column chromatography, and analysis of purification. Hands on training with manual and automated chromatography systems used in industry and research laboratories. Purification analysis includes gel electrophoresis, specific activity, and mass balance calculations.

Introductory level lecture course covering basic scientific language and concepts of biology and chemistry, and the academic study skills needed to succeed in science courses. An orientation to the field of biotechnology and professional opportunities.

Concepts, techniques and applications of mathematics and elementary algebra emphasizing applications to practical problems in biotechnology and chemistry. Use of traditional problem solving methods and interactive group activities.

In-depth coverage of current recombinant DNA methods and concepts of modern genomics. Emphasis on laboratory work using techniques such as culture of bacteria, DNA and RNA purification, plasmid DNA construction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR, and use of software tools to analyze DNA sequences.

Introduction to the principles and techniques of molecular and cell biology and protein analysis. Emphasis on lab techniques, such as spectroscopy, preparation of cell lysates, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, enzyme assays, analysis of signal transduction, and stable transfection of mammalian cells. Design and analysis of molecular and cell biology experiments is taught.

Overview of 3D Printing, from its origins to its revolutionary future, and its impact on the
design process. Produce a simple part in a 3D modeling software and print it. Experience
using two significant categories of 3D printers.

Advanced AutoCAD techniques including 3D modeling and rendering, customization, external references, and data linking and management.

Introduction to engineering and technical drawing techniques, the systems of drawings and their applications in design, and the basic shape description of products. Technical sketching; dimensioning; sections and applications of orthographic projection standards in technical documents.

Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) hardware and software operations and their applications in drafting; basic shape description, display, editing, dimensioning and plotting.

An introduction to Autodesk's Revit? software for various platforms, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, structural engineering, architectural design, and engineering construction industry. Students are introduced to basic concepts of 2D and 3D modeling to generate building plans, sections, elevations, details and 3D views. Students learn to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) - The essential features and functionality of Autodesk Revit structural tools from building and schematic design through construction documentation. Topics include 3D modeling, steel and concrete detail design for fabrication, parametric building design, scheduling for materials and quantity takeoff.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) and piping system design using parametric application software such as AutoDesk's Revit-MEP . Introduction to computer generated documents to specify HVAC and piping systems layout and details. HVAC and process pipe industry drawing standards. Mechanical design including determination of equipment sizes.

Extension of CAD-based graphics into 3-dimensional parametric modeling, realistic rendering, animation of assemblies, and exploded views. Introduction to a 3D parametric modeling software such as SOLIDWORKS?. Create a computer-generated physical 3D model using a state-of-the-art 3D printer.

Study the construction and analysis of basic electronic circuits, including capacitors and inductors. Use of the multi-meter to measure DC and AC voltages and currents in resistive series/parallel circuits and the oscilloscope for AC, pulsed waveforms, phase, and time delay measurements. Computer simulation software (Multisim) to analyze circuits.

This course covers diode characteristics, power supplies, bipolar transistors, simple one-stage amplifiers, constant current sources, and transformers. The students will learn the intermediate use of the oscilloscope and multi-meter for both calibration and troubleshooting. Hands-on electronic projects include building their own power supply, a current regulator, and various amplifier circuits.

This course covers Boolean logic concepts, flip-flops, memory, counters, clocks, display decoders, and timers. Analysis of digital logic principles is practiced by building and testing functional and practical projects. There will be intense hands-on troubleshooting using logic analyzers, signal generators and digital multimeters. Standard industry testing methods, equipment, and protocols are used throughout the course.

Introduction to intermediate analog electronic circuits, including field effect transistor basics, various analog amplifiers, operational amplifiers and their use. Hands-on electronic projects include building summing and difference amplifiers, audio amplifiers, and AM/FM radios.

Course covers digital interfaces and hardware programming. Topics include digital to analog interfacing using integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), hardware description languages (e.g. VHDL and Verilog), and computer memory. Course requires hands-on project construction and troubleshooting. Industry standard testing methods, equipment, and protocols are used throughout the course.

This course covers wireless communications systems, industrial communication protocols, and industrial control systems, including programmable logic controllers. Analog and digital systems will be explored. The course also provides an introduction to antennas, amplifiers, and microwave signals.

Hands-on microcontroller interfacing, driver programs, input sensors, output electrical, and electromechanical devices.

The history and development of engineering as a profession. Engineering disciplines, job functions, educational requirements, transfer school information, academic success strategies, workplace skills, engineering ethics, sustainability principles applied to engineering, current and projected activities in the various branches of engineering.

Introduction to team-oriented engineering design, problem solving processes, and the use of computers in the solution of engineering problems, including commercial spreadsheet applications and analysis/graphics applications. Emphasis on technical communication, teamwork, engineering design and problem solving methodologies. Multiple hands-on design projects.

Introduction to circuit analysis. Determination of the natural, forced and complete responses of zero, first and second-order networks. Standard circuit-analysis techniques including Kirchhoff's Laws, mesh and nodal analysis, Thevenin and Norton's Theorems, generalized impedance and admittance techniques and phasor methods.

An introduction to the construction and measurement of electrical circuits exercising DC, transient, and sinusoidal steady-state (AC) conditions. Use of test and measurement instruments, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and function generators. Introduction to component value tolerance and non-ideal aspects of laboratory instruments. Use of circuit simulation software. Interpretation of measured and simulated data based on principles of circuit analysis.

Principles of visually communicating engineering designs. Topics include technical sketching, technical drawing, engineering graphics and design; 3-D visualization with orthographic projection; dimensioning and tolerancing practices; computer aided drafting/design (CAD) software; graphical analytical methods of solutions to three-dimensional problems. Assignments develop sketching and 2-D and 3-D CAD skills. The use of CAD software is an integral part of this course.

A first course in engineering mechanics: properties of forces, moments, couples and resultants; two- and three-dimensional force systems acting on engineering structures in equilibrium; analysis of trusses, and beams; distributed forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, center of gravity, centroids, friction, and area and mass moments of inertia.

An introductory calculus-based course in dynamics covering kinematics and kinetics of particles, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and systems of rigid bodies. Applications of Newton's Second Law, the Work-Energy Theorem, the Principle of Impulse and Momentum, Coriolis acceleration and impact.

Engineering problem solving using computer programming. Topics include problem solving strategies, algorithm development, structured programming design, the interface of software with the physical world (e.g., the use of sensors or real world data), and the application of numerical techniques.

An introductory course in the fundamental science of materials used by engineers. Emphasis on structure and properties. Some processing and applications of materials is also covered. Finally, a strategy is developed for the selection and use of these materials in engineering design. UC, CSU transferable.

A project-oriented, hands-on course to introduce students to the practices and methodologies used in Engineering and Technology. Areas of focus are electronics, mechanical construction/fabrication and technical mathematics.

Introduction to the science that underpin alternative energy resources and their implementation in various contexts. Covers: fundamental energy science and math; climate change; national and global energy trends; solar, wind, and hydro resources; photoelectric effect; photosynthesis; geothermal; and nuclear. Explores decarbonization of the energy system and integration of distributed energy resources.

Physical science oriented laboratory course focused on alternative energy. Provides experimental understanding of the scientific principles that drive renewable energy systems. Solar, wind, fuel cells, geothermal, combustion and other energy experiments. Gain critical hands-on insight into the advantages and limitations of each energy system.

Students will hear from professionals and experts from government, private, non-profits
and public sectors as they share their insights on careers in sustainability and the
environment. Career opportunities, academic and job training pathways will also be
discussed.

An examination of the scientific evidence informing our understanding of the causes and consequences of human impacts on the environment. Application of core principles, methods, qualitative and quantitative reasoning from the natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering and technology to investigate and evaluate sustainable solutions to environmental degradation and resource depletion.

An introduction to tools and techniques used by environmental scientists to investigate human impacts on the environment in lab and/or field settings. Application of qualitative and quantitative concepts and models to evaluate environmental problems and their proposed solutions.

Internship in sustainability-related settings (such as environmental education, alternative energy systems, sustainable water systems, green building, habitat restoration, urban agriculture) under the supervision of a qualified professional. The student will need to arrange the internship and then contact the instructor to enroll in this class. Suggestions and strategies are available on course website. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Applied mathematics designed to develop the ability to solve technical problems. Practical application of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to basic problems in the applied sciences, including the study of alternating current circuitry with emphasis on periodic functions, vector analysis, logarithms, and exponential functions.

Fundamental drafting techniques including sketching, orthographic projection and dimensioning. Development of detailed drawings (electrical, electronic, and mechanical) for the fabrication of individual projects. Sheet metal shop practices; use of hand tools; measurement and layout techniques. Printed circuit board design and fabrication. Machine tools and machine shop operations.

Concepts, techniques and applications of arithmetic and elementary algebra emphasizing applications to practical problems. Interactive and traditional problem solving methods. Class interactive group exercises applying mathematical techniques to various applications and real world problems.

Fundamentals of trigonometry and advanced algebra emphasizing their applications in real world problems. Interactive laboratory work in which students can apply mathematical techniques to physical applications. Class interactive group exercises applying mathematical techniques to various applications and real world problems.

An introduction to fluid statics and the basic laws of fluid flow; conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Applications of the
basic laws to internal and external incompressible flow, including specific topics in pipe flow systems, centrifugal pumps and fans,
streamlining, fluid flow meters, psychometrics of air and water-vapor mixtures, and basic elements of air conditioning. Use of psychometric instruments and psychometric charts to graphically analyze processes.

Calculations of cooling loads. Applications of heat transfer and air handling equipment. Design of air-conditioning systems. Analysis of air conditioning equipment, components, and control systems. Lab work including instruments and instrumentation for measuring air flow.

The refrigeration cycle, refrigeration systems, heat transfer components, and control systems. Laboratory work in operational characteristics of working systems. Analysis of refrigeration systems. Measurements of pressure, temperature and flow rates. Details of the function and interrelation of system components.

Flow of liquids in domestic water, rainwater and fuel gas piping systems, sanitary drainage piping and sizing drainage systems, flow of air in vent piping, sewer systems. Study of national and local codes, specifications and case problems.

Design and sizing for a wide variety of plumbing systems, acoustics in plumbing construction, plumbing system specifications, plumbing construction costs, coordination of plumbing design with other construction work, energy conservation and review of plumbing installations.

Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and how they can be used in a plant, manufacturing system, or part of centralized control of a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. There will be practical applications and exercises using PLCs in the workplace.

Introduction to computer numerical control (CNC) training in G and M codes. Hands-on training on CNC machines: testing, debugging, and running programs. Identify the elements of machine drawings; interpret dimensions, tolerances, and geometric aspects of blueprints; and explain Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and their meanings

Elementary machine tool practice, with special emphasis on the use of the lathe engine, horizontal and vertical milling machines, and drill press.

Classroom instruction and laboratory practice in joining metal by welding. This course is designed to provide the safe and operational uses of the basic welding processes including oxy/fuel welding, oxy/fuel cutting, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). This course provides students with cutting and welding skills relevant to industry standards, welding certification requirements and general purposes.

This course is designed to provide the safe and operational uses of intermediate welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and physical testing of welds. This course covers business oriented topics such as inventory control, machine maintenance, and sustainability. This course provides students with cutting and welding skills relevant to industry standards, welding certification requirements and general purposes.

Classroom instruction and laboratory practice in joining metal by welding. This course is designed to provide the safe and operational uses of the advanced welding and fabrication processes such as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of exotic materials and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) of custom objects. This course provides students with cutting and welding skills relevant to industry standards, welding certification requirements and general purposes.

Introduction into welding symbols, codes, terminology, metallurgy, procedures, processes; welder qualification; high-strength bolting; the basics of destructive and non-destructive examination.