Development of an Introductory Laboratory Course in Biochen Engineering.

Abstract

A one-semester undergraduate laboratory course in biochemical engineering has been developed at The University of Maryland College Park Campus. Experiments covering most of the basic and commonly used laboratory techniques in enzyme and microbial technology are introduced at the rate of one per week. Enzymatic experiments conducted during the first half semester include demonstration of common commercial and household usage, enzyme kinetics, purlfication, and immobilization. Microbial experiments during the second half semester include cell fractionation and fermentation l;inetics~in different operation modes. In addition to aseptic techniques, topics on computer data acquisition and control are also covered. The course is concluded with individual laboratory projects. The criteria used for the selection and design of the experiments are discussed.