Biotechnology DNA

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

Biotechnology DNA/Forensics 

Course Overview:

This course examines the following areas of DNA Science: The history and development of DNA structure and function, mutations of DNA and their effects will be studied as well as forensics involving trace evidence and the innocence project.. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations are used to illustrate these topics. Current events articles will also be required. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or currently taking Chemistry and recommendation of the science department. This class meets one period daily for ½ unit of credit. FEE: $25

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

Teacher created materials

Online/Supplemental Materials:

Assessments: 

Final exam/final project

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

First Quarter: Scientific Inquiry, Laboratory Techniques: DNA Structure and Function, Protein Structure and Function, Biotechnology Applications and Bioethics



  • Describe the historical development of biotechnology

  • Identify modern technologies that fall within the realm of biotechnology

  • Characterize how and where biotechnology is used in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, forensic science, and basic science including the bioethics involved

  • Demonstrate the ability to follow a lab procedure

  • Compare and contrast differing societal views of biotechnology

  • Identify the rights, interests, and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in the development, production, and use of biotechnology products

  • Explain DNA and how RNA is made

  • Explain the basic principle of gel electrophoresis

  • Demonstrate the ability to pour, load, run, and interpret a gel

  • Predict how DNA will behave in a gel

  • Current Events related to Biotechnology

2nd Quarter- Forensics

  • Discuss the  roles or functions of physical evidence in the criminal investigation process and define class characteristic and individual characteristic forensic evidence.

  • Identify the most important guidelines that should be followed in managing major crime scenes and collecting evidence from them.

  • Discuss the different types of DNA, where it can be found, and how it can be used in criminal investigations. Explain the innocence project.

  • Discuss the applications of DNA, including CODIS, familial DNA searching, DNA phenotyping, Rapid DNA, and DNA sweeps.

  • Identify the biological evidence from which DNA can be obtained and discuss the methods of collecting this evidence.

  • Discuss other types of forensic evidence, including fingerprints, bite marks, shoe prints, firearms, and drugs.

  • Discuss the role of crime laboratories in criminal investigations and identify the forensic science speciality areas.

Last Updated:

September, 2023