HOSA
Biotechnology encompasses “the science behind the medicine,” the tools and techniques used in medical research in the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and more. Today's students hold the promise of tomorrow’s disease interventions and cures in their hands. Biotechnology will provide them with the tools they will need.
Career opportunities in biotechnology extend from laboratory-based research to clinical diagnostics, biomanufacturing, as well as regulatory and legal affairs. The Biotechnology Competitive Event provides HOSA members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required in a laboratory setting. It aims to inspire members to learn more about biotechnology careers.
Biotech Competitions 2023 - 2024
ROUND 1: Written Test:
50 multiple choice questions (60 minutes)
Biotechnology industry practices and careers
Biotechnology in health
Governmental regulation of biotechnology
Basic laboratory skills: PPE, preparing solutions (calculations, use of balance and other equipment), and pipetting
Microbiology and cell culture
DNA structure and analysis
Bacterial transformation
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Protein structure, function, and analysis
Immunological applications (ELISA, western blotting)
Round 2: Hands-on Skills Assessment
Using micropipettes and transfer pipets
Restriction digestion
DNA gel electrophoresis
DNA gel interpretation
Bradford protein quantitation assay
Bacterial transformation
Calculation of transformation efficiency
Qualitative ELISA
State Competitions Resources
Skill I Rubric - Pipets & Balance
Skill II Rubric - Restriction Digestion
Skill III Rubric - DNA Gel Electrophoresis
Skill IV Rubric - DNA Gel Interpretation
Skill V Rubric - Bradford Assay
Skill VI Rubric - Bacterial Transformation
Skill VII Rubric - Calculation of Transformation
Skill VIII Rubric - ELISA
