Treatment of cultured human cell lines with a cytotoxic IC50 dose of ∼2 μM tris(diphenylphenanthroline)ruthenium(ii) chloride (RPC2) retards or arrests microtubule motion as tracked by visualizing fluorescently-tagged microtubule plus end-tracking proteins.

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A recent trend in molecular life science education at the associates, undergraduate and master’s levels has been the introduction of a variety of Biotechnology (BT) degree majors. Often these have evolved as offshoots of existing chemistry or biology curricula. At Thomas Jefferson University, we have designed novel, hands‐on, industry‐oriented programs in Biotechnology. This report details factors contributing to the successful development of these programs, whose goal is to prepare students to hit the ground running as “entry level scientists”. Components which were found to be significant to this endeavor included: (i) development of a highly‐hands on based curriculum; (ii) incorporation of practical rotations; (iii) design of instruments to assess technical competency; (iv) establishment of articulations with neighboring community colleges offering AS‐BT degrees; and (v) promotion of “biotechnology” as a major for students interested in science‐based careers. Outcomes analyses suggest that a competency based curriculum not only ensures that graduates are workplace ready, but also can provide a solid foundation for further study at the doctoral or professional level.