Course syllabus
Molekylär bioteknik
Molecular Biotechnology
KBTN20, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2023/24
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, LTH
Decided by: PLED B/K
Date of Decision: 2023-04-18
General Information
Main field: Biotechnology.
Compulsory for: MBIO1
Elective for: MLAK2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
Aim
The aim of the course is to provide the students with a thorough
understanding of the field of genetic engineering and its
applications in modern biotechnology including contemporary genetic
tools used for modification and containment of organisms designed
for various purposes. The course will also discuss safety, ethical
and regulatory aspects of associated with the use of genetically
modified organisms, and will provide a brief introduction to
computational tools for handling of large amount of information and
datasets.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- show knowledge and understanding of the principles of gene
cloning and expression
- show knowledge of the underlying molecular differences between
different organisms and the approaches used for their genetic
engineering
- be able to understand gene technologies used for different
biotechnological applications
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to practically perform gene amplification, cloning and
expression in a bacterial host and assess the results
- be able to evaluate information related to genetic engineering
in the scientific literature
- be able to discuss both in oral and written form the principles
of genetic engineering and/or its application in biotechnology
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to discuss and critically examine literature and
laboratory data
- be able to identify and assess the safety risks, as well as the
ethical and regulatory aspects associated with the use of
genetically modified microorganisms in order to appropriately
address the issues that may arise as a result of their
assessment.
Contents
- Genetic engineering principles and elementary techniques:
Nucleic acids synthesis and amplification, Cloning and Sequencing
(from single cell to communities).
- Production hosts (bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells, fungi,
plants, microbial communities and their differences).
- Genetic basis and genetic tools for the heterologous expression
of genes and production of useful compounds
- Genome annotation and search for genes and pathways for the
production of compounds of biotechnological interest.
- Comparison of GMO and non-GMO production organisms. Mutagenesis
(chemical, physical), recombinant DNA technology versus Genome
engineering: CRISPR-Cas, RNAi, adaptive evolution, transient
expression.
- Challenges in contemporary protein design.
- Computational analysis methods for biotechnology
applications.
- Regulation and society including biocontainment of modified
organisms.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Written exam, passed assignment and laboratory work. Final grading is based upon the written exam. Assignment and laboratory work is graded G/U.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Parts
Code: 0123. Name: Molecular Biotechnology.
Credits: 5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written exam
Code: 0223. Name: Written Lab and Computation Exercise Report .
Credits: 2,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Written lab-report and computation exercise report
Admission
Admission requirements:
- Microbiology or biochemistry, mathematics/calculus
The number of participants is limited to: No
Reading list
- Rosanna Mann: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Callisto Reference, 2018, ISBN: 1632399202, 9781632399205.
- The course will be based on the latest research and review article in the fields of biotechnology, synthetic and systems biology, metabolic engineering.
- T.A. Brown: Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis, An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2020, ISBN: 9781119640783.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Nélida Leiva Eriksson, nelida.leiva_eriksson@biotek.lu.se
Course coordinator: Mohamed Ismail, mohamed.ismail@biotek.lu.se
Examinator: Carl Grey, Carl.Grey@biotek.lu.se