Course syllabus

Metabolic engineering
Metabolic engineering

KMB040, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2013-04-15

General Information

Main field: Biotechnology.
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

Based on previous knowledge obtained from courses particularly in gene technology, mathematics and microbiology, the course aims to introduce the students to the field of metabolic engineering, discuss tools and strategies used in the field and give the students insight in how the technology can be used in white biotechnology.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

· understand the fundamentals of metabolic engineering tools (including mass balances, metabolic flux modeling, metabolic control analysis)

· understand how these tools can be applied for the analysis of metabolically engineered microorganisms

· have acquired in depth knowledge on metabolic pathways and their regulation and on how metabolic pathways can be engineered for the improvement of various bioprocesses.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Obtain skills to

· show ability to carry out relevant calculations concerning mass balances, metabolic flux analysis, metabolic control analysis in biological systems

· show ability to carry out experimental work to characterize genetically modified microorganisms and corresponding control organisms

· show ability to understand and master the terminology in the field in verbal and written form and to organise and structure the scientific content into a whole

· show ability to critically report, both in oral and writing forms results from scientific papers and/or his/her own experimental work

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

- show ability to do assessments of other students' performances in the field of metabolic engineering

- show ability to relate and distinguish between evidence and argument

Contents

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: A written examination as well as a graded lab report and a graded oral presentation based on a literature study.

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: 30
Selection: Credits remaining for the degree.

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Professor Marie Gorwa-Grauslund, Marie-Francoise.Gorwa-Grauslund@tmb.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tmb.lth.se