Course syllabus
Metabolic engineering
Metabolic engineering
KMB040, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2016-04-12
General Information
Main field: Biotechnology.
Elective Compulsory for: MBIO2
Elective for: B4-mb, B4-pt
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
- the course includes lectures on the following topics:
strain engineering, metabolic pathways, metabolic control analysis,
metabolic flux analysis and systems biology.
- the literature study consists of a thorough study of
research strategies on a specific topic within metabolic
engineering.
- in the practicals, an engineered microorganism is
compared to the wild-type, through supervised, computer-aided
excercises, in order to deduce the genetic construction. The
practical exercise further includes calculations of mass balances,
growth rates, yields, enzyme kinetics and productivities based on
simulated data as well as critical evaluation of the results.
- exercises will be performed on carbon balance, redox
balance, flux analysis and metabolic control analysis.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: A written examination as well as a graded laboratory 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
- Compendium in metabolic engineering.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Professor Marie Gorwa-Grauslund, Marie-Francoise.Gorwa-Grauslund@tmb.lth.se
Teacher: Ed van Niel, ed.van_niel@tmb.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tmb.lth.se