KJTS3100 Biotechnology Course description

Students shall acquire knowledge of different types of methods used in molecular biology. Furthermore, students shall receive training in how production organisms used in biotechnology processes can be developed with the use of classical mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology. The principles behind fermentation techniques and some unit operations relating to the downstream process will also be reviewed.

The course builds on KJM2400 Biochemistry and Microbiology and some subjects from KJM2300 Analytical Chemistry I. It is recommended that students taking the course have passed the exam in KJM2400 Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Approved laboratory course in KJTS2100 General Chemistry, KJM2300 Analytical Chemistry I and KJM2400 Biochemistry and Microbiology, or corresponding qualifications.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has a basic understanding of the principles of molecular biology
• can explain how biotechnological production organisms are developed through classical mutagenesis, protoplast fusion and recombinant DNA technology
• can describe how DNA is amplified using PCR and real-time PCR
• can outline how hybridisation techniques such as Southern blot, northern blot and colony hybridisation are used
• can name different examples of methods and processes in biotechnology
• is familiar with the principles for microorganism growth and the production of biomolecules in fermenters
• can explain the structure of viruses, how viruses infect cells and develop in both lytic and lysogenic cycles
• can explain non-specific and specific immunity and the structure and function of antibodies in the body

Skills

The student is capable of:

• selecting restriction enzymes and vectors in recombinant DNA technology
• performing a fermentation experiment and carrying out some types of downstream processes to purify and isolate products from fermentation processes
• transforming bacteria with the use of electroporation
• using techniques to isolate DNA fragments from agarose gels
• concentrating DNA fragments with the use of PCR

General competence

The student:

• is capable of planning and performing laboratory experiments in biotechnology and molecular biology
• demonstrates awareness of ethical consequences of genetic engineering methods in connection with the development of genetically engineered organisms, foetal diagnostics, forensic analyses and DNA analyses in connection with genetic disorders
• is capable of assessing and communicating results from biotechnological and genetic engineering laboratory experiments, both orally and in writing

The teaching will mainly consist of lectures, exercises and laboratory assignments.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• 8-day laboratory course with 3 written assignments (one individual and two in groups of 2-4 students, 10-20 pages per assignment)
• approval of 6 of 10 exercises (2-4 hours per exercise)

Individual written exam, 3 hours

The exam result can be appealed.

In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, oral examination may be used instead of written. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the exam result cannot be appealed.

Pre-approved dictionary.

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.