KJTS3100 Biotechnology Course description

Students shall acquire knowledge of different 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 downstream processes will also be explained.

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

To be accepted in the laboratory part of the course it is required to have approved laboratory course in KJTS2100 Introduction to Chemical Engineering, 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 generated through classical mutagenesis, protoplast fusion and recombinant DNA technology
• can describe how DNA is amplified using PCR and real-time PCR (qPCR)
• can outline how hybridisation techniques such as Southern blot, northern blot and colony hybridisation are used
• can name different biotechnology methods and processes 
• 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
• transforming bacteria with the use of electroporation
• using techniques to isolate DNA fragments from agarose gels
• concentrating DNA fragments with the use of PCR
• can genotype using real-time PCR (qPCR)

General competence

The student:

• is capable of planning and performing biotechnology and molecular biology laboratory experiments
• 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 course consists of lectures, exercises and laboratory experiments.

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

• 6-day laboratory course and 3 written reports (1 individual lab journal and 3 reports in groups of 2-4 students, 10-20 pages per report)
• 2 of 8 exercises 

Exam autumn 2021 due to Covid-19:

Individual digital home exam, 3 hours.

The exam result can be appealed.

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

[Exam earlier:]

Individual written exam, 3 hours

The exam result can be appealed.

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

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.