Cell Factories
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS4128 | Biosciences | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS4128
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Microbes, Plants and Animal cells have been largely exploited for the controlled production of substances of interest in biotechnology. This module would give an overview of nascent and current trends in development and commercialization of products relating to food, energy, and pharmaceuticals and the need to push towards fully sustainable bio-production of a larger spectrum of substances and their economic feasibility. Module will also highlight ethical and environmental concerns on the use of genetically modified biological systems. Topics highlighted in this module include but not limited to ethics of GMO’s, commercial development of GM varieties, products of commercial significance, current issues, patenting and risk assessments.
Target Students
Available to MSc Biotechnology students. Not available to MSci or BSc students.
Classes
- One 2-hour tutorial each week for 12 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
1 x 2 hour slots per week for lectures and tutorials
Assessment
- 40% Presentation 1: Group work PBL presentation (30 minutes).
- 60% Exam 1 (2-hour): Final Exam.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to give an overview of the current state of art in plant, microbial and animal biotechnology and the impact it has in different sectors exemplifying with products of commercial significance.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the understanding of a diverse range of essential information, concepts, principles and theories associated with plant, animal and microbial biotechnology
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the use of plants, animals and microbes as cell factories.
3. Critically evaluate the trends and developments of philosophical and ethical issues associated with GMOs.
4. Demonstrate intellectual skills to evaluate critically biotechnology related research papers
5. Develop professional skills in scientific information retrieval and to work safely in a laboratory situation.