Biotechnology, Methods (BIO520)

This is a practical course with introduction to PCR, plasmid isolation, restrictions enzymes, transformation, production of recombinant protein, cell and tissue culture.


Course description for study year 2022-2023. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

BIO520

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The course provides a theoretical introduction with lectures and colloquia on synthetic biology, flavonoids, and signal transduction. Various defence mechanisms against bacteria and viruses are reviewed to understand the significance of these processes in methods used in biotechnology. The course includes laboratory practicals where students use mutants with over-expression of flavonoids, apply sterile technique, run PCR, isolate a plasmid, and produce recombinant protein that is detected after separation on gel and immunoblotting.

Learning outcome

The student will acquire basic experience on PCR, transformation of bacteria, isolation of plasmids, production of recombinant protein, purification and detection of the protein product by immunological methods. The student will know how to work under axenic conditions, and grow seedlings in vitro. Furthermore, the student will know how to extract and measure pigments. The student will know basics in signal transduction (kinases, phosphatases). The student will have training in writing a scientific report.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Biochemistry and cell biology

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades None permitted

Coursework requirements

Laboratory exercises, Projects with mandatory handing in of reports

Lab assignments are to be completed at the times and in the groups that are assigned and published. Absence due to illness or other reasons must be communicated to the laboratory personnel as soon as possible.

One cannot expect that provisions for completion of the lab assignments at other times can be made, unless prior arrangements with the laboratory personnel have been agreed. No resit is offered for the laboratory exercises. If a student wishes to redo the lab, this can be done next time the subject is taught. 

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Federico Fenaroli

Course teacher:

Cathrine Lillo

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Dugassa Nemie-Feyissa

Head of Department:

Ingunn Westvik Jolma

Method of work

Two hours lectures/laboratory review for 12 weeks and 6 hours laboratory work and lab reports for  6 weeks. Mandatory work demands (such as hand in assignments, lab- assignments) must be approved by the course teacher three weeks before the examination date.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Biotechnology, methods (MOT380_1) 10

Open for

Biological Chemistry - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

Forms and/or discussion

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto