Methods in Biotechnology (BIO210)

This course comprises cultivation of plants hydroponically and in cell and tissue culture, biological/chemical analysis, and the theory behind gene transformation and regulation. Plants as source of medicinal compounds and molecular farming will be presented.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

BIO210

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The lectures give a basic introduction to biotechnology, the genome and gene expression, hydroponic growth of plants, cell and tissue culture, plants' (or other model organisms) responses to light and other environmental factors, and molecular farming. Additionally there is a practical course in the laboratory to learn sterile/axenic working and analytical methods.

Learning outcome

The student will master preparation of solutions, axenic working and cultivation of tissue in vitro. The student shall know how to set up enzyme assays, isolate DNA and run a PCR reaction. The student shall know methods for gene transformation, biological production of compounds, and use of model organisms.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

BIO100 Cell Biology, KJE200 Organic Chemistry 1
The course should be followed simultaneously or after a course in biochemistry.

Exam

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

The exam is by pen and paper.

Coursework requirements

Laboratory course with mandatory written reports

Electronic HSE-course must be completed and approved before access to the laboratory can be given.

Compulsory laboratory with reports:

The mandatory 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 as soon as possible to the laboratory personnel. One cannot expect that provisions for completion of the lab assignments can be made at other times unless prior arrangements with the laboratory personnel have been agreed.

Failure to complete the assigned labs on time or not having them approved will result in barring from taking the final exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Federico Fenaroli

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Dugassa Nemie-Feyissa

Head of Department:

Päivi Annele Teivainen-Lædre

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Liv Margareth Aksland

Method of work

2 hours lectures and 4 hours of laboratory work for 12 and 7 weeks respectively.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Biochemistry and biotechnology (BIK110_2) 10
Biotechnology (BBI160_1) 10

Open for

Biological Chemistry - Biotechnology - Bachelor's Degree Programme Environmental Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

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