Molecular Therapy (BIO520)

Content

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of biotechnology that will cover essential topics including synthetic biology, genome editing and engineered microbes. It also explores emerging techniques for advancing human health such as immunotherapy, vaccine technology and nanomedicine. The students will participate in scientific writing and present to the class novel discoveries in various fields. The course includes hands-on laboratory practicals where students will perform important biotechnology techniques. 

Learning outcome

The student will gain a comprehensive understanding of relevant aspects of genetic engineering and their importance in modern biotechnology. In addition they will explore emerging biotechnology methods within the field of biomedicine. To enhance their presentation skills, students will receive a training on how to prepare a presentation before the oral exam where they will receive relevant feedback to improve this crucial skill. The practical component of the course involves hands-on experience, during which students will work with model organisms, apply sterile techniques, perform PCR, isolate plasmids, and produce recombinant proteins. The results will be analyzed through gel separation and immunoblotting. Furthermore, students will receive training in writing a scientific report.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

Biochemistry and cell biology

Exam

Coursework requirements

Compulsory oral presentation must be completed and approved.

1 compulsory laboratory exercise with a report must be carried out as planned and with the assigned groups which will be published in advance. In the event of absence due to illness or other reasons, students must immediately notify the laboratory staff. It is important to note that arrangements for carrying out the lab at other times cannot usually be carried out unless this has been agreed with the laboratory staff in advance. Please note that there are no resit options for the laboratory assignments. If a student wishes to retake the laboratory tasks, they will have the opportunity to do so the next time the course is offered.

For the compulsory presentation and laboratory assignment, these must be approved by the course coordinator within three weeks before the exam date in order to be admitted to the final exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Head of Department:

Study Program Director:

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Method of work

Two hours lectures with theortical background, laboratory review and discussions for 12 weeks and 6 hours laboratory work and lab reports for  6 weeks.

Open for

Course assessment

Literature