Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BIOL2171: BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2171: BIOTECHNOLOGY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL1072).

Corequisites

  • Experimental Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL2181) OR Cell Signals and Protein Targetting (BIOL3341).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an overview of biotechnological processes employing microorganisms, plants and animals within a context emphasising the principles and evolution of techniques, and practical applications of the technology.

Content

  • Microbiology.
  • Life cycles of microorganisms used in biotechnology as host and vector systems.
  • Viruses Bacteria Fungi.
  • Protein expression systems.
  • In vitro mutagenesis.
  • Analytical methods for recombinant proteins.
  • Purification of recombinant proteins.
  • Plant Genetic Engineering.
  • Limitations of conventional breeding techniques.
  • Agrobacterium.
  • Biolistics.
  • Tissue culture systems.
  • Selection systems.
  • Somoclonal variability.
  • Safety testing.
  • Cell culture.
  • History and basic methodology.
  • Organ culture.
  • Landmark experiments.
  • Specialization of culture techniques.
  • Modern advances Tissue engineering.
  • Strategies for new tissue formation - isolated cells.
  • tissue-inducing substances and cells within matrices.
  • Practical examples of tissue engineering.
  • Future prospects Gene therapy.
  • Strategy and methods.
  • Germline gene therapy.
  • Therapeutic cloning.
  • Stem cell transplantation and therapy.
  • Biotechnology Issues.
  • Risk/benefit analysis of transgenic crops.
  • Ethics.
  • Patenting and business considerations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Appreciate how the life cycles of microorganisms make them suitable candidates for carrying out biotechnological processes.
  • Describe the different systems used for producing recombinant proteins in microorganisms or cell cultures, and understand their advantages and limitations.
  • Understand the principles of plant genetic engineering technologies, and how they are applied to the production of transgenic crops.
  • Appreciate the evolution and deployment of cell and tissue and organ culture systems for higher mammals.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Critically assess selected aspects of the role of biotechnology in industry and society.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Teaching in this component is primarily through the means of lectures.
    • Learning is through lectures, by additional reading specified by lecturers, and by discussion.
    • The learning outcomes specified above are most usefully achieved through the means of lectures and reading, except a critical assessment of the role of biotechnology, where a discussion / workshop will encourage the development of informed criticism.
    • Knowledge will be summatively assessed by a written examination.
    • This is appropriate to confirming the learning outcomes specified.
    • Formative assessment will be carried out by a multiple choice question test at the end of the module to confirm that students have understood the material presented.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 41 2 per week 1 hour 41
    Tutorial 1 1 hour 1
    Other (Surgery) 1 1 hour 1
    Other (Timetabled Assessments) 2 1 hour 2
    Preparation and Reading 155
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    two question, formal examination 2 hours 100%
    Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 40%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    data interpretation paper 1 1 hour 50%
    data interpretation paper 2 1 hour 50%

    Formative Assessment:

    MCQs to assess knowledge and/or essay topics to assess knowledge.

    ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University