Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
This course will take the student through in-depth study of how synthetic biology, systems biology and computation are transforming the principles and practice of modern biotechnology. The course will teach modern methods of biotechnology including host cell design and optimisation using modern modelling techniques, leading to an understanding of how multiple genes under precise regulatory control can be introduced into a species to endow it with new biotechnologically valuable properties. The course will demonstrate the application of computer programming to bioinformatic analysis with direct relevance to modern biotechnology.
Through hands on study of synthetic biological processes in a series of workshops, students will learn how advanced genetic engineering of host expression systems can transform production of pharmaceuticals, chemical feedstocks and biofuels. Through workshop study of computer programming, students will gain hands-on knowledge of introductory programming skills relevant to genomic analysis and modern biotechnology. The course will equip students with a range of knowledge and skills directly relevant to modern biosciences, including the biotechnology industry.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session | Second Sub Session | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course focuses on an understanding of advanced biotechnology through study of the use of synthetic biology in modern biotechnological processes. Through detailed study of the principles and practice of introducing multiple genes, and thus complete new biochemical pathways into host cell expression systems, the role of synthetic biology in biotechnology will be explored. The course will show how synthetic biology, combined with systems biology and mathematical modelling, can optimise protein expression, and utilise host cell metabolism to produce small molecules for use as chemical feedstocks, antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Through case studies, the course will also explore how modern biotechnological processes are developed to the point of commercial success. The course will show how computation, and computer programming can be used as a tool to analyse genomic sequence in modern biotechnology.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 33 | Feedback Weeks | 35 | |
| Feedback |
Written feedback and rubric feedback |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology. |
| Factual | Understand | To understand how industry develops successful biotechnology processes. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 35 | Feedback Weeks | 37 | |
| Feedback |
Students will analyse, edit and comment on computer code, and use computer code for analysis of DNA sequence. Written feedback on computer code edits and analysis of code function submitted by the students. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand principle and practice of computer programming use in modern bioinformatics and biotechnology. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 37 | Feedback Weeks | 39 | |
| Feedback |
Written feedback and rubric feedback |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand the role of systems biology in the development of biotechnological processes. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | To understand how industry develops successful biotechnology processes. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand the role of systems biology in the development of biotechnological processes. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To understand principle and practice of computer programming use in modern bioinformatics and biotechnology. |
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