BIOTECHNOLOGY - IE

BIOTECHNOLOGY
ACADEMIC YEAR:
DEGREE COURSE YEAR: 2º
1º SEMESTER X 2º SEMESTER
CATEGORY: BASIC COMPULSORY OPTIONAL
NO. OF CREDITS (ECTS): 3
LANGUAGE: English
TUTORIALS: it will be set up the first day according to the student’s needs and availability
FORMAT: In-classroom /residential
PREREQUISITES: Genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology
1- SUBJECT DESCRIPTION
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and
bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts.
Biotechnology draws on the pure biological sciences like genetics, microbiology, animal cell
culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, cell biology, etc. In many instances, it is also
dependent on knowledge and methods from outside the sphere of biology such as chemical
engineering, bioprocess engineering, information technology, and bio robotics.
This course is designed to provide a general view of biotechnology field as well as the history
and applications of DNA/RNA technology, molecular biology and bioethics. Skills for “life-long
learning”, within this course will challenge students to apply critical thinking skills to their
readings, class activities, laboratory exercises, and classroom discussions about current topics
in molecular biology and bioethical issues relating to this powerful new technology.
This syllabus is based on two modules:
Module 1: Recombinant DNA technology: This module is based on the study of the main
genetic engineer techniques and its applications in the Biotechnology field.
Module 2: Biotechnology applications: In this module, it will be described the most important
applications of the biotechnology science from microbiological applications, development of
biotechnological processes to improve agricultural plants and development of innovative
biotechnological products for human health and environmental protection.
Edited by the IE Publications Department.
Original version, . Last updated, .
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2- OBJECTIVES AND SKILLS
General objectives:
– Understand the importance of the Biotechnology in several contexts and learning how to
relate these concepts with other knowledge areas.
– Integrate the knowledge and apply them to solve biological problems using the main
basic techniques.
– Development of autonomous and team working capacity
– Use the scientific quality resources such as bibliography, specialized databases and
other resources available in internet.
– Express rigorously the biological knowledge acquired.
– Acquire a critical thinking and ethical compromise.
Specific objectives:
– Understand the main and different applications of Biotechnology and be aware of the
global Biotechnology perspectives for the future.
– Analyze the constituent elements of a Biotechnology process.
– Recognize the most used genetic engineer techniques.
– Understand the bases of the cloning process and the different cloning systems.
– Know the different expression systems and understand how they work.
– Review gene therapy as a potential evolution in medicine for treatment and know the
advances in the vaccine production and therapeutic agents
– Understand the importance of the human genome sequencing.
– Understand the advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified organisms.
– Understand the main causes of contamination and know the use of the biotechnology in
the monitorization, remediation and prevention of the environmental contamination.
– Understand the intellectual property issues with focus on the recognition of patentability
and the patent procurement procedure.
3- CONTENT (Include aims of each topic/module, resources and timechart)
Module I: Recombinant DNA technology
Topic 1: Introduction.
Sessions Nr: 1 (theory).
Contents:
- Concepts and definitions.
- Historical development of the Biotechnology.
Competencies:
- Know and understand the real world impacts of biotechnology
- Acquire a general view of the biotechnology science
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Topic 2: Central Dogma of Molecular Biology.
Sessions Nr: 1 (theory)
Contents:
- Structure and DNA replication. DNA polymerases.
- Transcription and RNA polymerases.
- Promoters. Operons.
- Translation. Genetic code.
Competencies:
- Remind basic ideas of the DNA replication, transcription and translation processes.
Topic 3: Basic methodology for genetic analysis at molecular level.
Session Nr: 2 (theory)
Contents:
- Nucleic acid purification (DNA and RNA).
- Enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids: DNases and RNases.
- Nucleic acids synthesis. Ligases, phosphatases and kinases.
- Oligonucleotides.
- Restriction enzymes. Restriction maps.
- PCR and RT-PCR.
- Nucleic acids labeling: probes.
- Northern and Southern blots.
Competencies:
- Acquire the basic knowledge of the main genetic engineer techniques, nucleic acids
hybridization, PCR ….
Topic 4: Cloning vectors
Session Nr: 3 (theory)
Contents:
- Plasmids as vectors.
- λ phage.
- Cosmids.
- YACs and BACs.
- The cloning process.
- Gene libraries.
Competencies:
- Know the cloning process and the different cloning systems.
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Topic 5: Expression vectors
Session Nr: 4 (theory)
Contents:
- Prokaryotes expression systems.
- Fusion proteins.
- Cell cultures
Competencies:
- Know the different expression systems and understand how they work.
- Understand the concept of fusion proteins and their applications.
Module II: Biotechnology applications.
Topic 6: Gene therapy
Session Nr: 5 (theory)
Contents:
- In vivo and ex vivo gene therapy.
- Vectors.
Competencies:
- Be aware of the use of normal genes to supplement or replace defective ones or to
bolster a normal function such as immunity.
Topic 7: Genetic engineering applications to the detection and diagnostics systems.
Session Nr: 6 (theory) 7 and 8 (Lab)
Contents:
- Immunologic diagnostics.
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- Prionics test.
- Coliclonals antibodies.
- Molecular diagnostics.
- DNA fingerprint: applications to the forensic medicine.
- DNA chips and Microarrays: applications.
- Biosensors: types and applications.
Competencies:
- Be aware of the main genetic engineering techniques and understand their applications to
the detection and diagnostic systems.
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Topic 8: Human genome sequencing.
Session Nr: 9 (theory) 11 and 12 (visit)
Contents:
- Project history.
- Possible applications.
- Ethical, social and legal aspects.
- Other genome sequencing projects.
Competencies:
- Know the human genome history and understand the importance of it.
- Get familiar with the sources of DNA and sequencing methods.
Topic 9: Obtaining and use of transgenic plants.
Session Nr: 9 (theory) 13 and 14 (visit)
Contents:
- Gene transference to plants.
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
- Promoters and "reporters".
- Plant resistance to insects, herbicides and viruses.
- Other improvements.
- Transgenic aliments
- Detection of transgenic aliments
Competencies:
- Know plants genetic transformation systems.
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified Crops.
Topic 10: Obtaining and use of transgenic animals.
Session Nr: 10 (theory) 15 (workshop)
Contents:
- Microinjection technique.
- Stem cells.
- Nuclear transference: Dolly sheep.
- "Pharming".
- Mammary glands as bioreactors.
Competencies:
- Understand what transgenic organisms are; know its real uses and potential
applications nowadays and their social involvement.
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Topic 11: Vaccines and therapeutic agents.
Session Nr: 16 (theory)
Contents:
- Traditional vaccines.
- Genetic immunization: DNA vaccines.
- Monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents.
- Humanized antibodies.
- Therapeutic agents against AIDS.
- Antisense therapy.
Competencies:
- Be aware of the advances in the vaccine production with the help of biotech processes
- Account for production and application of antibodies in pharmaceutical industries.
Topic 12: Industrial microorganisms.
Session Nr: 17 (theory)
Contents:
- Fermentations.
- Industrial fermentations types.
- Fermenters and Bioreactors: characteristics.
Competencies:
- Remind the concept of fermentation and understand its role in the industry.
- Distinguish the differential characteristics of the fermenters and bioreactors.
Topic 13: Fitorremediation and biomass utilization.
Session Nr: 18 (Workshop)
Contents:
- Microbial degradation of xenobiotics.
- Genetic design for biodegradative pathways.
Competencies:
- Understand the main causes of contamination and know the use of the biotechnology in
the monitorization, remediation and prevention of the environmental contamination.
Topic 14: Bioinformatics.
Session Nr: 19 (theory)
Contents:
- Bioinformatics concept.
- Applications.
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- Biological data sources.
Competencies:
- Understand the Bioinformatics concept and its applications in the Biotechnology field.
- Know the main Biological data sources and how to use them.
Topic 15: Regulation of Biotechnology and patents.
Session Nr: 19 (theory)
Contents:
- Liberation of organisms genetically modified to the environment.
- Patents
Competencies:
- Understand the dangers and precautions of the liberation of organisms genetically
modified to the environment.
- Understand the intellectual property issues with focus on the recognition of patentability
and the patent procurement procedure.
Practical lab work:
Practice Nr 1.
Immunologic diagnostic assay: ELISA
Sessions Nr: 7 and 8.
Workshop activities:
Workshop Nr 1. Genetically modified organisms.
Sessions Nr: 15
Workshop Nr 2. Fitorremediation.
Sessions Nr: 18
Visit activities:
Visit Nr 1. Secugen. Molecular diagnostic and Sequencing.
Sessions Nr: 11 and 12
Visit Nr 2. CBGP. Centre for Plant biotechnology and Genomics.
Sessions Nr: 13 and 14
* Attending to all the programmed visits is compulsory for all students.
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4- METHODOLOGY AND ECTS WEIGHTING
Because of the nature of the subject and the objective to integrate theory and practice,
educational activities will be organized around different format types:
‣ Theory sessions: using blackboard, power point presentations and additional photocopies
support with figures, schemes and tables. The classes will be interactive with the students,
discussing the most difficult or special interesting aspects for them of every topic.
The online campus and bibliographic resources will be used as support tools.
*Use of computers in classroom: Use of computers in the classroom will not be necessary and
therefore not permitted in the classroom unless specifically stated by the professor.
‣ Workshops: the students will apply some theory aspects to solve some questions and
problems with practical applications individually or in groups.
‣ Practical work in the lab: after explaining the activity contents at the beginning, the teacher
will solve the possible doubts and supervise the practical work and the discussion of the
obtained results. The students will organize all the results in a lab report and analyze them
correctly to answer some questions and problems given.
‣ Visits: students will have the opportunity to visit several important companies to see real-life
applications of the concepts and issues we will study in class. After each visit, the students will
deliver a report for their evaluation.
‣ Tutorials: it will be set up the first day according to the student’s needs and availability.
Note on laboratory work:
- By default, students will work in groups of two, (students wishing to work alone should
propose it and obtain approval from the teacher).
- For doing the practical work, the students will need the lab coat. Other possible
necessary things will be specified the first day of the course.
- Students not attending at the 75% of the classes will lose their rights for the evaluation
of the subject, obtaining a 0 score on the first and extraordinary calls for examination.
- Only in the justified attendance absences cases, students will do an extra activity
related with the lost part, according to the teacher criteria, from which the student could
be able to get the grade for the lost part.
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Distribution of educational activities.
Activity
In-class
Sessions
(@1,5hr)
Hours
Students
papers
Theory lessons 11 16.5 20 1.65
Practical work in the
lab
2 3 6 0.3
Workshops 2 3 11 0.3
Visits 4 6 6 0.6
Total 19 28.5 43 3
Exam 1 1.5 0.15
ECTS credits
5- EVALUATION SYSTEM
5.1. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
The participation in the different activities is compulsory for the final evaluation of the subject.
Attendance will be compulsory in the % stipulated by the University for students being
evaluated.
The academic performance of the students and their final mark on the subject will be evaluated
continuously throughout the course according to the criteria summarized in the following lines:
5.2. EVALUATION AND WEIGHTING CRITERIA
FINAL WRITTEN EXAMINATION: 40%
The evaluation of having incorporated critical knowledge elements from the theory part of the
subject will be carried out by a final written examination. The exam will consist in several
questions on theory and practice discussed in class during the course.
PRACTICAL WORK IN THE LAB: 15%
It will be appreciated the creativity and the rigorous of the students in the lab work. The teacher
will value the understanding of the concepts, team work capacity and the respect for the
materials and equipments in the lab. At the end of the practical period, students will deliver to
the teacher their lab notebook and a final report to complete the evaluation of this part.
EXERCISE AND PROBLEM RESOLUTION WORKSHOPS: 20%
The capacity to apply theoretical learning will be evaluated by the resolution of questions,
problems and exercises proposed by the teacher during the course.
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VISITS REPORTS: 15%
The interest and the attention exhibited during the visits together with the ability to summarize
accurately the concepts acquired during the event in a final report will contribute to the grade of
this part. The quality and the presentation of the paper will be appreciated.
ATTITUDE: 10%
The attendance, the active participation in the activities proposed and the interest in the subject
exhibited in class will be evaluated positively in the final punctuation.
Grading notation
A quantitative estimate of the grades for each student will be reported on a 1 to 10 scale with 10
being the maximum attainable.
Notes:
* Students not attending at the 75% of the classes will lose their rights for the evaluation of the
subject, obtaining a 0 score on the first and extraordinary calls for examination.
Only in the justified attendance absences cases, students will do an extra activity related with
the lost part, according to the teacher criteria, from which the student could be able to get the
grade for the lost part.
* Due to the nature of the subject, all visit sessions are mandatory. If the students miss a day
when visits are conducted, they will still have the opportunity to turn in the visit report even if
they were not present at the time of the visit. However, an automatic deduction of 30% will be
taken from each assignment if the student does not attend the visit on the specified day.
*Homework assignments may be submitted late, but the following penalty will be applied:
- 1 day late: 10% deduction, up to 24 hours late
- 2 days late: 20% deduction, from 24 to 48 hours late
- 3 days late: 30% deduction, from 48 to 72 hours late
- more than 3 days late: no work will be accepted after 72 hours late
One day late is defined as a 24-hour period starting at the time the assignment is due (weekday
or weekend).
* Students not passing the subject on the first call for examination shall take an extraordinary
exam covering the entire subject in which the weighting will be the same as described in the
table above. In this case, the passed parts will be kept for the following calls for examination of
the subject, in case it is needed.
Recommendations to students:
- Attend 100% of all class sessions
- Participate actively. Involve yourself in both theory and practical classes asking questions
and/or providing comments related to course learning objectives.
- Read the assignments ahead of time and make a reasonable effort to understand them
- Formulate your specific questions by consultation during tutorial hours.
- Do the exercises and deliver all the reports proposed by the professor.
- Consult complementary bibliography and internet sources.
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