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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biological Sciences : Biology

Undergraduate Course: Biotechnology 3 (BILG09014)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biological Sciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe central theme of this course is the application of modern technologies for addressing issues relating to human health and environmental management.

The course of 22 lectures will cover five major themes: (1)food poisoning, food spoilage and food safety, (2) the roles of microorganisms in environmental monitoring, bioremediation and public health, (3) the role of viruses and stem cells in medicine, (4) the biotechnological potential of microorganisms for producing new products, (5) the search for new antibacterial and antifungal agents.

The lecture themes will be linked to laboratory practicals and demonstrations of the application of modern technologies - the 'Biotechnology Toolbox'.
Course description The central theme of the Biotechnology 3 course relates to how modern technologies can be applied in areas relating to human health and disease, environmental management and other aspects of human activity.

The course consists of some 20-22 lectures, with associated practicals and tutorials, focusing in depth on the following topics:
(1) The microbiology of food.
(2) Environmental microbiology and public health.
(3) Genetic engineering technology and synthetic biology.
(4) New products resulting from genetic manipulation in biotechnology, including recombinant antibodies.
(5) Medical biotechnology, including HIV biology and stem cell biology.
(6) Applications of plants in biotechnology.
(7) Life in extreme environments and its exploitation.

Together, these topics represent a ¿Biotechnology Toolbox¿ that should be of interest and value for career development to a large number of students.

Normally requires the following 2nd year courses: (i) Genes and Gene Action 2; and (ii) Microorganisms, Cells and Immunity 2, or alternatively Microorganisms, Infection & Immunity 2. In addition it is recommended that students have passed the 2nd. year The Dynamic Cell 2 course, and attended the 3rd year Molecular Microbiology 3 course.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Genes and Gene Action 2 (BILG08003) AND Microorganisms, Infection and Immunity 2 (BIME08012)
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed The Dynamic Cell 2 (BILG08009)
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Molecular Microbiology 3 (BILG09013)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Nil
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesEquivalent of the courses listed above
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 22, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 4, Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 22, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1, Summative Assessment Hours 4, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 143 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 50 %, Coursework 25 %, Practical Exam 25 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Marks for this course come from two sources:

1. A single theory paper (2 hours), comprising 50% of the final mark. 3 essay-style questions out of a total of 5. April-May exam diet.

2. In-course assessment which contributes 50% of the final mark comprising essay (17.5%), presentation and summary (7.5%) and theory of practical class exam (25%).
Feedback Not entered
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours & Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)2:00
Resit Exam Diet (August)2:00
Learning Outcomes
1. To provide basic knowledge and understanding of modern aspects of biotechnology that are applicable to human health, environmental management, food safety, and the development of new commercial products.

2. Through laboratory training, to provide skills in microbiological and biotechnological techniques.

3. Through laboratory exercises, to develop skills in critical observation, investigative and interpretative approaches in biology; to promote careful recording and analysis of laboratory work.

4. Through essays and other assignments, with feedback from teaching staff, to promote scientific writing skills and to encourage the use of library and other reference sources.

5. Through an oral presentation, to promote skills in succinct oral communication of science.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsBiotech3
Contacts
Course organiserProf Andrew Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 6497
Email:
Course secretaryMr Edward Lithgow
Tel: (0131 6)50 8638
Email:
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