212-315 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

It is expected that on the completion of the subject students should gain an understanding of the genes at the molecular level and a knowledge of genetic engineering techniques for manipulation of important traits. The topics to be covered include; The structure and arrangement of the genome in eukaryotes contrasted with the prokaryote genome, The mechanism and regulation of gene expression in higher organisms, both plants and animals, both at the RNA and DNA level, The molecular basis of tissue and organelle specific gene expression, Modern methods of genetic engineering including details of vector systems currently being applied to plants and animals of agricultural importance, Biotechnological approaches for manipulation of commercially important traits in crop plants such as improved nutritional quality, seed oil composition, disease resistance and tolerance to abiotic stresses, Biotechnological approaches to improved post harvest characteristics of horticultural produce. Transgenic animals as bioreactors, Application of Biotechnology for improvement of pastures. Risks and concerns regarding environmental release of transgenic organisms and Intellectual property issues in Biotechnology.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination; and one written assignment (up to 3000 words).