526-302 Biotechnology 2 - Process Development

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Microbiology & Immunology 526-201; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-211 and 521-212; at least one of Microbiology & Immunology 526-221, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-221, and 521-222, Genetics 652-216. Microbiology & Immunology 526-301 desirable but not essential.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject students should be able to:

• comprehend many of the issues, concepts and difficulties involved in developing new biotechnology products (for instance hormones, cytokines, vaccines, DNA probes, and biosensors), and in developing biotechnology based manufacturing processes;

• describe the principles underlying microbial processes currently in operation in industry, such as for example those used in manufacture of amino acids, enzymes, sugars, antibiotics and related biochemical products;

• recognise the difficulties involved in transition between laboratory and larger modes of operation;

• appreciate the importance of rational, independent and critical thought in biotechnology, such as is needed when assessing the consequences of deliberate releases of genetically modified organisms into the environment;

• recognise the past contributions of biotechnology to society - for example in the food and health-care industries, and its potential for further improvement of human welfare - as illustrated by the ongoing contribution of molecular biology to advances in medicine.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) and written assignments not exceeding a total of 3000 words (20%).