526-302 Microbial Biotechnology

Formerly known as 526-302 Biotechnology 2: Processes and Innovations.

Microbiology 526-201; biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212 or genetics 652-214 and 654-215.

BBiomedSc students: microbiology 526-201 or 526-205; 521-213 and 536-250.

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 and for environmental management, such as 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 the application and commercialisation of biotechnology, such as is needed when assessing the consequences of deliberate releases of genetically modified organisms into the environment; and

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

Upon completion of this subject students will have an enhanced ability to:

• seek information from textbooks, scientific literature and computer-based sources; and

• identify relevant issues and think critically about information so that broad principles and relevant evidence can be applied to problem solving.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) and written assignments during semester not exceeding a total of 3000 words (20%).