BB1110 Gene Technology and Molecular Biology 7.0 credits

• Educational level

  First cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

  C

• Subject area

  Biotechnology
  Techonology
  

• Grade scale

  A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• Course page on KTH Social

Learning outcomes

Breakthroughs in molecular biology and biotechnology have the last decades paved the way for completely new strategies that hold promise to solve real-world problems; some are related to the diagnosis and treatment of disease, others to the use of genetically modified organisms for detoxification of the environment or production of biofuels, while still others deal with the engineering of proteins to adapt them for specific applications.

The course’s main goal is to provide a good insight into the principles and methods on which modern (molecular) biotechnology is based as well as an understanding of their inherent possibilities and limitations to address and solve modern day problems.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the function of commonly used enzymes within the field of molecular biotechnology
• from a given problem, design a suitable PCR-setup/strategy; for example, how to clone a certain gene, and explain the function of all necessary components
• explain the principle behind different DNA-sequencing methods and discuss their possible strengths and weaknesses
• give examples of different physical and genetic strategies for modification/manipulation of gene expression and describe which consequences this will have at a cellular level
• describe different mutagenesis, screening, and selection methods that are used within protein engineering and suggest strategies for how these techniques can be applied in order to solve/address a given issue
• from a given issue or problem, choose an appropriate combination of host-vector system and describe its specific advantages and disadvantages in relation to other conceivable combinations. The student should also be able to describe/explain the function of the different vector component/elements
• describe the principles behind modern gene technology-based therapeutics such as modern vaccines and gene therapy, and give examples on some of the advantages/disadvantages and possible limitations compared with traditional treatments
• give examples of methods for transcriptome and proteome analysis and explain the underlying principles
• present and evaluate a laboratory exercise in a written report

Course main content

The course focuses on the most important gene technology principles/methods and thereto-relevant concepts in molecular biology will be reviewed. An in-depth look at prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression and recombinant protein production and optimization will be central. In addition, several important applications of molecular biotechnology will be presented and discussed. Some of the topics covered:

• transcription/translation regulation
• recombinant DNA (enzymes, vectors and host cells)
• PCR techniques
• DNA sequencing
• mutagenesis, gene libraries
• screening and selection methods
• design of recombinant processes (promoters, vectors, host cells, gene fusions etc)
• therapeutic strategies (vaccine technology, gene therapy etc)
• DNA diagnostics
• transgenic organisms
• functional genomics
• laboratory exercise (site directed mutagenesis, screening/selection, DNA sequencing, protein expression and characterization)

Eligibility

Completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in English corresponding to English A. For students who received or will receive their final school grades after 31 December 2009, there is an additional entry requirement for mathematics as follows: documented proficiency in mathematics corresponding to Mathematics A. Specific requirements in mathematics, physics and chemistry are corresponding to Mathematics E, Physics B and Chemistry A.

Prerequisites

BB1010 Introduction to Biotechnology, BB1020 Cellbiology with Immunology and BB1080 Biochemistry

Literature

Biotechnology: Academic Cell Update Edition
Academic Press

David P. Clark, Nanette J. Pazdernik
ISBN: 0123850630, 9780123850638

Examination

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 5.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F

TEN1 - Examination, 5.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

A written exam (TEN1; 5,5 credits, grading scale A-F) and labs (LAB1; 1,5 credits, grading scale Pass/Fail).

Offered by

BIO/Biotechnology

Examiner

Stefan Ståhl <ssta@kth.se>

Supplementary information

Students are required to sign up at least two weeks in advance for examination.

The course is given provided at least seven students are admitted.

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 12.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 09.