Course content

The course will aim at providing a broad introduction to modern biotechnology with emphasis both on basic understanding of cell function at a molecular level, and on applications, with a focus on sustainability. In recent years the scientific developments have to a great extent progressed on the basis of methodolgical breakthroughs, and the most important of these methods will be discussed. The following keywords can be used as an indication of subjects that will be addressed: the structural composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; what is life and what makes evolution possible; types of cellular compounds; metabolism and conversion of energy; enzyme catalysis; the processes from DNA via RNA to protein; mutations and mutants; recombinant DNA technology, exchange of DNA between cells; -omics technologies; CRISPR technology, applications in industry, environmental biotechnology, medicine and agriculture. Discussion on ethical and sustainability implications of biotechnology is an important part of the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Reproduce what groups of compounds (nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites etc.) are found in living cells and what their functions are.
• Reproduce the basic production and regulation mechanisms at different levels, such as carbon and energy metabolism, production of proteins and gene regulation.
• Describe how the knowledge about cells, enzymes and genes can be used for various applied purposes in the society.
• Consider ethical consequences of the developments in biotechnology.
• Describe the contribution of biotechnology to sustainable development.

Skills:

• Be able to define and use the key terms in molecular biology.
• Be able to integrate relevant parts of the knowledge base to solve simple problems of scientific and applied character.
• Be able to present biotechnological solutions and ethical perspectives in a scientific poster.
• Consider important ethical viewpoints and implications.
• Be able to discuss the biotechnology contribution and implications in a sustainability perspective.

General competence:

• Be able to recognise the connection between the content of this course and other parts of science (enzymatic versus non-enzymatic catalysis, the laws of thermodynamics in relation to living systems etc.).
• Be able to present technological solutions, professional and scientific arguments and ethical and sustainability implications.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be based on lectures, demonstrations and group-based exercises. One mandatory group exercise (poster).

Compulsory assignments

• Exercices (oral/written presentation)

Recommended previous knowledge

Courses in general, inorganic and organic chemistry at the university level.

Course materials

Information will be given in the first lecture.

Credit reductions