course-details-portlet

TBT4170 - Biotechnology

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 100/100 4 hours D

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)

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Course materials

Information will be given in the first lecture.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
BI1001 7.5 AUTUMN 2011
MOL4010 7.5 AUTUMN 2011
TKJE2005 7.5 AUTUMN 2020
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2024

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Biotechnology
  • Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD School exam 100/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Summer UTS School exam 100/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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