Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2061 | Biosciences | 2 | 20 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- BIOS2061
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
Transgenic research and Synthetic Biology approaches have the potential to enable organisms such as plants, microorganisms and animals to be used as green factories for the production of novel products. In addition, the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are having a major impact on modern agriculture. The course will provide theoretical and practical knowledge as to how transgenic organisms are engineered. We will assess the technologies used to generate transgenic organisms then describe examples currently being developed for commercial uses. Following this comprehensive briefing on the 'nuts and bolts' of generating GMOs, ethical, commercial and environmental concerns will be debated. Alongside genetic modification approaches, production of traditional products and their uses in biotechnological industries will also be discussed.
Target Students
Students in the School of Biosciences
Classes
- One 2-hour practicum
- One 5-hour practicum each week for 4 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture
- One 1-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 4 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture
Further Activity Detail: Lectures (17 x 2 hours); Practical classes (4 x 5 hours + 1 x 2 hours); Forum, feedback and tutorials (1 x 2 hours). Breakdown of hours: Taught classes (56 hours); coursework related to practical sessions (20 hours) lectures; revision and examination (30 hours).
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Examsys Short-answer questions (<1000 words) [40%]
- 60% Exam (2-hour): Examination (2 hours; Answer 2 out of 5 questions) [60%]
Educational Aims
This module provides a detailed analysis of the applications of technologies for the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It describes how transgenic plants, microorganisms and animals are generated; provides practical examples of commercial products created using GM technologies; and addresses the regulatory and societal issues raised by GMOs.Learning Outcomes
On Successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Explain the key technologies and approaches used for generating transgenic organisms.
• Critically analyse and summarise information drawn from a variety of sources, including original published research papers.
• Discuss examples of novel products derived from GM organisms.
• Compare different methods for regulating the expression of endogenous genes.
Conveners
- Prof Sandy Hwei San Loh