Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course the students should be able to:
- know the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of expression hosts
- choose the optimal expression host for a given product
- identify rate-limiting steps and know how to overcome them
- modify the expression system for improved production and/or improved characteristics of the target molecule
- select appropriate tools and strategies for genetic engineering
Credits: 5
Schedule: 09.01.2019 - 22.02.2019
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Alexander Frey
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Alexander Frey
Contact information for the course (valid 12.12.2018-21.12.2112):
The course organizer can be reached by email, alexander.frey@aalt.fi.
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
This course focuses on the exploitation of cellular systems for the production of enzymes, therapeutic proteins, biochemicals and secondary metabolites. It is located at the interface between biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology and metabolic engineering.
The course aims at the analysis, understanding and recombining of natures molecular building blocks using genetic engineering and molecular breeding technologies. This allows the creation of new expression and production systems, ranging from microbial, plant, insect to animal cells.
A project work accompanies the lectures where students design a cell factory.Applies in this implementation:
The
lectures are a mix of theory lectures and paper discussions related to the topics. Be
prepared to read, present and discuss some scientific papers during the lectures. Topics will be distributed during week 2
of the course.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Examination and project work
Applies in this implementation:
Course evaluation is based on the exam (70%) and assignment (30%).
Written exam contains a mix
of essay questions, problem solving tasks and short questions/definitions . In
order to pass the exam 40% of the total points (12 out of 30 points) need to be
obtained.Written exam last 4 hours and are organized on
- February 22nd, 2019
- April 9th, 2019
The assignment (group work) includes a final presentation and a written report. The assessment is based on group and individual contributions to the group work.
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Total 135 h
Lectures and Seminars 24h
Project work 40h
Self-study 67h
Exam 4h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Materials distributed during the course
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
CHEM-E8120 (Cell Biology) and CHEM-E_New course (Metabolism)
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
3 Good Health and Well-being
13 Climate Action
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Date
Topic
09.01.2019
Introduction to course
Part I: An overview of production systems and engineering tools:
•Some
general remarks•Bacteria (E.
coli and alternatives)•Lower eukaryotes (yeasts, fungi)•Higher eukaryotes (plants,
mammals, insect cells)10.01.2019
15.01.2019
17.01.2019
22.01.2019
Part II: Expression of
recombinant
proteins: limitations and engineering strategies•Engineering
of cellular processes for
improving productivity•Protein N-glycosylation, protein folding, secretion, cell-cycle and apoptosis in
eukaryotes and bacteria24.01.2019
29.01.2019
31.01.2019
05.02.2019
Part III: Metabolic engineering:
•Production of small molecules•secondary metabolites07.02.2019
12.02.2019
14.02.2019
Student presentation: Biotechnologically produced products