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 bacteria

    24.01.2019

    29.01.2019

    31.01.2019

    05.02.2019

    Part III: Metabolic engineering:

    •Production of small molecules
    •secondary metabolites

    07.02.2019

    12.02.2019

    14.02.2019

    Student presentation: Biotechnologically produced products