Module Details

Module Code: BIOT6001
Title: Introduction to Biotechnology
Long Title: Introduction to Biotechnology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 13 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of Biotechnology and its applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe historic scientific developments and current applications of Biotechnology.
LO2 Describe the structure and function of DNA and protein and basic techniques used in their isolation and analysis.
LO3 Discuss the different cell types used in biotechnology and the essential requirements for small and large scale culture.
LO4 Explain the basic principles of genetic and protein engineering.
LO5 Outline the major classes of biopharmaceuticals and their therapeutic applications.
LO6 Perform relevant practical based experimental protocols, interpret results, and complete standard laboratory reports.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12841 BIOT6001 Introduction to Biotechnology
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
An overview of some of the key historic developments in science that have contributed to Biotechnology and some of the modern applications that have resulted from these historic events.
DNA and Protein
A description of the structure, function, importance and applications of DNA and protein. An introduction to fundamental techniques used to isolate and analyse protein and DNA.
Biological Cells
An introduction to cell types, their storage and growth requirements for small and large scale cell culture.
Genetic and protein engineering
An overview of the requirements, techniques and strategies employed in genetic and protein engineering.
Biopharmaceuticals
An introduction to the diversity of biopharmaceuticals and their applications.
Practical component
The students will learn the health and safety considerations of working in a biological laboratory. They will develop the practical competency to complete specific laboratory tasks, including aseptic technique, DNA isolation, cell growth and monitoring.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Theory assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Theory Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
Laboratory Examination
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
Laboratory experiments & report writing
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical laboratory instruction Every Second Week 2.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 9.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Renneberg, R., Berkling, V. & Loroch, V.. (2017), Biotechnology for Beginners, 2nd. Academic Press, [ISBN: 9780128012246].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Daugherty, E.. (2017), Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium, 2nd. EMC Paradigm Publishers, [ISBN: 9780763875961].
  • Reece, J.B., Taylor, M.R., Simon, E.J., Dickey, J.L. & Hogan, K.A.. (2017), Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 9th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780134296012].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 2 Mandatory
CR_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 2 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 2 Elective
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 2 Elective
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 2 Mandatory
CR_SCHEM_7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2 Elective
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 2 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 2 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 2 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 2 Mandatory
CR_SOMNI_8 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 2
CR_SOMNI_7 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 2