Module Details

Module Code: BIOT6012
Title: Mammalian Biotechnology
Long Title: Mammalian 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: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will cover the fundamentals of mammalian biotechnology with particular emphasis on the growth and maintenance of mammalian cells.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Provide an overview on the use of mammalian cells in the biotechnology industry.
LO2 Discuss the nutritional requirements of mammalian cells.
LO3 Describe the requirements for in vitro growth of mammalian cells.
LO4 Provide an overview on aseptic requirements for cell culture processes.
LO5 Describe the innate and acquired immune system.
LO6 Perform and report on experimental tasks related to growing mammalian cells.
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).
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Mammalian Biotechnology
Overview on the use of mammalian cells in biotechnology with particular emphasis on role in production and potency testing using bioassays.
Nutritional Requirements of Mammalian Cells
Nutrient acquisition from growth medium. Defined media and supplements. Serum-free media. Preparation, sterilisation and quality control of growth media.
In Vitro Growth of Mammalian Cells
Biology of cultured cells. Culture vessels (lab and industrial scale). Sub-culturing and propagation techniques. Methods for monitoring the growth of mammalian cells. Cryopreservation for long term storage.
Aseptic Requirements for Cell Culture Processes
Sources of contamination. Requirements of a cell culture lab. Techniques and processes involved in maintaining culture sterility.
Immunology
Basic knowledge of the components of the immune system required for understanding the role of bioassays in potency testing.
Laboratory Programme
Develop practical skills for growing mammalian cells.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory experiments and report writing
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Formal Exam
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 Instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory Practicals Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • R. Ian Freshway. (2016), Culture of Animal Cells - A Manual of Basic Techniques and Specialized Applications, Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781118873656].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cheryl D. Helgason and Cindy L. Miller. (2005), Basic Cell Culture Protocols, Humana Press, [ISBN: 9781588292841].
  • John M. Davis. (2011), Animal Cell Culture: Essential Methods, Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470666586].
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 3 Elective
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 3 Elective
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 3 Elective