Module Details

Module Code: BIOT6013
Title: Agri-Biotechnology
Long Title: Agri-Biotechnology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2017/18 ( January 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: The purpose of this module is to introduce undergraduate students to the various applications of biotechnology utilised across the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine the applications and effects of animal and plant biotechnology strategies within the Agri-Food sector
LO2 Discuss the uses of biotechnology for fertility outcomes in sustainable production systems
LO3 Classify the processes by which biological additives can increase the nutritional value of animal feed
LO4 Explain how the use of microorganisms can promote sustainability within Agri-Food production systems
LO5 Perform relevant laboratory experiments, collate data, interpret results and write scientific 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).
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
Genetic Engineering
Modern technologies for genetic engineering. Applications of genetic modification in plant and animal systems for increased yield, nutritional value, welfare and performance.
Fertility
Examples of biotechnology-based approaches for increasing fertility in production species, including; artificial insemination, IVF, embryo transfer and sexed semen.
Animal Feed
Biotechnological enhancement of animal feed through the use of feed additives (i.e. enzymes, pro- and pre-biotics, dietary amino acids) to increase the bio-availability and digestibility of nutrients.
Applied Microbiology
Introduction to the concept of agricultural microbiology, including; the use of microbes in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in plant and animal systems and the use of plant-associated microbes in the food sector, i.e. plant probiotics.
Bioremediation
The use of microbes and biotechnology for the reduction of environmental waste products created in production systems, synthesis and application of bio-fertilizers, and increasing of agricultural yields.
Plant Bioreactors
Exploitation of plants as natural bioreactors for the low-cost production of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Theory assessment on lecture material
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Laboratory practicals and report writing
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester 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 Theory and concepts Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory practicals/report writing Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed learning/practical reports 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
  • Singh, RL & Mondal, S. (2017), Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture, 1st. Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge, [ISBN: 9780128121603].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Chrispeels, M. (2017), Plants, Genes, and Agriculture: Sustainability through Biotechnology, 1st. Sinauer, Massachusetts, [ISBN: 9781605356846].
  • Panesar, PS & Marwaha, SS. (2013), Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food Processing: Opportunities and Challenges, 1st. CRC Press, Florida, [ISBN: 9781138073265].
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 4 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 4 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 4 Elective
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 4 Elective