Module Details

Module Code: BIOT9010
Title: Enzymes & Therapeutics
Long Title: Enzymes & Therapeutics
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides a comprehensive overview of discovery, development and applications of enzymes and therapeutics of importance in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically assess key enzymes relevant to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.
LO2 Critically assess key therapeutics relevant to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
LO3 Appraise conventional and novel approaches for enzyme and drug discovery.
LO4 Critically review specific examples of microbiome 'mining' in the context of enzyme and drug discovery from the scientific literature.
LO5 Demonstrate the ability to write a professional scientific report and communicate the content through an oral presentation.
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
Enzymes & Therapeutics
Lipases, proteases, cellulases, etc., biocatalysts, bioactives, 'value-added' enzymatic conversions, enzymatic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). DNA, RNA, & protein therapeutics. Vaccines, CRISPR, Antimicrobial peptides.
Discovery & Engineering
Conventional and novel approaches: Culture-based screening, genome sequencing and mining. Cell free extracts and activity screening. Culture-independent approaches - functional metagenomics. Directed evolution, random and rational mutagenesis, expanding the genetic code and non-canonical amino acids. Metabolic engineering of strains.
Microbiome 'mining'
Review relevant case studies from the literature in relation to the discovery of microbiome-derived novel enzymes, small molecules and antimicrobials, and critically assess their applications in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Oral presentation based on course material.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Written report based on an enzyme or therapeutic with industrial or clinical relevance.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Oral presentation based on written report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Online Lectures Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Online Lectures Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Goutam Brahmachari, Arnold L Demain, Jose L Adrio. (2016), Biotechnology of Microbial Enzymes : Production, Biocatalysis and Industrial Applications, 1st Edition. Elsevier Science Publishing, p.632, [ISBN: 9780128037256].
  • Raymond G Hill. (2012), Drug Discovery and Development : Technology in Transition, 3rd Edition. Elsevier Health Sciences, p.368, [ISBN: 9780702042997].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCOBI_9 Master of Science in Computational Biology 4 Elective
CR_SCPBI_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computational Biology 4 Elective