Module Details

Module Code: BIOT6003
Title: Intro. Industrial Biotech
Long Title: Introduction to Industrial Biotechnology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides an introduction to the areas of Industrial Biotechnology that are relevant to engineering and scientific professionals. Such areas include environmental biotechnology, biopharmaceutical engineering, bioreactor design and bioprocess design considerations. Public perceptions, safety and the ethics of industrial biotechnology operations are considered in line with technical considerations. The course material is supported by a significant practical programme which includes water analysis and brewing studies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Consider the safety, moral and ethical issues associated with biotechnology.
LO2 Describe the mechanism of protein synthesis in microorganisms.
LO3 Discriminate between key areas of red, white, green and blue biotechnology.
LO4 Explain using examples, bioprocess design and bioreactor technologies.
LO5 Carry out and report on practical experiments relating to concepts covered in class
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).
Introduction to Mammalian Cell Culture Level 6 or equivalent, Introduction to Microbiology Level 6 or equivalent
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
Public Perception of Biotechnology
Social, moral and ethical considerations. GM foods. Applications of human and animal genetic research. Regulatory requirements. Eurobarometers. Genetic engineering safety. Biohazards.
Green and Blue Biotechnology
Wastewater characterisation and treatment, anaerobic digestion, production of biofuels from algae.
White Biotechnology
Modelling and kinetics of micro-organism growth. Bioreactor design, key features, functions and feeding regimes. Ethanol production from various feedstocks.
Red Biotechnology
Mechanism of protein synthesis in micro-organisms. Manufacture of biopharmaceutical products and production methods
Laboratory Programme
Water Analysis: Nitrates, Phosphates, Fluorides, BOD, COD, instrument calibration and use. Brewing Studies: Factors effecting cell growth, determination of biomass, substrate and product concentrations during the brewing process
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Completion of water analysis and brewing studies worksheets
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
MCQ
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Classroom Instruction Every Week 2.50 2.5
Lab Contact Practicals Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student Study 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 Classroom Instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practicals Every Week 1.25 1.25
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student Study Every Week 3.75 3.75
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.25
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Pauline M. Doran,. (2012), Bioprocess Engineering Principles, Second Edition, 2nd. p.928, [ISBN: 978-0122208515].
  • Michael L. Shuler, Fikret Kargi.. (2003), Bioprocess Engineering, 2nd. p.576, [ISBN: 978-0131228573].
  • Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (2003), Wastewater engineering, 4th. McGraw-Hill, Boston, p.1408, [ISBN: 978-0071241403].
  • edited by Colin Ratledge, Bjorn Kristiansen. (2006), Basic Biotechnology, 3rd. p.679, [ISBN: 978-0521549585].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ECBPO_6 Certificate in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Process Operations 2 Mandatory
CR_SGMPP_6 Certificate in GMP and Process Operations 2 Elective
CR_ESBMO_6 Certificate in the Science of Biotechnological Manufacturing Operations 2 Mandatory
CR_SGMPR_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology 2 Group Elective 2