APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY
 
Lectured in 3rd year Agriculture and BiotechnologySection agriculture
Theory [A] 25.0
Exercises [B] 0.0
Training and projects [C] 12.5
Studytime [D] 110
Studypoints [E] 4
Level in-depth
Language of instruction Dutch
Lecturer Stefaan WERBROUCK
Reference BILBIL03A12746
 
Key words
T490, B390, B400, B420

Objectives
The master of bioscience will, as professional or consumer, inevitably be confronted with transgenic organisms and their products. This introductory course wants to provide insight in the way transgenic bacteria, plants and animals are created and characterized. A realistic view is presented on the problems, current realizations and future prospects of biotechnology. The interests of the different involved parties are also discussed. We focalize on plants, but implementations of transgenic animals and microorganisms are also treated.

Topics
  • Theory: Identification and cloning of genes, transformation techniques, genetic characterization of transformed plants and animals (blotting, PCR, …), current applications in plant and animal sector, applications for next future, risks assessment of transgenic organisms and products, further applications such as DNA fingerprinting, cloning of animals, DNA-chips.
  • Exercises: Basic techniques such as use of micropipette, transformation of E. coli and tobacco, GUS and GFP evaluation, gel electrophoresis, demonstrations with transgenic plants.


Prerequisites
knowledge about genetics, botany, zoology, biochemistry

Final Objectives
  • knowledge and insight in the basic techniques and terminology of modern biotechnology is essential to comprehend and appreciate its literature;
  • the ability to form a scientifically based critical opinion about the possibilities and risks of transgenic organisms and their end products.


Materials used
Syllabus “Biotechnologie”, manual exercises, video, powerpoint, internet

Study costs
Cost: 12.0 EUR
12 euro

Study guidance
Permanent possibility for questioning, guidance and coaching.

Teaching Methods
Lectures, group discussion, practical exercises and demonstrations,

Assessment
Oral examination with written preparation

Lecturer(s)
S. Werbrouck