Key words
Biochemistry, enzymology, biocatalysis
Objectives
To support the theory presented in the lectures regarding the action of enzymes and their properties.
To provide a knowledge of the theory and applications of modern approaches to enzyme technology.
To give the student a personal experience how biotechnology can lead to better industrial processes.
To learn to adopt a scientific and problem-solving attitude.
To allow the students to practice numeracy and scientific reporting.
Topics
The lab exercises show how enzymes can be used in the laboratory and industrially. The students choose a project from one of the following industrial processes or enzyme technologies: e.g. processes essential in the paper and pulp production, the food, the animal feed, textile, detergent or the pharmaceutical industry.
The exercises give a critical appreciation of (1) the preparation and use of immobilised enzymes and describe the behaviour of immobilised enzymes versus free enzymes (2) the bio-transformation of natural complex molecules and/or the production of chiral molecules (3) the production of fine chemicals and biofuels.
The students are expected to work in groups with a named group leader that changes with each subject.
The outcome and discussions of the practical work will be presented to and discussed with the unit leader and with the fellow students.
Prerequisites
Understanding the basic principles of organic chemistry, biochemistry and enzymology.
Possessing good laboratory skills, numerical and data analytical skills.
Being able of transforming theoretical knowledge to practical questions.
Being able of properly looking up technical and scientific references.
Final Objectives
General scientific competences [AWC1, AWC2, AWC3]
Demonstrating an understanding of the mechanism of enzyme action and of the kinetics of enzyme-catalysed reactions.
Being able of overseeing the specific problems and of conducting, fine-tuning and optimising the methods used.
Demonstrating a scientific attitude of inquiry and experimentation.
Being able of reading and comprehending scientific and technical articles related to the speciality.
Being able of integrating relevant social and scientific developments of the field.
Possessing good practical and scientific record-keeping skills and organisation skills.
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General competences [AC 1 and AC4]
Being able of carefully preparing and planning the experiments.
Being able of working and of conducting discussions concerning the practical results in team.
Specific competences [SC 2, SC 4 and SC 67]
Developing skills concerning the use of expensive substrates and enzymes.
Being able of deciding which analyses could be conducted to control and to optimise the experiment.
Possessing an awareness of the current applications of enzyme technologies.
Materials used
Notes and scientific articles concerning the different experiments are available.
Study costs
€ 2
Study guidance
Students are guided intensively during the practical sessions.
Teaching Methods
Lab exercises on small and semi-large scale.
Assessment
Theory: 0%
Exercises (permanent evaluation, quoted lab report and oral discussion): 100%
A weighted average is used to compute the final score for a training item.
However, if a student gains a score of 7 or less on 20 on one of the different courses (parts of training items), he proves that his skill for certain subcompetences is insufficient. Consequently, one can turn from the arithmetical calculation of the final assignment of quotas of a training item and the new marks can be awarded on consensus.
Lecturer(s)
Stals Ingeborg
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