BMOL40390 SynBio for Bioeconomy

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module focuses on tools and building blocks used to redesign organisms and render them more useful for novel applications in biotechnology. Students will learn how information flows in the biological systems and then how this flow could be controlled. Examples of cutting edge applications will be presented to demonstrate the role of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering in our transition to more sustainable, biobased industry. Group projects to see some of the SynBio tools in action (bioinformatic analysis, optimisation of the expression level of a protein). Finally, the module will provide a perspective on ethical and societal issues accompanying SynBio.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course the students should be able to
-describe how organisms regulate gene expression
-describe which tools are used to modify the gene expression
-understand the role of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering in biobased industry
-develop an opinion on hazards and ethics in synthetic biology

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Laboratories

9
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

115
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; active task-based learning; work in groups i.e. peer learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: One short written report from each practical (20% of final grade each; 60% total) Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

60
Assignment: In silico project Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Gerard Cagney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30 Wed 14:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 25 Wed 14:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 29, 31 Wed 14:00 - 16:50
Spring