MICR30020 Microbial Cell Factory

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is core for students intending to complete a BSc in Microbiology. The module will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the applications and strategies that underpin the use of microorganisms in industry to produce fine chemicals and useful enzymes. The lectures will describe the process of discovery of potentially useful microorganisms (screening), manipulating strains for industrial production (process design and genetic engineering), utilizing microorganisms as biocatalysts and downstream processing of microbial products.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Describe how useful microorganisms are selected
- Identify the principles behind strain improvement
- Recognise the potential of microorganisms as biocatalysts (whole cell and enzymes)
- Discuss the process of moving from small-scale research to industrial-scale production
- Determine a strategy for protein purification

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

15
Specified Learning Activities

16
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

115
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, lab-work and task-based learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This module will require an understanding of biochemistry and organic chemistry to stage 2.

Learning Recommendations:

Recommended that students have completed MICR20050


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Microbial Cell Factory (INDM30020)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written exam on lecture material 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70
Practical Examination: Assessment of practical knowledge Unspecified n/a Graded No

10
Lab Report: Reports on the practical classes conducted in th module Unspecified n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive regular feedback on their lab reports Provisional results of the practical exam will be posted on Brightspace

Papers uploaded to Brightspace
Name Role
Dr Tanja Narancic Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Tadhg Ó'Cróinín Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Carina Hof Tutor