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BT5511: ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY WITH COMPUTATION (2023-2024)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 10:43


Course Overview

This course will take the student through in-depth study of how synthetic biology, systems biology and computation are transforming the principles and practice of modern biotechnology. The course will teach modern methods of biotechnology including host cell design and optimisation using modern modelling techniques, leading to an understanding of how multiple genes under precise regulatory control can be introduced into a species to endow it with new biotechnologically valuable properties. The course will demonstrate the application of computer programming to bioinformatic analysis with direct relevance to modern biotechnology.

Through hands on study of synthetic biological processes in a series of workshops, students will learn how advanced genetic engineering of host expression systems can transform production of pharmaceuticals, chemical feedstocks and biofuels. Through workshop study of computer programming, students will gain hands-on knowledge of introductory programming skills relevant to genomic analysis and modern biotechnology. The course will equip students with a range of knowledge and skills directly relevant to modern biosciences, including the biotechnology industry.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Ian Stansfield

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course focuses on an understanding of advanced biotechnology through study of the use of synthetic biology in modern biotechnological processes. Through detailed study of the principles and practice of introducing multiple genes, and thus complete new biochemical pathways into host cell expression systems, the role of synthetic biology in biotechnology will be explored. The course will show how synthetic biology, combined with systems biology and mathematical modelling, can optimise protein expression, and utilise host cell metabolism to produce small molecules for use as chemical feedstocks, antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Through case studies, the course will also explore how modern biotechnological processes are developed to the point of commercial success.  The course will show how computation, and computer programming can be used as a tool to analyse genomic sequence in modern biotechnology.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Research Perspectives Paper Review

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks 33 Feedback Weeks 35

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Feedback

Written feedback and rubric feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology.
FactualUnderstandTo understand how industry develops successful biotechnology processes.

Computer Programming Exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 35 Feedback Weeks 37

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Feedback

Students will analyse, edit and comment on computer code, and use computer code for analysis of DNA sequence.

Written feedback on computer code edits and analysis of code function submitted by the students.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand principle and practice of computer programming use in modern bioinformatics and biotechnology.

Practical Computer Workshop Report

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 37 Feedback Weeks 39

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Feedback

Written feedback and rubric feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand the role of systems biology in the development of biotechnological processes.
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Exam - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandTo understand how industry develops successful biotechnology processes.
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand the current and future roles of synthetic biology in biotechnology.
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand the role of systems biology in the development of biotechnological processes.
ConceptualAnalyseTo understand principle and practice of computer programming use in modern bioinformatics and biotechnology.

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