This course is no longer offered

20396 Biotechnology

Credits: 3 advanced credits in Life Sciences

Prerequisites: Students must fulfill all English requirements

Required: Biochemistry I, Cell Structure and Function, Immunology, From Mendelism to Genetic Engineering

Recommended: Biochemistry II

The vast advances achieved, mainly in the last three decades, in understanding the molecular basis of biological processes in the areas of biochemistry, genetics and immunology, and especially understanding the control mechanisms that regulate them, have resulted in developments in the field of biotechnology – a science that deals with the use of biological systems as tools in the production and service of the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, medical and agricultural industries.

The course focuses on knowledge and understanding of the principles and operating modes of biological systems as “means of production” or as “service providers” (for example analysis of compounds). Efficient use of these systems requires – in addition to knowledge, understanding and control of the operating mechanisms of the systems in nature – the ability to produce the biological system in the required quantity and to create appropriate production systems, the knowledge to enable the maintenance of operating stability, the knowledge and ability to perform the required separation processes, meeting the criteria of licensing and safety of use tests, and, naturally, profitability and the ability to compete with possible alternatives.

The principles, difficulties, achievements, and development trends involved in the major areas of biotechnology are discussed in the six study units.

Topics: Biocatalysis and enzyme systems; Applied microbiology: fermentation processes; Biotechnological applications of genetic engineering; Antibodies and their uses; Cell cultures from plants and animals; Use and treatment of wastes: environmental biotechnology.