20455 Biotechnology 1

Credits: 3 intermediate credits in Life Sciences

Prerequisites: none

Required: General Biology I, General Biology II, Biochemistry I, The World of Bacteria

Recommended: Cell Structure and Function (single-semester format or year-long format), Genetics 2

Author: Amihay Freeman

Great advancements, especially in the past three decades, in understanding the molecular basis of biological processes in biochemistry, genetics and immunology, particularly with respect to the control mechanisms regulating these processes, have paved the way for the development of the science of biotechnology – a science that deals with the use of biological systems as production and service tools for the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, medical and agricultural industries. The course focuses on the principles, difficulties, achievements and developing trends in the major areas of biotechnology.

Topics: Biocatalysis and enzymatic systems; Applied microbiology – fermentation processes; Biotechnology applications of genetic engineering; Antibodies and their use; Cell cultures from plants and animals; Utilizing and neutralizing waste material – environmental biotechnology.

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1There is some overlap in the content of this and other courses. For details, see Overlapping Courses.

2or the previous version of the course, From Mendelism to Genetic Engineering.