NES8305 : Biotechnology: Advanced Topics
NES8305 : Biotechnology: Advanced Topics
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Thomas Howard
- Lecturer: Dr James Stach, Dr Maxim Kapralov
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| NES8304 | Practical Techniques in Molecular Biology |
Pre Requisite Comment
Provides an introduction to important laboratory methods that underpin biotechnology. An understanding of these is essential for the content of this module.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module provides participants with an understanding of contemporary biotechnology. It covers both current topics and the methods that underpin work in this field. It provides opportunities for participants to actively learn through the application of taught methods to biotechnological problems. In this respect in particular, the module emphasises the importance of computational analysis to biotechnology. Finally, the module requires participants to develop their own detailed knowledge, critical analysis skills and understanding of the latest developments in the field.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module covers the following:
• Engineering principles in biotechnology,
• Design and assembly of gene constructs,
• Design and assembly of synthetic genomes,
• Metabolic engineering,
• Genome engineering,
• Protein engineering,
• Methods and applications of statistical Design of Experiments in biotechnology,
• Methods and applications of mathematical modelling in biotechnology.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module, it is expected that participants will:
• Understand the importance of the design-build-test cycle for engineering biology,
• Understand the role of computational analysis in engineering biological systems,
• Have knowledge of major contemporary research projects, methods and theories in biotechnology.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module, it is expected that participants will be able to:
• Propose statistically designed multifactorial experiments and explain the value of this approach to biotechnology research,
• Construct mathematical models of simple biotechnological system (e.g., a biochemical pathways or gene network) to meet a particular design goal.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Coursework prep - requires mastering a new skill as well as preparing for the coursework. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Lecture material covers theory and introduces topics and research papers. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | Detailed examination of the studies (i.e. major contemporary biotechnology projects and theories) highlighted in the lectures/seminars. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 22:00 | 22:00 | Reviewing notes from seminars. Includes review time for DoE workshop material (modelling workshop is covered by time to prep for coursework). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | One session covers introduction to DoE and the other covers the final module session. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Theory/activities ahead of three of the modelling workshops. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | PC Clusters: COPASI and JMP Pro required on the machines |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Additional self-identified contemporary research papers going beyond the directed reading (covers all taught content). |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module uses two primary teaching methods:
(i) Lectures and seminars that provide knowledge and context for directed reading material - these activities support the knowledge, understanding and skills outcomes; and
(ii) Workshops that allow skill development in computational aspects of biotechnology.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 100 | Coursework Assessment - 5 page maximum |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observ of prof pract | 1 | M | Formative assessment for the coursework is provided continuously throughout the module in the following ways: 1. in person during the workshops and 2. asynchronously, through the use of Canvas discussion boards. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework requires students to bring together their knowledge of contemporary applications of biotechnology with their understanding of the importance of the design-build-test cycle for engineering biology. Specifically, the coursework assesses participants ability to design their own biotechnological system (e.g., a biochemical pathways or synthetic gene network) that meets a particular design challenge, and to construct and analyse a mathematical models of their proposed system.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8305's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES8305's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.