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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2019/2020

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biological Sciences : Biology

Undergraduate Course: Biotechnology 3 (BILG09014)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biological Sciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe central theme of the Biotechnology 3 course relates to the invention of new technologies and their application in basic scientific investigations, in areas related to human health and disease, in environmental management, and for the creation of useful products.
Course description The central theme of the Biotechnology 3 course relates to the invention of new technologies and their application in basic scientific investigations, in areas related to human health and disease, in environmental management, and for the creation of useful products.

The course consists of 21 lectures, with associated practicals and tutorials, focusing in depth on the following topics:

(1) Genetic engineering of cells.
(2) Environmental microbiology and public health.
(3) Synthetic biology.
(4) Plant biotechnology.
(5) Medical biotechnology (drug development and stem cell therapies).
(6) Microbial diversity and its exploitation.
(7) Genetic manipulation to make new recombinant proteins and antibiotics.

Together, these topics represent a "Biotechnology Toolbox" that should be of interest and value for career development to a large number of students.

Prerequisites are defined as requiring:
Pass in Genes and Gene Action 2 and The Microbial World 2.
In addition it is recommended that students have passed the 2nd year The Dynamic Cell 2 course, and attended the 3rd year Molecular Microbiology 3 course.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Genes and Gene Action 2 (BILG08003) AND The Microbial World 2 (BILG08018)
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed The Dynamic Cell 2 (BILG08009)
Co-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students also take Molecular Microbiology 3 (BILG09013)
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Nil
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesEquivalent of the courses listed above
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2019/20, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 21, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 12, Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 24, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1, Summative Assessment Hours 4, Revision Session Hours 2, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 132 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 50 %, Coursework 25 %, Practical Exam 25 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Marks for this course come from two sources:

1. A single theory paper (2 hours), comprising 50% of the final mark. 3 essay-style questions out of a total of 5. April-May exam diet.

2. In-course assessment which contributes 50% of the final mark comprising essay (17.5%), presentation and summary (7.5%) and theory of practical class exam (25%).
Feedback Not entered
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours & Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)2:00
Resit Exam Diet (August)2:00
Learning Outcomes
1. To provide basic knowledge and understanding of modern aspects of biotechnology that are applicable to human health, environmental management, food safety, and the development of new commercial products.

2. Through laboratory training, to provide skills in microbiological and biotechnological techniques.

3. Through laboratory exercises, to develop skills in critical observation, investigative and interpretative approaches in biology; to promote careful recording and analysis of laboratory work.

4. Through essays and other assignments, with feedback from teaching staff, to promote scientific writing skills and to encourage the use of library and other reference sources.

5. Through an oral presentation, to promote skills in succinct oral communication of science.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsBiotech3
Contacts
Course organiserDr Andrew Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 6497
Email: andrew.smith@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Edward Lithgow
Tel: (0131 6)50 8638
Email: Edward.Lithgow@ed.ac.uk
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