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SCBB704 – Microbial and Gene Technology

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Module code
SCBB704
Module title
Microbial and Gene Technology
Prescription
The aim of this module is to teach advanced knowledge and skills applied in microbial biotechnologies and molecular genetics, problem solving and critical thinking skills. It also covers the potential of the technologies when applied in the agri/bio and food sectors, and the social, economic, environmental and health impacts.
Programmes
  • SC0901
NZQA Level
Level 7
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
  • Web-Based
Learning hours
Total learning hours
150
Resources required
Content
• Cultivation of microbes
• Scale up proposals
• Fermentation metabolism
• Fermenter design
• Control of growth of microorganisms to maximize product yield and quality.
• Applications of industrial fermentation technology.
• Factors affecting the operation of large-scale fermenters.
• Advanced topics in microbiology, such as bacteriocins, biofilms, probiotics, implications of unculturable microbes, biosensors, flow cytometry and prebiotics
• Microbial gene expression technology, single cell proteins, immobilized enzymes and cells, transgenic plants, vaccine technology.
• Molecular genetic technologies such as ligation and cloning, PCR, genome analysis, gene therapy, genetic analysis of human diseases, genetic engineering, proteome analysis, peptide mass fingerprinting, microarrays, plant genetics, genetic modifications.
• Application and implications of molecular genetics in industrial technology, such as genetically modified foods, analysis and treatment of animal and plant diseases, and social, economic, environmental and health impacts.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1.Analyse industrial cultivation of microbes and fermentation technology.
2.Design and optimize an industrial microbial production system.
3.Investigate modern molecular genetic technologies and their development.
4.Evaluate the economic, social, biological and environmental impact of genetic modification and genetic engineering.

Teaching and Learning Strategy
Teaching and learning methods will include lectures, workshops, practical laboratory sessions, an experiential project and industry visits.
Assessment Criteria
This is an achievement-based module in which students must gain an overall grade of 50% to pass.
Learning and Teaching Resource
An extended reading list will be supplied by the lecturer at commencement of the module. This will be updated annually.