BTH1802 - Fundamentals of biotechnology - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

Malaysia School of Science

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Kumaran Narayanan

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Kumaran Narayanan

Unit guides

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)

Prohibitions

BTH1011

Synopsis

This unit will cover classical and modern biotechnology, including recent developments in molecular biology and its applications in such diverse areas as agriculture, forestry, food, medicine and marine sciences. This includes an introduction to bio-prospecting and pharmaceuticals; genomics, proteomics and bio-informatics; environmental and industrial biotechnology and the current issues and concerns surrounding biotechnology. Related topics such as human genome project, risk assessment, bio-safety and genetically modified organisms and crops, cloning, patents, ethics intellectual property rights and the regulatory framework for biotechnology in various countries will be discussed.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental techniques and the basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology that are required for biotechnology;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the applications and impact of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and industry;
  3. Assess and manage occupational health and safety issues related to biotechnology activities in the laboratory, and in environmental and industrial settings;
  4. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of biotechnology business, intellectual property rights, and the regulatory framework governing the biotechnology industry;
  5. Apply knowledge of the fundamental ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the biotechnology field;
  6. Communicate biotechnology findings effectively in the form of oral and written scientific reports.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Quizzes: 15%

Tutorial activities: 15%

Web pages: 20%

Workload requirements

Three 1-hour lectures and two 1-hour online tutorials per week

See also Unit timetable information