Biotechnology is tool that can be used to solve many global challenges from agriculture to healthcare, and often microbes are the powerhouses driving these systems forward. Therefore, this course aims to provide students with a foundational knowledge of microbial biotechnology, give hands-on experience of microbial techniques, and provide an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of a specific aspect of microbiological techniques.

Teaching will consist of a mixture of lectures and laboratory practical classes in semester 1.

None

Summative assessments will consist of:

1. A structured lab report which is worth 75% of the overall marks and achieves ILOs 1, 2 and 3. Word count of 1400.

2. A set exercise (e.g. critical paper appraisal) which is worth 25% of the overall marks and achieves ILO 2. 

The aims of this course are to: ·

■ provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the exploitation of microorganisms in biotechnological processes.

■ provide students with awareness and knowledge of recent developments in microbial biotechnology (e.g. genetic engineering) that have improved, or aim to improve, these processes.

■ introduce students to basic laboratory skills needed to culture micro-organisms.

■ demonstrate that microorganisms can be used to produce useful products and to give practical experience and understanding of the methods used to purify these products.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Appraise the significance of microbial structure, genetics, physiology and biochemistry in the context of biotechnological applications of microorganisms.

2. Critically appraise research publications, reports and media articles on aspects of microbial biotechnology.

3. Analyze, interpret, and communicate data relating to use of microbes in the field of biotechnology.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment..