MOBT3101

Molecular Biotechnology 3A

Course Information

These course outlines are a guide only. They are provided for the information of prospective students. Although every effort is made to ensure the most up to date information is provided, timetables often change each semester due to the availability of rooms and resources. Content (including lecture/practical topics, assessment and textbooks) is also regularly reviewed to ensure relevance and effective learning.

This unit of study builds on MOBT2102 and to expand concepts and applications of modern molecular biotechnology. It assumes students have previously been taught molecular biology and genetics through MBLG2072/2972. It commences with the synthesis of commercial products by recombinant microorganisms, including small biological molecules, antibiotics, polymers, nucleic acids and proteins, then leads onto large-scale production of proteins from recombinant microorganisms. Students will be introduced to scaled-up microbial growth and bioreactors, combined with typical large-scale fermentation systems and downstream processing. This will be broadened to an appreciation of yeast and mammalian cells in large-scale production. Examples of major protein-based therapeutics will be examined in detail. The unit introduces students to genome sequencing and technologies, and follows with the impact of proteomics in identifying new drug targets and therapeutics, its interplay with genomics, disease states, quantitative vs. qualitative profiles, and the role of bioinformatics in data and database management. The role of protein structure on function and the engineering of protein structures in briefly described. Agricultural and environmental biotechnology is introduced with a focus on promoting plant growth, the utilisation of starch and cellulose, the application of enzymes in food processing, bioremediation strategies and green manufacturing technologies and the impact heavy metals and pesticides on the environment. Issues facing start-up companies and the commercialisation of discoveries complete the unit.

Administration: Mrs Katy Wilson

Room: 436

Telephone: 9351 8680

E-mail: enquiries@biotech.usyd.edu.au

Course Coordinator: Dr Neville Firth (School of Biological Sciences)

Room: 208 (School of Biological Sciences, A12 - Macleay)

Telephone: 9351 3369

E-mail: nfirth@bio.usyd.edu.au

MOBT2101

Lecture: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00pm -2:00pm

Practical: Wednesday 1:00pm Carslaw Lecture Room 408

Glick, BR and Pasternak, JJ. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA. 3rd Edition, 2003, ASM Press, Washington, ISBN 1-55581-224-4 (hardcover) or ISBN 1-55581-269-4 (paperback)

One 2 hour theory exam (70%) and in-semester assessments (30%). Students must pass the theory exam to pass the unit overall.