BIOTECHNOLOGY BIO702S

Username: nustbiotechnology@gmail.com Password: nustbiotechnology2016

Prof Percy Chimwamurombe -HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS -PLANT BIOLOGY -MICROBIOLOGY(bacteriology, virology, mycology) -MOLECULAR BIOLOGY -GENETICS -BIOCHEMISTRY -BIOTECHNOLOGY -PLANT PATHOLOGY

COURSE INFORMATION: COURSE ASSESSMENT: RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS : Prescribed Learning Resources: Thieman, W.J, & Palladino, M.A. (2012).Introduction to Biotechnology, (3rd Ed). Benjamin Cummings. Recommended Learning Resources: Susan, R.B. (2006). Biotechnology: An Introduction, (2nd Ed). Brooks Cole. Ratledge, C. & Kristiansen, B. (2006). Basic Biotechnology, (3rd Ed). Cambridge University Press. Internet articles, articles from current Biotechnology literature and articles from “mass media” will also supplement the textbook. COURSE INFORMATION: Class Rules Switch of Cell phones Do not disrupt classes Prompt attendance COURSE ASSESSMENT: 1. Continuous Assessment (CA) - 50% of final mark Practicals- 30 % Tests- 40 % Assignments- 20 % 2. Examination (3h) 50% of final mark -SECTION A: (80 marks): short answers and Section B (40 marks): 2 essay out 2 choices Tutorial Times are compulsory Consulting Times

This week THE STUDY GUIDE PRACTICAL GUIDE LAB COATS DRAWING PAPER FORM STUDY GROUPS

Content for BIO702S Basic concept of biotechnology Recombinant DNA technology Protein secretion and biotechnology The fundamental concepts of plant biotechnology applied to the quality improvement of plant productivity and their products. Food Biotechnology and fermented foods Environmental biotechnology Present and future impacts of biotechnology to human and environment The practical component of this course will involve extracting the DNA from a plant tissue, the production of alcohol, yogurt, analysis the carbohydrate, protein in food and other topics covered in the theory part of the course.

Course AIMS This course aims at providing students with a broad knowledge of the technique that uses living organisms, or substances from those organisms, to make or modify a product, improve plants or animals, or to develop organisms for specific uses

Outcomes Upon completing this course students will, through assessment activities, show their ability to: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of biotechnology and its applications in medicine, food, microbial and plant genetics. Examine the characteristics of protein structure and function as they apply to biotechnology, especially in a drug discovery and therapeutic context. Summarise spectroscopy, chromatography and centrifugation techniques. Analyse the use of industrial applications of Biotechnology in fermentation.

What is Biotechnology? Percy Chimwamurombe

Biotechnology Biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. The main areas affected by biotechnology are Medical, Agricultural,Environmental and Industrial Systems.

Effects of Biotechnology Biotechnology affects every part of our lives in the 21st Century including:

Medical Field Antibiotics and Vaccines In fifty-one million physician visits in the United States, 55% to 66% of the patients diagnosed are prescribed antibiotics to easily eliminate bacterial infections that before could have even claimed their lives. Vaccines have also made an important effort in helping to cure disease epidemics

Medical Field Human Genetics Genetic Diseases: Stem Cell Research Stem cell research has proven potential to help the over 10 million people with osteoporosis, 43 million arthritis sufferers, and 250,000 people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries. Genetic Diseases:

Stem Cell Research and Gene Therapy Social Impact Moral and Ethical Controversies associated with the medical aspects of Biotechnology Stem Cell Research and Gene Therapy

“Single largest influence on farming since the cultivator…” Agriculture “Single largest influence on farming since the cultivator…” Been around since bread could rise. Today, there are over 200 million acres of crops in over 17 countries that have been improved by biotechnology.

Agriculture How does it help? Increased yields per plant Increased resiliency to chemicals such as pesticides Easier to grow Economic gains for farmers Ending world hunger? Climate smart crops?

FALSE/TRUE?? Social Impact Moral and Ethical Controversies Unsafe Food? FALSE/TRUE??

Industry Helping the Environment: burn cleaner made less toxic biodegradable recyclable low to zero greenhouse gas emissions

Industry Plastics Biomass Fuels Biorefineries Made from Biomass Biodeisel and Bioethenol potential to produce over 1.3 billion tons of biomass in the U.S. which would increase our current fuel production by 40 fold to over 165 billion gallons of biofuel a year Biorefineries Lower emissions

Industry Economical Benefits Cheaper Production Government Incentives

Conclusions Biotechnology has grown more in the last 10 years than almost any other field of science. This growth is due to the fact that it has helped benefit virtually every aspect of our lives. Its benefits may potentially one day be able to reach out to help virtually any person, in any profession, in a positive way. Although there are some clear concerns with the different aspects of biotechnology, government regulations have helped make sure that the technologies we use are safe and have constructive effects on us and our environment.