Biotechnology

Objectives of the course (preferably expressed in terms of learning outcomes and competences Survey of basic principles of molecular biotechnology, DNA manipulations, protein engineering and protein design and their applications in areas of medical, agricultural, environmental and industrial importance. Familiarization with biotechnology information resources on the internet.

Course contents: Introduction to Biotechnology. Basic concepts of gene cloning, transfer and establishment of genetic molecules in cells/organisms (methods, target genes, methodology, strategies): Transgenic Plants. Transgenic insects, Transgenic animals. Applications of microbial/environmental biotechnology. Social, commercial and regulatory issues. Biotechnological applications of structural biology. Introduction to protein engineering and protein design. Characteristics of protein structures. Methods or protein structure determination. Protein folding and structural stability. Principles of stable protein design. Computer applications in protein design.