Syllabus for Protein Engineering

Learning outcomes

During the course the students will confront a current, industry-related molecular biology/gene technology problem. The course objective is to give the students the in-depth understanding and skills necessary for independent problem-solving. Another objective is to show the steps necessary for commercialisation of a biotechnology invention.

After the course the student should be able to:

- Analyse the structure of proteins with databases

- Explain the classification and construction of proteins

- Analyse and compare the amino acid sequences and structures of proteins and relate this information to function

- Analyse and compare protein sequence data

- Understand the function of individual amino acids and their influence on the solubility, structure, and function of proteins

- Understand the major factors for protein folding

- Construct bacterial expression plasmids for natural and modified genes

- Analyse the DNA sequence of proteins for factors which can affect the expression and properties of the protein. Based on this analysis, be able to construct modifications to change the protein's properties.

- Construct primers for isolation of genes by PCR

- Perform a PCR-based mutagenesis experiment

- Purify proteins on a milligram scale by biochemical methods and perform a protein crystallisation experiment

- Maintain a laboratory notebook according to GLP

- Write a simple research proposal, business plan, and market analysis for a biotechnology invention

Content

Lectures and computer-based exercises on biotechnology methods, and the structure, classification, and function of proteins. Project-based biotechnology experiments and the production of modified proteins.

Lectures, seminars, and computer-based exercises on entrepreneurship. Site-visit and other information on the demands that a biotechnologist can face professionally.

The student shall also present and defend solutions and results for a biotechnology problem, as well as document the laboratory part of the work in accordance with standards expected by future employers.

Course parts: Theory (8 ECTS), practical work (4 ECTS), Commercialisation (3 ECTS).

Instruction

Instruction

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, and laboratory exercises. Participation is obligatory for the seminars, laboratory exercises, associated lectures, group exercises, exams, and computer exercises.

Assessment

To demonstrate that the student has achieved the desired learning outcome, he or she must:

- Theory Course, (8 ECTS): have a passing grade on the written examination covering biotechnology and physical chemistry methods related to proteins, and protein structure and classification

- Practical Course: Present a correctly kept laboratory notebook (GLP standard), present the experimental results (4 ECTS) and a simple research plan with accompanying business plan and market analysis (3 ECTS).