Download Proposed Course Units for Third and Fourth Years for the Special

Proposed Course Units for Third and Fourth Years for the Special Degree in Biochemistry
Course units
Year 3
Year 4
Status
BIOC 43764 Advanced Tools in Molecular Biology and
Bioinformatics
BIOC 43774 Medicinal Chemistry
BIOC 43784 Advanced Molecular Genetics and Cell
Biology
BIOC 43794 Biophysics and Molecular Modeling
BIOC 43802 Clinical biochemistry
*CHEM 43764 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I
*CHEM 43794 Advanced Organic Chemistry I
BIOC 43812 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOC 43822 Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
CHEM 43812 Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory
*CHEM 43843 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
BIOC 43832 Concepts in Biochemistry
BIOC 43841 Industrial training **
BIOC 43854 Food Technology and Nutrition
BIOC 43863 Current Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
BIOC 43874
Molecular Markers and Transgenic
Technology
BIOC 43884 Bioprocess Technology
*CHEM 43914 Advanced Organic Chemistry II
BIOC 43891 Seminar
BIOC 43908 Research Project/Dissertation
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* course units offered under the special degree programme in Chemistry
** crédits not counted for GPA calculation
Course Code
Course Title
: BIOC 43764
:Advanced Tools in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
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apply advanced gene manipulation techniques in basic and applied research
demonstrate advanced techniques used in analyzing DNA, protein and their
interactions
describe gene silencing strategies to study gene function, and to block expression
appreciate the roles genes/ proteins play, individually and collectively, directing and regulating
biological functions within and among organisms.
discover new knowledge about biological systems through computational analysis of
molecular sequences
devise biochemical experiments and analyze results logically, using appropriate
statistical methods.
Course content:
Advanced Tools in Molecular Biology
Advanced methods of gene cloning and expression, gene expression in mitochondria and in
chloroplast;Techniques of analyzing DNA and proteins; Mapping and quantifying transcription; Studying DNA
protein interactions, DNA footprinting, band shift assay, gel mobility assay, filter binding and primer extension;
Methods of gene silencing and knockout production, RNA inference and antisense RNA technology.
Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics
Genome sequencing projects; Comparative genomics; Gene prediction and counting; Genome evolution; Types
of proteomics, structural, functional and expression proteomics, techniques in proteomics; Functional genomics,
DNA chip and microarrays, SAGE; Scope of bioinformatics; Data acquisition, sequence databases, file formats;
Retrieval of biological data, entrenz and sequence retrieval system; Database searches, sequence similarity
search, tools for searching, FASTA, BLAST and PSI BLAST algorithms; Pair wise and multiple alignments;
Sequence annotation, tools and resources; Structural bioinformatics, protein structure predication; Uses in
pharmacogenomics, plant breeding and crop improvement.
Biostatistics
Statistical experimental design,sampling techniques, controls, types of data; Descriptive statistics, sample
variance, standard deviation, statistical tests for significance, students t-test, paired sample test, one way
ANOVA, two way ANOVA, Chi squared test, multiple comparison procedures, non parametric statistics,
correlation coefficient and regression analysis; Transformation of data, multiple range tests.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions, and problem-based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and/or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
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Baxevanis, A. D. and Francis, B F., (2001), Bioinformatics, A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes
and Proteins. John Wiley & Sons.
Baxevanis A. D., Ouellette B. F. F., (2005), Bioinformatics,Wiley Interscience.
Channarayappa, (2006), Molecular Biotechnology, Principles and Practice, Universities Press Pvt Ltd.
Dubey R.C., (2006), A Text Book of Biotechnology, S Chand & Company Ltd.
Gurumanni N., (2005), An Introduction to Biostatistics, MJP Publishers.
Mount, D W and Mount D., (2004), Bioinformatics, Sequence and Genome Analysis.
ColdSpringHarbor Laboratory.
Course Code
Course Title
: BIOC 43774
: Medicinal Chemistry
Learning outcomes :
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to
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demonstrate stages and techniques used in drug development
explain the mechanisms of drug action.
explain modes of drug absorption, distribution and metabolism
appreciate the use of Biotechnology in drug development and production.
describe biochemical indicators and their importance in clinical diagnostics.
describe different components of the immune system, and its defense mechanisms
explain common immunopathological problems
apply Immunological techniques in diagnostics
explain how the nervous system helps to sense changes in the environment and respond to them
Course contents:
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Mechanisms of drug action, drug action at enzymes, receptors, nucleic acids and lipids; Drug development;High
throughput screening of natural products, their isolation, purification and structure determination; Lead
compounds and lead optimization through synthetic analogs; Structure activity relationships (SAR) and
quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR); Receptor theories and target based rational drug
design;Drug distribution, chemical and metabolic stability; Drug design to overcome pharmacokinetic problems;
Synergism, drug targeting and drug delivery systems; Drug metabolism; Molecular biology/Biotechnology in
drug discovery and production; Clinical and toxicological trials, regulation, patenting and ethics in
drugdevelopment and marketing;Selected classes of drug’s history of their development and mechanisms of
action; Clinical diagnostics, biochemical indicators and tests for diseases.
Immunology
Components of the immune system; Innate and adaptive immunity; Antigen recognition and antigen receptor
molecules their structure and function; Generation of diversity and cell cooperation in the antibody response;
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Cell mediated immune response, T and B cells;Soluble mediators of the immune response, inflammation,
cytokines and other lymphokines; Regulation of the immune response; Immunopathology, immunodeficiency,
HIV, hypersensitivity, autoimmune disease, tumour immunology, tissue transplantation and rejection;
Immunological techniques, immunohaematology, immunoassays, antibody production and uses in modern
therapeutics. Immunological techniques in modern clinical diagnostics and other applications.
Neurochemistry
Biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and their function. Pre and post-synaptic aspects of neurotransmission.
Biochemical basis of learning and memory. Biochemical changes during ischemia and hypoxia.
Pathophysiology of neuron related diseases. Effect of abused drugs on the nervous system.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and/or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
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Delcomyn F., (1997), Foundations of Neurobiology, W. H. Freeman & Company.
King F. D., (2001),Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice, Ed. Royal Society of Chemistry.
Lemke, et al., (2008), Foye’s Principles of Medicinal Chemistry, Wolters Kluwer.
Lydyard, et al, (2007), Immunology, Taylor& Francis.
Patrick G. L., (2009), An introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, Oxford.
Purohit et al., (2006), Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, India: Agribios.
Rang et al., (2007), Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, Ed., Churchill Livingstone.
Roitt et al., (2006), Immunology, Mosby.
Sigal L.H. and Rons Y., (1994), Immunology and Inflammation; Basic Mechanisms.
and Clinical Consequences, McGraw-Hill.
10. Weir D. M, and Stewart J., (1997), Immunology,Churchill Livingstone.
Course Code
Course Title
: BIOC 43784
: Advanced Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
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understand various mechanisms behind the regulation of gene expression
explain causes and effects of gene and chromosomal mutations, linkage and recombination
analyze population structure using Hardy-Weinberg principle and F statistics
explain the patterns of genome evolution at molecular level
explain processes of cell differentiation, reprogramming and embryonic development at molecular level
describe the types of molecular genetic changes associated with cancer development
explain molecular mechanisms involved in photosynthesis
Course contents:
Regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, influence of chromatin structure on gene expression;
Control of viral transcription; Mutations and human genetic diseases, chromosomal aberrations, changes in
chromosome number, polyploidy, aneuploidy; Alleles and traits; Mendelian and Non-mendelian inheritance
patterns; Polygenic inheritance; Extra nuclear inheritance; Dominance and recessiveness, codominance, linkage,
crossover and recombination, Hardy-Weinberg principle, Wright’s F statistics, estimation of geneflow, genetic
diversity; Molecular phylogenetics, cluster analysis and dendrogram construction; Genome evolution, origin of
repetitive DNA and DNA polymorphisms, DNA clocks; Multigene families, gene duplication and exon
shuffling; Transposition and horizontal gene transfer,
The cell cycle and regulation, cytokinesis, cdk and cyclins; Cell dedifferentiation; Cell
reprogramming;Regulation of cell signaling, signal amplification, efficiency and specificity;Genetic control of
development, in animals and in higher plants; Stem cell research,tissue transplantation; Molecular basis of
cancer, cancer markers, p53, p16, p21, necrosis and apoptosis, chromosome aging; Light and photosynthesis,
chlorophyll structure, the photo systems, biochemistry of Calvin cycle, photosynthesis Pathways in C-3, C-4
and CAM plants.
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Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions, and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1.Alberts et al., (1994), Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland.
2. Freifelder, D., (1983), Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons.
3. Fristrom, J. W. and Clegg, M. T., (1988), Principles of Genetics, W H Freeman.
4. Griffiths et al., (1996), An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. W H Freeman.
5. Hartl, D. L., (2005), Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes, Jones & Bartleet.
6. Lewin, B., (2007), Genes IX. Jones & Bartlett.
7. Sambamurty A. V. S. S., (2007), Molecular Genetics, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi.
Course Code
Title
: BIOC 43794
:Biophysics and Molecular Modeling
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
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describe theoretical and practical aspects of modern enzyme kinetics
apply physical phenomena and processes to describe the structure, dynamics, interactions, and
functions of biological systems at molecular level
appreciate the important role of biophysical methods in modern biomolecular research and technology
describe the importance of biomolecular modeling in designing novel drugs in pharmaceutical
research
explore the possibilities of performing computer simulations to manipulate, and optimize 3D models of
biomolecules using various software in a laboratory environment.
Course contents:
Advanced Enzyme Kinetics
The steady state of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction; The Briggs-Haldane treatment; The reversible MichaelisMenten mechanism; Practical aspects of kinetic studies; Inhibition and activation of enzymes, catalytic poisons,
types of reversible inhibition, linear inhibition, specific inhibition, mixed inhibition etc, inhibition by a
competing substrate, hyperbolic activation and inhibition;Multi substrate system; Use of isotopes for studying
enzyme mechanism; Fast reaction; Burst kinetics; Active site titration analysis of enzyme kinetic data.
Biophysics
Molecular forces in biological structures; Conformations of macromolecules; Protein folding dynamics and
prediction, DNA twisting; Molecular associations, co-operativity, allosteric interactions, protein association in
membranes; Diffusion and Brownian motion; Ion permeation and membrane potential;Cellular homeostasis,
action potentials; Conversion of chemical energy to mechanical force, biomechanics; Use of physical methods,
UV/ VIS, IR CD, Mass, NMR spectroscopyfor the study of bimolecular structure and organization, COSY,
TOCSY and NOESY NMR techniques; Macromolecular crystallography, X-ray crystallography for the study
of bimolecular structure.
Molecular Modeling
Concept of molecular modeling; Force field models; Energy landscapes and minimization methods; Computer
simulation methods, molecular dynamics simulation methods, Monte Carlo simulation; Conformational
analysis; Protein structure prediction, sequence analysis and protein folding, docking; Free energy calculations
through simulations; Pharmacoinformatics to discover and design new drugs.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem-based learning.
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Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1. Andrew et al., Molecular Modeling Principles and Applications, (2001), Pearson Education Ltd.
2. Arrondo J.L.R., Alonso A, Advanced Techniques in Biophysics, (2006), Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg.
3. Freshet A., (1993), Enzyme Structure and Mechanism, Freeman.
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4. Holtje et al., (2008), Molecular modeling, Basic Principles and Applications,, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH &
Co.
5. Meyer B. Jackson, (2006), Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, Cambridge University Press, New York.
6. Moore E., (2006), The Molecular world, Molecular Modeling and Bonding, Concepts of Genetics,
Pearson Education Inc.
Course Code
Course Title:
BIOC 43802
Clinical Biochemistry
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
 explain the concept of evidence based medicine
 explain the pathophysiology of selected diseases and explain the detection and quantification of
biomarkers for these diseases in body fluids
 explain the common reproductive and pregnancy disorders and common metabolic disorders of the
newborn and screening methods for these disorders
 understand the organization of a laboratory handling biological samples and demonstrate the methods
of quantitative and qualitative determination of relevant biomarkers in biological samples.
Course contents:
Concept of evidence based medicine. Pathogenesis of selected diseases and fluctuations of biomarkers during
disease. Quantification of these biomarkers in body fluids. Reproductive disorders, disorders of pregnancy and
detection of markers in those disorders. Inborn errors ofmetabolism and screening of newborn. Clinical
toxicology; Detection of drugs of abuse, toxic metals and other selected substances in body fluids. Collection,
preservation, transport and handling of biological samples. Automation and information handling in such
laboratories.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
Recommended reading:
1. Burtis C.A., Ashwood E.R., Bruns D.E. (Eds.) (2008) Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical
Chemistry, 6th Edition, Elsevier.
2. Burtis C.A., Ashwood E.R., Bruns D.E. (Eds.) (2005) Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry
and Molecular Diagnostics, 4th Edition, Elsevier.
3. Guidelines on standard operating procedures for clinical chemistry, Sept. 2000, WHO
4. Richard A. McPherson and Matthew R. Pincus (Eds.) (2012) Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and
Management by Laboratory Methods, 22nd Edition, Elsevier
Course Code : BIOC 43812
Course Title : Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course unit, the student should be able to
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apply laboratory skills to isolate and manipulate native proteins from biological sources
use bioanalytical techniques to detect, quantify and check purity of proteins
develop methods to evaluate biological activity of enzymes and proteins
design, experiments and estimate kinetic parameters of enzymes
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apply standard methods to detect, quantify, and synthesize pharmaceutical drugs
apply methods to analyze nutritional quality parameters of foods
Course content:
Protein purification
by affinity chromatography, hydrophobic ion chromatography, dye ligand
chromatography; Use of alginate for enzyme immobilization; Enzyme assays, analysis of enzyme kinetic data;
Immuno precipitation reactions, immuno assays, immuno electrophoresis; Synthesis and analysis of
pharmaceuticals, qualitatitive and quantitative measurements in body fluids; Detection of nutrition quality of
raw and processed food.
Method of teaching and learning: Two 7 hour laboratory classes per week for 5 Weeks, pre-labs and
assignments
Assessment: Continuous assessment and end of course unit examination
Recommended reading:
1. Kirk R.S., Sawyer R., (1997),Pearson’s Composition and Analysis of Foods, Longman Group UK
2.Minch M. M. J., (1989),Experiments in Biochemistry, Prentice Hall.
3. Plummer D. T., (1987),An Introduction to Practical Biochemistry, McGraw Hill.
4. Robyt J.F, White B.J., (1990), Biochemical Techniques, Theory and Practices, Waveland Press, Illinois.
Course Code : BIOC 43822
Course Title : Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course unit, the student should be able to,
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perform gene manipulation techniques competently and apply techniques in basic research
extract, organize and interpret molecular data and estimate various genetic parameters
exploit the use of molecular markers to track useful traits
use bioinformatic methods competently to address specific biological questions.
apply laboratory skills for the development of various biotechnological tools for human use.
Course content:
Extraction of DNA, mRNA from various tissues, restriction analysis, and map construction; Computer based
probe and primer designing; Synthesis of cDNA, RT PCR techniques; PCR based DNA typing, PCR-RFLP
typing, Detection of DNA polymorphism, estimation of genetic diversity, construction of dendrograms;
Development of DNA markers; Mutagenesis and generation of novel microbial strains; Sequencing DNA;
Computer analysis of protein and DNA sequences.
Method of teaching and learning: Two 7 hour laboratory classes per week for 5 Weeks, pre-labs and
assignments
Assessment: Continuous assessment and end of course unit examination
Recommended reading:
1. Dillon et al., (1985),Recombinant DNA Methodology, John Wiley & Sons.
2. Fred M. Ausubel et al, (2006), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons.
3. Sambrook J., Frtsch E.F and Maniatis T., (1989),Molecular Cloning a Laboratory Manual,2nd Ed. Vol. 1,
2, and 3. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
4. Zyskind J.W. and Bernstein S. I., (1992), Recombinant DNA Laboratory Manual, Academic Press, Inc.
Course Code : BIOC 43832
Course Title : Concepts in Biochemistry
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Learning outcomes :Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to understand
and relate principals of biochemical/biotechnological concepts to modern applications in the disciplines.
Course contents;
Overall course material covered in Biochemistry and molecular biology and recent literature published on the
advances and developments in the above fields.
Method of teaching and learning ; Survey of related literature and self study
Assessment; End of semester examination
Reading material;
Review articles, related to current advances in the field recommended by the staff member, and reading
material recommended for all core Biochemistry , Molecular biology and Biotechnology courses.
Course Code : BIOC 43841
Course Title : Industrial / Professional Placement
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to
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use laboratory skills in industrial applications
develop creative thinking, accumulate skills needed to work in an industry that will help them in
their future careers
Course contents:
An industrial training on application of principles of the biochemistry at a biochemistry resource based industry
or institution that carryout biochemistry related work/research to improve their laboratory and generic skills
Method of teaching and learning: Training under the supervisor and guidance of academic staff and relevant
industry for ten weeks
Assessment: Oral presentation and evaluation of the progress report submitted by the trainee
Recommended reading : Research papers, review articles, text books related to the work carried out in the
industry/research institute.
Course Code:
Course Title:
BIOC 43854
Food Technology and Nutrition
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
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describe the structure and physiochemical properties of major food components and their use in the
food industry
explain biochemical changes occurring in raw foods
describe effect of processing on food colors, flavors, odours and nutritional quality
discuss technology behind processing of food products
describe the maintenance of nutritional status for the well being of human health
Course contents:
Food Chemistry
Food carbohydrates, lipids and protein, their structure, occurrence, physiochemical properties, and application in
food industry; Biochemical changes occur in raw foods, meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, cereal and milk etc;
Biochemistry of food spoilage, browning, rancidity, staling etc; Food additives, preservatives, antimicrobials,
sweeteners and others; Food colors, natural and artificial food colours, effect of processing on food colours;
Flavours and odour, chemical basis of taste, sweet, salty, bitter and sour compounds, flavour enhancement,
odour and molecular structure, olfaction, flavours and odours in common foods, effect of food processing on
flavours and odours; Food contaminants, natural toxicants, allergens, manmade pollutants, undesirable by
products of food processing.
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Food technology
Biochemistry and technology behind the processing of dairy products, fats and oil products, nonalcoholic
beverages, bakery products, fish and meat products, confectionaries, fruit and vegetables; Effect of food
processing on nutritional quality, food packaging; Food safety, legislation and regulation.
Nutrition
Food nutrients; Energy values of foods and energy expenditure by mammalians; Nutritive value of foods –
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, mineral elements, and water; Nutritional disorders, prevention and
therapy; Nutritional status and nutritional requirement dietary allowances; Assessment of nutritional status;
Nutritional requirements in relation to physical activity and ageing, diet and disease; Obesity and under nutrition
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1. Coultate T.P., (1996), Food the Chemistry of its Components, RSC, Cambridge.
2 Fennemea O.R.,(1996), Food Chemistry, Marcel Dekker Inc.
3. Ramaswarmy H. and Marcotte M., (2006), Food Processing Principles and Applications, Taylor and
Francis Publishers, US.
4. Richardson T. and Finley J. W., (1997), Chemical Changes in Food during Processing, CBS Publishers, India.
5. VaclavikV.A., (1998), Essentials of Food Science, Chapman and Hall, USA.
6. Vonloesecke H. W., (2001),Outlines of Food Technology, Agrobios, India.
7. Whiteney E.N., Boyle M.A., (1987), Understanding Nutrition, Arnold, London.
8. Wickramanayake T.W., (1996), Food and Nutrion, Hector Kobbakaduwa Agarian Research Publishers.
Course Code
Course Title
: BIOC 43863
: Current Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to
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utilize the knowledge on genome-wide transcriptional regulation to study human, animal
regulation, diseases and therapeutics
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of biochemical and molecular biology skills
and plant gene
Course contents:
Current Topics in Biochemistry and molecular biology
Gene regulatory network, regulatory regions, Epigenetic regulation, Transcriptional regulation by non-coding
RNA, Nuclear architecture and other related current topics in biochemistry and molecular biology
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions, discussions of selected
classic papers in the field and problem-based learning,
Assessment: Continuous assessment and / or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1. Connell D.L.P. and Richardson B., (1999), Introduction to Ecotoxicology. Blackwell Science, Oxford
2. Timbrell J., (2002), Introduction to Toxicology, Taylor and Francis Publishing.
3.Latchman D, (2010), Gene Control, Garland Science.
4.Latchman D, (1997), Landmarks in Gene Regulation, Portland Press.
5 Review papers and journal articles related to current topics
Course Code
Course Title
: BIOC 43874
: Molecular Markers and TransgenicTechnology
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Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to
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describe theoretical basis of various molecular marker systems and apply systems for crop, livestock
improvement and diagnostics
describe scientific principles and methodologies underlying transgenic technology and apply methods
in basic research.
critically evaluate advantages, disadvantages, ethical issues, potential biosafety risks associated with
GMOs and GMFs.
explain and discuss the general theoretical backgrounds of cell, tissue and organ culture of plants and
animals
critically evaluate the value of tissue culture techniques for crop improvement, and germplasm
conservation.
Molecular Markers
Molecular marker systems; Marker system selection; Mapping strategies, recombinant inbredlines, bulk
segregant analysis, near isogenic lines, mapping disease resistance genes, mapping QTL, mapping human
disease genes; Construction of genetic and physical maps, linkage mapping; Marker assisted selection in
breeding; Use of DNA markers in plant and animal authentification and genetic diversity studies ;Use of various
DNA and protein markers in diseases diagnosis; Human DNA fingerprinting in forensics, multiplex–STR
mapping methods, CODIS, statistical analysis of DNA profile data and quality control, legal and ethical
considerations.
Transgenic technology
Design of gene transfer cassettes; Use of selectable markers and reporter genes, Direct and indirect
transformation techniques; Choice of expression system; Integration and inheritance of the transgene, knockout
production, analysis and confirmation of the integration, control of transgene expression, problems and
limitations with gene transfer, integration, and expression; Plants resistant to pests, diseases, herbicides and
stress conditions; Plants with modified nutritional qualities; Plants producing biochemicals and edible vaccines,
animal bioreactors and molecular pharming; Transgenic breeding strategies; In vitro fertilization (IVF)
technology, embryo transfer and embryo splitting; Safety regulations for transgenics; Identification of GMOs;
Ethical issues related to GMOs and GMFs, consumer acceptance, IPR in biotechnology.
Tissue Culture
Callus and suspension culture techniques; Invitro-regeneration pathways, organogenesis, and somatic
embryogenesis; Soma clonal variation; Micro propagation methods, advantages of clonal propagation; Virus
free plants; Germplasm conservation, improved methods for cryopreservation; Animal cell, organ and embryo
culture techniques; Importance of stem cells, tissue transplantation, xenotransplantation, therapeutic cloning and
tissue engineering.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1. Channarayappa, (2006), Molecular Biotechnology, Principles and Practice, Universities Press Pvt Ltd.
2. Dubey R.C., (2006), A Text Book of Biotechnology, S. Chand& Company Ltd.
3. Kumar H. D., (2000), Modern Concepts of Biotechnology, Vikas Publishing.
4. Primrose S. B., (1987), Modern Biotechnology, Blackwell Publishing.
5. Smith J. E., (2004), Biotechnology, CambridgeUniversity Press.
6. Street H. E.,(1974) ,Tissue Culture and Plant Science, Academic Press- London and NY.
Course Code : BIOC 43884
Course Title : Bioprocess Technology
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this course unit, students should be able to,
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understand that biological processes have high functionality and fidelity that can be exploited.
discuss the advantages and limitations of the use of biological material and processes.
synthesize ideas from the various themes how these processes may be exploited in an applied, situation.
formulate, optimize bioprocesses for bio-production of materials in the industrial scale.
discuss the potential hazards associated with modern biotechnology in a large scale commercial
environment.
Bioprocess technology
Concepts of bioprocess technology; Microbes and their industrial importance; Major microbial metabolic
pathways, genetic and metabolic pathway regulation and transport mechanisms, metabolic networks, flux
analysis and pathway engineering; Bioreactor design, operation and control, scale up and scale down, various
reactor types, immobilized cell reactor systems; Biomass growth, substrate uptake and product formation, mass
and heat balances; Choice of culture method, batch, fed batch and continuous culture techniques; Enzymes as
biocatalysts, immobilized enzyme reactor systems, biocatalyst presentation; Downstream processing and
product recovery; Bioprocess methodologies for animal, mammalian and plant cells, bioprocess technology for
the production of plant, microbial primary and secondary metabolites, Utilization of GMOs in bioprocessing,
benefits and potential hazards; Industrial enzymes; Solid substrate fermentation; Importance and industrial use
of mixed cultures, biological waste treatment; Biomass production from agro residues; Biocatalysts to produce
energy from biomass, biofuels;
Biofertilizer technology, formulation methods of biofertilizers and
biopesticides; Production of biocompatible materials, bioplastics; Bioprocesses technology in medicine,
implants for clinical use; Procedures for quality control, potential hazards and ethics.
Method of teaching and learning: A combination of lectures, tutorial discussions and problem based learning.
Assessment: Continuous assessment and /or end of course examination
Recommended reading:
1. Arnold L.,Dermain E., Davies, (1999), Manual of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, ASM Press.
2. EL-Mansi E.M.T. and Bryce C.F.A., (1999),Fermentation Microbiology and Biotechnology, Taylor Francis, USA.
3. Higgins, I J, Best D.J. and Jones J., (1985), Biotechnology Principles and Applications, Blackwell
Scientific Publication, Australia.
4. Kannaiyan S., (2002),Biotechnology of Fertilizers, Alpha Science International Ltd.
5. Rastall R., (2007), Novel Enzyme Technology for Food Applications, Woodhead Publishing Ltd.
6. Smith J. E., (1997), Biotechnology, CambridgeUniversity Press.
Course Code : BIOC 43891
Course Title : Seminar
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course unit, the student should be able to
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develop knowledge and presentation skills in delivering a scientific seminar on a selected topic.
Course content:
Search, select and gather information on a given topic based on a review article selected by an academic staff
member. Prepare a suitable presentation and present it to an audience of academics.
Method of teaching and learning: Literature survey, self-study, small group discussion, use of feedback from
appointed academic staff member.
Assessment: Seminar presentation and oral examination
Recommended reading: A review article on a selected topic, identified by a senior academic staff member and
other related literature.
Course Code : BIOC 43908
Course Title : Research Project / Dissertation
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Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course unit, the student should be able to;
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demonstrate skills to plan and carryout a research project on a Biochemistry related topic,
following the scientific process
accumulate and analyze experimental data, interpret and report the results in scientific manner
present and defend research findings to the scientific community by a seminar.
think scientifically, simulate research investigations in real life.
Course content: A research project in biochemical science or in a related area.
Method of teaching and learning: Literature survey, laboratory and/or field work, data analysis and
interpretation, dissertation, presentations.
Assessment: progress reports, dissertation, presentations, viva - voce examination
Recommended reading:
1. Research abstracts, research papers, review articles and text books related to the research carried out.
2. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC
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