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Applied Synthetic Microbiology (B-KUL-I0I28A)

4 ECTSEnglish26 First term
Aertsen Abram
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

Aims

Acquiring insight into (i) the potential that microorganisms and their derived products offer for biotechnological applications in various sectors (medical, industrial, ecological), and into (ii) the synthetic biology engineering strategies used to exploit and improve this potential.

At the end of the course, students are expected to integrate the gained insights, and apply them in the design of microbial strains, genetic circuits, enzymes, etc. for particular purposes.

Previous knowledge

Strong basis and interest in microbiology and gene technology.

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
I0P57A : Toepassingsdomeinen in de biotechnologie: micro-organisme (No longer offered this academic year)

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Applied Synthetic Microbiology (B-KUL-I0I28a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture26 First term
Aertsen Abram
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

Content

The latest insights and developments in the merging fields of synthetic microbiology and microbial biotechnology will be discussed in the context of various (i.e. medical, industrial or ecological) application domains.
More specifically, the use, design and engineering of microorganisms, bacteriophages and their derived regulatory circuits, metabolic pathways, enzymes and metabolites is discussed in the context of:

  • biosensors and reporters (diagnostics, detection of pollutants and contaminants, ...)
  • therapeutic agents (probiotics, anti-tumor therapy, ...)
  • the production of valuable molecules and enzymes (therapeutics, metabolites, toxins, bio-catalysts, extremozymes, ...)
  • the production of renewable energy (bio-fuels, microbial fuel cells, ...)

 

Course material

See Toledo for slides, literature and additional information.

Format: more information

Lectures, seminars and exercise session.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Applied Synthetic Microbiology (B-KUL-I2I28a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation


The evaluation of this course consists of a written, closed-book exam with knowledge, insight and application questions.

The student passes this course when the obtained total end score for this course is 50% (10/20) or higher.