Molecular Biotechnology

Knowledge:

Molecular Biotechnology focuses on how to apply a thorough knowledge on fundamental molecular biology, genetics and protein chemistry to rationalize recombinant protein production on a lab scale as well as on an industrial scale. The student will gain in depth knowledge on the organisms used in industry for recombinant protein production. This will include bacteria, eukaryotic microorganisms and mammalian cell lines as well as intact organisms. The student will obtain knowledge to select the most optimal host cell for production of a specific protein.

Skills:

The student gains core competences within recombinant protein production as an important tool in the research laboratory and a billion dollar business for the biotech industry. A number of different cell factories are available for recombinant protein production. The degree of confidence with recombinant protein production obtained during the course allows the student to evaluate benefits and draw backs related to selection of host organism and protein purification. The student will get familiar with how to optimize recombinant protein production by applying methods from molecular biology, genetics and protein science. The student will be able to critically evaluate the potential of a specific host organism in relation to the intended application of the recombinant protein.

Competences:

The competences obtained by the student include

• to interpret and evaluate data from the scientific literature related to recombinant protein production

• to design recombinant protein production and purification experiments

• to select an expression host compatible with desired quality of the recombinant protein product

• to evaluate possibilities for setting up recombinant protein production on a laboratory and industrial scale

• to make a literature study on a subject related to recombinant protein production and make an oral presentation of the outcome.