Biotechnology lab (for CGC)

ChE-433 / 4 credits

Teacher: Pick Horst

Language: English

Withdrawal: It is not allowed to withdraw from this subject after the registration deadline.

Summary

This laboratory-training course is designed to give students a comprehensive insight into laboratory research techniques in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical biotechnology with practices employed in the industry. Accompanying lectures provide the theoretical background.

Content

  • Engineering of a synthetic gene encoding human pro-insulin using recombinant DNA techniques
  • Basic animal/human cell culture training (Aseptic techniques, quantification of cell growth, cell passaging, adherent and suspension cells cultures, determination of cell viability).
  • Engineering of a stable mammalian cell line using a transposon-based approach (Production of a recombinant protein for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Bioreactor training for pharmaceutical protein production (Fed-batch culture, daily sampling for analysis: cell density, viability, glucose, lactate, glutamine).
  • Pharmaceutical protein purification, SDS-page, ELISA, Mass spectrometry analysis.
  • Production and purification of an anti-Rhesus D monoclonal antibody.
  • Production and purification of a recombinant anti-tuberculosis vaccine.

 

Keywords

Cell culture technologies, therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant vaccines, bioreactor, affinity purification, ELISA, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, recombinant DNA techniques.

 

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Recommended courses:

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (ChE-436)

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of biotechnology
  • Demonstrate technical skills in methods of biotechnology
  • Manage working in a team to organise laboratory activities
  • Choose an appropriate method for obtaining experimental data
  • Demonstrate the safe use and disposal of chemicals and biological samples
  • Demonstrate the development of analytical skills for the management and communication of experimental data
  • Demonstrate understanding of typical conventions of lab or experimental reports
  • Elaborate good scientific writing, appropriate use of scientific literature and scientific data presentation (Figures/tables)

Transversal skills

  • Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
  • Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.

Teaching methods

Lectures, laboratory training

 

Expected student activities

Hands-on lab experiments, lab reports

 

Assessment methods

During the semester

  • Three written tests (20 %)
  • Lab participation (10 %)
  • Three written lab reports (70 %)

 

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Biotechnology lab (for CGC)
  • Practical work: 6 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Biotechnology lab (for CGC)
  • Practical work: 6 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Biotechnology lab (for CGC)
  • Practical work: 6 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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