Universitat Internacional de Catalunya - Barcelona

Genetic Engineering and Experimental Models

• code 13491
• course 2
• term Semester 2
• type OB
• credits 3

Matter: BIOMEDICAL TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Head instructor

Dr. Adam RANSON - aranson@uic.es

Other instructors

Dr. Pedro MATEOS APARICIO - pmateosaparicio@uic.es

This course explores the methods and applications of genetic engineering. We will gain a broad understanding of the molecular tools which allow us to modify genetic material by cutting and joining DNA sequences from distinct organisms. We will learn about the range of 'model' organisms which can be genetically manipulated using these precise molecular tools, and the types of knowledge this allows us to gain about the function of the genetic system. We will also learn about the medical, industrial and forensic applications of genetic engineering technology. Finally we will consider the most recent developments in technology to manipulate genes and the future of genetic engineering.

Basic knowledge on Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics.

• Gain a knowledge of the molecular toolkit of molecular cloning and genetic engineering more broadly.
• Understand the steps of a typical experiment in the field of molecular cloning.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different types of host cells and model organisms.
• Understand some specific examples of the application of genetic technologies in medical, industrial and forensic contexts.
• Understand the current state of the art approaches to genetic engineering.

• Identify and know how to apply genetic engineering concepts to the Biomedical Sciences field.
• Transmit in a clear and unambiguous way to a specialised or non-specialised audience, the results of scientific and technological research projects and innovation from the field of the most advanced innovation, as well as the most important concepts which they are based on.
• Understand, critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret and communicate scientific and health care information.
• Be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving using the scientific method.
• Ability for critical thinking, creativity and constructive skepticism with a focus on research within professional practice.

• Identify the fundamentals and apply the methodology described for genetic modification of organisms.
• Identify the main nonhuman experimental model organisms used in the study of human diseases and knows the theory of animal experimentation organisms.
• Understand and properly use scientific terminology and concepts used in the field of cell biology.
• Search, organize and effectively communicate scientific information.
• Develop a critical spirit.
• Train the ability to discuss complex concepts and present hypotheses.

Lectures:

Unit 1: Tools to work with DNA

Unit 2: Host cells and vectors

Unit 3: Cloning strategies

Unit 4: Medical and forensic applications

Unit 5: Experimental models

Unit 6: State of the art and the future

Practical classes:

1st Practical class: Cut and Paste: Role of restriction enzymes. (Computer room)

2nd Practical class: Vectors: The vehicle of DNA.  (Computer room)

3rd Practical class: Cloning procedure. (Lab)

4th Practical class: Result discussion and interpretation. (Lab)

5th Practical class: Visit transgenic/viral facility TBC

Lecture: Explanation of a theoretical topic by the instructor, during 50 minutes.

Practical lessons:  Experimental demonstration in the laboratory about concepts studied in theoretical classes. Familiarization with the most frequent experimental techniques used at a biochemistry laboratory.

10% evaluation of practicals, 10% short evaluations after lectures, 10% attitude and participation, 10% presentation on model organisms and 60% final test.

• 10% - Practical class test. Multiple choice tests based on practical class.
• 10% - Short multiple choice tests after 2 lectures.
• 10% - Attitude and Participation in class. Participation, initiative and attitude during the class and assigned practical tasks will be evaluated.
• 10% - Quality of presentations on model organisms.
• 60% - Final test: multiple choice test. Includes all the material seen in class. It is essential to pass this test in order to pass the subject.

To pass the subject you must obtain a minimum of 5 in the final exam.

An Introduction to Genetic Engineering: Third Edition. Nicholl, Desmond. Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Molecular Biology of the Cell: Sixth Edition. Alberts, Bruce, Johnson, Alexander D., Lewis, Julian, Morgan, David, Raff, Martin, Roberts, Keith, Walter, Peter. New York : Garland Science, 2015. *see chapter 8, section "Analysing and manipulating DNA".

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:

• E1 29/05/2020 16:00h
• E2 29/06/2020 11:00h