The course is designed for BSc/MSci Biology and Microbiology students but not restricted to them.Students should have studied aFirst year module(s) with basic microbiology content; for example, Genes Molecules and Cells (LIFE1029) and Life on Earth (LIFE1030) Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

The course will cover the key groups of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms relevant to microbial biotechnology, principles of GM and strain improvement in pro- and eukaryotes. Microbial biotechnology in the food industry, including dairy and alcohol products, organic acids. Relevance to agriculture, including biological control. The pharmaceutical industry, e.g. microbiological production of therapeutic entities. Microbial production of industrial ethanol and other biofuels. The impact of ?omics?, systems biology, synthetic biology and effects of stress on industrial microorganisms.

The aim of the course is to describe the use of yeasts, filamentous fungi and bacteria in biotechnology as it relates to the food, agriculture, medicine and other industries. The course will demonstrate how an understanding of the biology and genetics of microorganisms allows their use as cell factories for the production, and models for the discovery, of enzymes and metabolites. The course will also explore how microbial activities themselves can be exploited in processes ranging from food production to biocontrol of disease-causing organisms. The course will cover the key types of product, metabolic pathways, their regulation at the gene level, and methods for strain improvement including the use of recombinant DNA technology for ameliorating product yield and the synthesis of new products. The impact of genomics and systems biology on microbial biotechnology will be presented.

The module is based on 10 morning sessions, one per week, amounting to 30h contact time. The coursework, revision and assessment comprises a total of 45h.

The module is based on 10 morning sessions, one per week, amounting to 30h contact time. The coursework, revision and assessment comprises a total of 45h.