Biotechnology and Microbiology

Base Knowledge

Biology, Chemistry and English.

Teaching Methodologies

Presentation of concepts and case studies. Resolution of quizzes. Preparation of written essays and laboratory essays.

Learning Results

After attending the discipline of biotechnology is expected that each student:
a) Give examples of biological systems used for industrial manufacture of products;
b) Enumerate the basics of microbiology, analyzing and characterizing microbial growth and recognize the influence of nutritional and physical factors in growth;
c) Analyze and interpret the structure and function of biomolecules, and explain the functioning of enzyme kinetics.
d) Explain the differences between the sorts of molecular biology technologies and its relevance for obtaining new biotechnological products and / or improve their production;
e) Identify the advantages and disadvantages of immobilized biocatalysts.

Program

1. Definition of biotechnology and its application areas
2. General Microbiology concepts
a) Microbial taxonomy
b) Major organisms used in biotechnology
c) Mycology
d) Bacteriology
e) Sterilization, disinfection and asepsis (Laboratory).
f) Identification and cultivation methods of microorganisms (Laboratory).
3. Enzymatic Processes
a) Classification and nomenclature of enzymes
b) Enzyme kinetics
4. Genetic Engineering Fundamentals
a) Improvement of organisms and sources of genetic variability
b) Recombining DNA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
c) Classical mutagenesis and directed mutagenesis
5. Immobilization of biocatalysts and their applications
a) Immobilized biocatalysts and enzymatic biocatalyst applications
b) Immobilization methods
c) Reactors for immobilized biocatalysts.

Curricular Unit Teachers

Grading Methods

Periodic evaluation
  • - Weightings: 1st Test: 32.5%; 2nd Test: 32.5%; Arithmetic average of the classifications of essays: 35%. - 100.0%
Evaluation by exam
  • - Weightings: Theoretical-Practical Exam: 65%; Practical Exam: 35%. - 100.0%

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

– Cabral, J.M.S., Aires-Barros, M.R., Gama, M. (2003). Engenharia Enzimática, Lidel Edições Técnicas.
– Ferreira, W.F.C., de Sousa, J.C.F., Lima, N. (2010). Microbiologia. Lidel Edições Técnicas,
– Lima, N., Mota, M. (2008). Biotecnologia: Fundamentos e Aplicações. Lidel Edições Técnicas.
– Quintas, A., Freire, A.P., Halpern, M.J. (2014). Bioquímica – Organização Molecular da Vida. Lidel Edições Técnicas.
– Rodrigues, A.C., Ferraz, A.I. (2011) Biotecnologia – Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Publindústria.
– Voet, D., Voet, J. G., Pratt, C. W. (2018). Voet’s Principles of Biochemistry (5.ª ed.). Wiley.
– Willey, J., Sandman, K. & Wood. D. (2022). Prescott’s Microbiology (12.ª. ed). Mc-Graw Hill.