| CODE | RFS2100 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Biotechnology for Rural Sciences | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Rural Sciences and Food Systems | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This is an introductory study-unit in biotechnology with special emphases on agricultural biotechnology. Following a basic understanding in genetics and cell biology, the students will be introduced to DNA technology and the characterisation of a DNA molecule. This will lead to the separation of DNA fragments by electrophoresis, DNA mapping with endonucleases and DNA sequencing amongst other techniques. This study-unit will provide an understanding of the various aspects of gene cloning and the application of genetics to the field of rural sciences. Study-unit Aims The study-unit aims at providing an understanding of the diverse molecular genetic techniques available. The students will acquire knowledge and gain hands on experience on these techniques. The study-unit attempts to show students that the possible manipulation with DNA and how this led to the evolution of the genetically-modified organisms, particularly in the field of rural sciences. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1) Demonstrate the principles of genetics in terms of modern molecular biology and biotechnology; 2) Compare and contrast the theories behind the techniques used in modern molecular cell biology; 3) Discuss critically the molecular genetic primary literature; 4) Define the basic principles and tools of genetic engineering. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1) Solve biological problems through knowledge gained on techniques used in modern molecular cell biology; 2) Manipulate physical models of DNA molecules for genetic transformation of plants; 3) Analyze protocols designed for genetically modified organisms; 4) Apply the actual and potential application of genetic engineering to agriculture. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings - Molecular biology of the gene / James D. Watson ... [et al.] 5th ed., International ed. Publisher Pearson /Benjamin Cummings, 2004, ISBN 0-321-22368-3. (Main Library). - Biotechnology : a laboratory course / Jeffrey M. Becker, Guy A. Caldwell, Eve Ann Zachgo Edition 2nd ed., Publisher Academic, 1996 ISBN 0-12-084562-8, (Main Library). - Plant Biotechnology, 2nd ed. / A. Slater, N. Scott, M. Fowler. Oxford University Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0-19-928261-6. (Main Library). |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-units: RFS1101 or related study-unit Co-requisite Study-units: RFS2400 or related study-unit |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Sonia Esposto Adrian Bugeja Douglas (Co-ord.) |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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