BTH1802 Fundamentals of biotechnology
Faculty of Science
BTH1802 Fundamentals of biotechnology is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BTH1802
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BTH1802
No unit lists BTH1802 as a prerequisite in the 2021 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Prohibition: BTH1011
Overview
This unit will cover classical and modern biotechnology, including recent developments in molecular biology and its applications in such diverse areas as agriculture, forestry, food, medicine and marine sciences. This includes an introduction to bio-prospecting and pharmaceuticals; genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics; environmental and industrial biotechnology and the current issues and concerns surrounding biotechnology. Related topics such as human genome project, risk assessment, biosafety and genetically modified organisms and crops, cloning, patents, ethics intellectual property rights and the regulatory framework for biotechnology in various countries will be discussed.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Biotechnology product investigation5%
- Quizzes (2 x 7.5% )15%
- Review of a biotechnology topic10%
- Web pages/mini-poster describing a biotechnology product20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental techniques and the basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology that are required for biotechnology;
- 2
Demonstrate an understanding of the applications and impact of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and industry;
- 3
Assess and manage occupational health and safety issues related to biotechnology activities in the laboratory and in environmental and industrial settings;
- 4
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of biotechnology business, intellectual property rights, and the regulatory framework governing the biotechnology industry;
- 5
Apply knowledge of the fundamental ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the biotechnology field;
- 6
Communicate biotechnology findings effectively in the form of oral and written scientific reports.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Lectures36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
Three 1-hour lectures and two 1-hour online tutorials per week
Lectures will be used to deliver the formal unit content. Tutorials will be held weekly where students will be given exercises that test their understanding of each week’s lectures. Tutors will guide and provide feedback to help students complete their Assignments. There will be interactive learning, e.g., discussions on selected topics and informal quizzes.
Moodle will be the main electronic depository for subject material and interaction with lecturing staff (outside class times).
Learning resources
Required resources
Smith, J.E. (2009). Biotechnology (Studies in Biology) , 5 th Edition, Cambridge University Press.
Daugherty, E., 2007, Biotechnology – Science for the New Millennium , Paradigm Publishers.
Recommended resources
Barnum, S. R., 2005, Biotechnology – An Introduction, 2 nd Edition, Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Herren, Ray V., 2005, Introduction to Biotechnology: An Agricultural Revolution, Thomson Delmar Learning.
Rudolph, F. B. and McIntire, L. V., 1996, Biotechnology: Science, Engineering and Ethical Challenges for the 21st Century, Joseph Henry Press, Washington, D.C.
Acquaah, G., 2004, Understanding Biotechnology , Pearson Prentice Hall.
Technology resources
The BTH1802 Moodle website is used extensively to upload lecture notes and assessments. Announcements and other information are uploaded to this portal from time to time. Therefore it is the responsibility of all students to regularly check BTH1802 Moodle site for these information and stay updated.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Kumaran Narayanan
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Kumaran Narayanan
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BTH1802?
BTH1802 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BTH1802 offered?
In 2021, BTH1802 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia.
Does BTH1802 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.