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 2024 in Semester 1 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2024 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 2024 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Prohibition: BTH1011
Overview
This unit will cover classical and modern biotechnology, including recent developments in molecular biology and its applications in agriculture, food, medicine and the environment. This includes an introduction to bio-prospecting and pharmaceuticals; genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics; environmental and industrial biotechnology and current issues and concerns surrounding biotechnology. Related topics in human genome project, risk assessment, biosafety and genetically modified organisms and crops, cloning, patents, ethics, intellectual property rights and the regulatory framework for biotechnology will be discussed.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First 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 applied within the field of 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 written form.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Lectures36 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
The semester workload requirement for this unit is 144 hours that includes scheduled learning activities (60 hours, made up of 36 hours lecture and 24 hours tutorials) and independent study (84 hours).
Moodle will be the main electronic depository for subject material and interaction with lecturing staff (outside class times).
Lectures will be used to deliver the formal unit content. Tutorials will be held weekly where you will participate in interactive activities, discussion sessions, and informal evaluations Teaching staff will guide and provide feedback to help you complete your assignments and weekly exercises.
Learning resources
Required resources
Biotechnology: an illustrated primer (2016). Rolf D. Schmid and Claudia Schmidt-Dannert.
Recommended resources
Biotechnology fundamentals, 3rd Ed. (2020). Firdos Alam Khan.
Principles of biotechnology (2018). Christina A. Crawford.
Technology resources
The BTH1802 Moodle website is used extensively to upload lecture materials and assessments. Announcements and other information are uploaded to this portal from time to time. The main tutorial forum is located here for interaction with the teaching staff. You are urged to familiarise yourself with this Moodle site and to regularly access these information and resources to stay updated.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Adeline Ting
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Teng Suk Kuan
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BTH1802?
BTH1802 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BTH1802 offered?
In 2024, BTH1802 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia.
Does BTH1802 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.