Guías Docentes Electrónicas
1. General information
Course:
GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Code:
13319
Type:
CORE COURSE
ECTS credits:
6
Degree:
341 - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Academic year:
2021-22
Center:
501 - FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Group(s):
40 
Year:
3
Duration:
First semester
Main language:
Spanish
Second language:
English
Use of additional languages:
English Friendly:
Y
Web site:
Bilingual:
N
Lecturer: Mª CARMEN FENOLL COMES - Group(s): 40 
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/029
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
carmen.fenoll@uclm.es
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 15 to 17 (prior appointment by email)

Lecturer: MARTA CARMEN GUADAMILLAS MORA - Group(s): 40 
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/017.2
CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA AGROFORESTAL Y GENÉTICA
Marta.Guadamillas@uclm.es
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 12.00h-14.00h (prior appointment by email)

Lecturer: Mª DEL MAR MARTIN TRILLO - Group(s): 40 
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
ICAM/0.20
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
mariamar.martin@uclm.es
Appointment by email

Lecturer: ISABEL MARTINEZ ARGUDO - Group(s): 40 
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/01
CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA AGROFORESTAL Y GENÉTICA
925 268 800
isabel.margudo@uclm.es

2. Pre-Requisites
Not established
3. Justification in the curriculum, relation to other subjects and to the profession

Knowledge and skills developed in “Genetic Engineering” are essential in any field of modern Biochemistry. They have direct applications in professional areas as basic research, diagnosis and molecular monitoring, pharmaceutical and agro-alimentary industries, and any biotechnological activity. The acquisition of these skills enables to design different strategies to generate genetic modified organisms, applicable to several fields (health, agrofood, biotechnological industries,…)

“Genetic Engineering” is fundamental to understand the experimental basis of concepts developed in other courses related to molecular biology. Biotechnology introduces to a specific and productive application of Genetic Engineering, related to other optative courses (Biotechnology and Biomedicine itineraries).


4. Degree competences achieved in this course
Course competences
Code Description
E01 Express themselves correctly in basic biological, physical, chemical, mathematical and computer terms.
E18 To know the principles of the manipulation of nucleic acids, as well as the techniques that allow the study of the gene function and the development of transgenic organisms with applications in biomedicine, industry, environment, agriculture, etc.
E31 To know and know how to apply the regulations on quality control and management and the legal and ethical bases involved in the development and application of the molecular life sciences.
G01 To possess and understand the knowledge in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at a level that, based on advanced textbooks, also includes cutting-edge aspects of relevance in the discipline
G02 To know how to apply the knowledge of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to professional practice and to possess the necessary intellectual skills and abilities for this practice, including the capacity for: information management, analysis and synthesis, problem solving, organization and planning and generation of new ideas.
G03 Be able to collect and interpret relevant data, information and results, draw conclusions and issue reasoned reports on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues in connection with advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
G04 To know how to transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to a specialized and non-specialized public.
G05 Develop those strategies and learning skills necessary to undertake further studies in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and other related areas with a high degree of autonomy.
G06 Acquire skills in the handling of computer programs including access to bibliographic, structural or any other type of databases useful in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
5. Objectives or Learning Outcomes
Course learning outcomes
Description
Become familiar with the scientific literature and with the search for and communication of scientific information.
Become familiar with experimental techniques for studying gene function.
Understand the molecular basis and applications of different methods of interrupting the specific expression of gene function.
Solve and design experiments in the field of Molecular Biology.
To know the model organisms used in biotechnology, their potential and characteristics.
To understand the potential applications of molecular biotechnology in agriculture, food, medicine, environment and industry and the main current trends and future challenges.
To know the techniques used to obtain genetically modified microorganisms, plants and animals.
Acquire the basic concepts necessary for the use of recombinant DNA technology.
Acquire the necessary scientific criteria to develop professional ethics in the application of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Additional outcomes
Description
To obtain an introductory training in holistic and reverse genetic experimental approaches in the fileds of genomics and genetic engineering
6. Units / Contents
  • Unit 1: INTRODUCTION
    • Unit 1.1: Genetic Engineering and modern Biotechnology. Multidisciplinary approach, current developmental fields and future perspectives. Theoretical basis, development and applications of recombinant DNA technologies.
  • Unit 2: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • Unit 2.1: NUCLEIC ACID MANIPULATION. DNA manipulative enzymes. Modifying and restriction mechanisms. Applications of restriction enzymes. DNA polymerases. Terminal modifying enzymes.
    • Unit 2.2: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING I: Electrophoresis. Nucleic acid labelling. Nucleic acid and protein blotting on membranes.
    • Unit 2.3: PRINCIPLES OF DNA CLONING. Prokaryotic cloning vectors. Plasmids: identification, features and types. Plasmid incompatibility. Cosmids. Cloning strategies: DNA obtaining, DNA ligation, transformation. Clone selection. Protein engineering.
    • Unit 2.4: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING II: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Variations of classical techniques: RT-PCR and quantitative PCR. Applications of PCR. Nucleic acid sequencing.
    • Unit 2.5: GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN PLANTS. Model species. Agrobacterium-mediated and direct transformation. Vectors. Selection and propagation of transgenic lines. Chloroplast transformation. Biotechnological applications.
    • Unit 2.6: GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN ANIMALS. Model species. Vectors and methods: transfection and stable transformation. Selection and propagation of transgenic animals. Biotechnological applications.
  • Unit 3: STRATEGIES BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR GENE AND FUNCTION ANALYSIS. BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.
    • Unit 3.1: GENE IDENTIFICATION. Construction of genomic libraries. Types and features. cDNA libraries. Screening methods.
    • Unit 3.2: GENE EXPRESSION: Transcript detection and quantification (Northern, RT-PCR). Reporter genes. Differential gene expression analysis. Rearrangements and RNA-seq.
    • Unit 3.3: GENE FUNCTION ANALYSIS BY MUTAGENESIS I: Mutagenesis. Directed mutagenesis. Directed molecular evolution.
    • Unit 3.4: GENE FUNCTION ANALYSIS BY MUTAGENESIS II: Reverse Genetics. Holistic (genomic) strategies. Genome-wide insertional mutations and gene trapping. Cre-Lox-based systems.
    • Unit 3.5: MODIFICATION OF GENE EXPRESSION: Promoter analysis. Promoter trapping. Constitutive and ectopic over-expression. RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing. Conditional and inducible gene expression strategies: GAL4/UAS; XVE/Olex systems.
    • Unit 3.6: MACROMOLECULE INTERACTIONS. DNA-protein interactions: EMSAs. Yeast one hybrid assay (Y1H). ChIP. Transactivation by cotransfection. Protein-protein interactions: Protein complex immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Subcellular location and protein dynamics.
    • Unit 3.7: PRECISION GENE AND GENOME EDITING. Designer meganucleases (TALEN, Zinc fingers). CRISP/Cas9 system. Present and future of genome editing systems.
    • Unit 3.8: BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS. Molecular diagnosis. Recombinant vaccines. Gene therapy. Cloning. Stem cells.
  • Unit 4: LABORATORY PRACTICE
    • Unit 4.1: GMOs IDENTIFICATION BY PCR
    • Unit 4.2: CLONING AND IDENTIFICATION OF RECOMBINANT PLASMIDS
7. Activities, Units/Modules and Methodology
Training Activity Methodology Related Competences (only degrees before RD 822/2021) ECTS Hours As Com Description
Class Attendance (theory) [ON-SITE] Lectures E01 E18 E31 G01 G02 1.36 34 N N Lectures by professor (2-3h per week).
Other off-site activity [OFF-SITE] Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) E18 E31 G02 G03 0.56 14 Y N Delivery of problems and case studies proposed by teachers. The activity is non-recoverable
Problem solving and/or case studies [ON-SITE] Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) E01 E18 E31 G02 G03 0.24 6 Y N Problem solving by students. This activity is non-recoverable.
Laboratory practice or sessions [ON-SITE] Practical or hands-on activities E01 E18 G02 G03 G05 0.6 15 Y Y Realization of laboratory practices. It is a compulsory and non-reschedulable activity. Students will have to pass an exam, which is recoverable in the extraordinary and finalization exams.
Writing of reports or projects [OFF-SITE] Group Work E01 E18 G01 G03 G06 0.16 4 Y N Elaboration of a group presentation about a relevant scientific paper. Non-recoverable
Study and Exam Preparation [OFF-SITE] Self-study E01 E18 E31 G01 G03 2.88 72 N N
Final test [ON-SITE] Assessment tests E01 E18 E31 G01 G03 0.12 3 Y Y Written exam to assess knowledge on the main contents of the course. The activity is recoverable in the extraordinary and the finalization exams
Project or Topic Presentations [ON-SITE] Combination of methods E01 E18 G01 G03 G04 0.08 2 Y N Group presentation about scientific papers. This activity is non-reschedulable.
Total: 6 150
Total credits of in-class work: 2.4 Total class time hours: 60
Total credits of out of class work: 3.6 Total hours of out of class work: 90

As: Assessable training activity
Com: Training activity of compulsory overcoming (It will be essential to overcome both continuous and non-continuous assessment).

8. Evaluation criteria and Grading System
Evaluation System Continuous assessment Non-continuous evaluation * Description
Assessment of problem solving and/or case studies 10.00% 0.00% Problem solving and case studies delivered will be assessed. This activity is non-recoverable.
Laboratory sessions 10.00% 10.00% Realization of laboratory practices is compulsory. A minimun mark of 4.0 is required. Recoverable in the second resit.
Oral presentations assessment 10.00% 10.00% Synthesis ability, overall understanding and creativity will be assessed.
Final test 70.00% 80.00% A minimum mark of 4.0 in final test is required.
Total: 100.00% 100.00%  
According to art. 4 of the UCLM Student Evaluation Regulations, it must be provided to students who cannot regularly attend face-to-face training activities the passing of the subject, having the right (art. 12.2) to be globally graded, in 2 annual calls per subject , an ordinary and an extraordinary one (evaluating 100% of the competences).

Evaluation criteria for the final exam:
  • Continuous assessment:
    By default, the participation of the student in the continuous assessment will be assumed, unless the latter states otherwise to the teacher.
    Autonomous learning capacity will be evaluated, as well as critical reasoning, through various tests as indicated in the table.
  • Non-continuous evaluation:
    For those students who express their interest to the teacher. Autonomous learning capacity will be evaluated, as well as critical reasoning, through various tests as indicated in the table.
    The final grade for the course will be calculated taking into account the percentages in the table above. The subject will be passed with a 5.
    In any case, to pass the subject it will be necessary to:
    Obtain a minimum score of 4 in the final test, have completed the lab practices and obtain a minimum of 4 in the laboratory exam.

Specifications for the resit/retake exam:
The same criteria will be followed as for the ordinary test.
The grades obtained in the different theoretical and practical tests, carried out throughout the course will be kept for the resit exam
Specifications for the second resit / retake exam:
To pass this call there will only be a final test that will account for 100% of the grade, as long as the laboratory practices have been carried out
9. Assignments, course calendar and important dates
Not related to the syllabus/contents
Hours hours

Unit 1 (de 4): INTRODUCTION
Group 40:
Initial date: 14/09/2018 End date: 14/09/2018

Unit 2 (de 4): BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
Group 40:
Initial date: 15/09/2018 End date: 21/10/2018

Unit 3 (de 4): STRATEGIES BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR GENE AND FUNCTION ANALYSIS. BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.
Group 40:
Initial date: 23/10/2018 End date: 22/12/2018

Unit 4 (de 4): LABORATORY PRACTICE
Group 40:
Initial date: 13/10/2018 End date: 30/10/2018

10. Bibliography and Sources
Author(s) Title Book/Journal Citv Publishing house ISBN Year Description Link Catálogo biblioteca
Brown, T Genomas. 3ª Edición Panamericana 978-9500614481 2008  
Glick, B; Pasternak, J and Patten, C Molecular Biotechnology. 4th Edition ASM Press 978-1555814984 2010  
Herráez, A Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Genética. 2ª Edición ELSEVIER 978-84-8086-647-7 2012 Ficha de la biblioteca
Kreuzer, H y Massey A ADN recombinante y Biotecnología Acribia 84-200-1025-1 2004 Ficha de la biblioteca
MD Rausell, Carolina Latorre, Amparo real Técnicas de Ingeniería Genética Síntesis 9788491710714 2017  
Nair, AJ Introduction to Biotechnology and genetic engineering Jones and Barlett Publishers 978-1934015162 2008  
Perera, J; Tormo, A y Garcia, JL Ingeniería genética. Volumen I: Preparación, análisis, manipulación y clonaje de DNA. Síntesis 84-7738-966-7 2002  
Perera, J; Tormo, A y Garcia, JL Ingeniería genética. Volumen II: Expresión de DNA en sistemas heterólogos Síntesis 84-7738-966-7 2002  
Primrose S and Twyman, R Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics. 8th edition Balckwell 978-1405156660 2012 Prevista su publicación  
Primrose S and Twyman, R Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics. 7th edition Blackwell 978-1405135443 2006  
Renneberg, R Biotecnología Reverte 978-8429174830 2008  
Thiemann, W y Palladin, M Introducción a la Biotecnología.2ª edición Pearson education 978-8478291175 2010  



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