| Code |
12836
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| Year |
3
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| Semester |
S2
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| ECTS Credits |
6
|
| Workload |
PL(15H)/T(30H)/TP(15H)
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| Scientific area |
Biochemistry
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|
Entry requirements |
Not Applicable
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Mode of delivery |
Face-to-face
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|
Work placements |
Not applicable
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Learning outcomes |
This course unit (CU) is organized into three distinct modules. The goal is to provide to students theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of genetic engineering, namely to understand the various tools of molecular biology that can be used in biotechnology and biochemistry.
At the end of this CU students must be able to:
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of different types of vectors, as well as the use of prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
- Describe the fundamentals of the various molecular tools required for the manipulation of genes and vectors.
- Describe several applications of genetic engineering in the fields of Biotechnology and Biochemistry.
- Know and to use databases and software for acquisition and analysis of DNA sequences.
- Know and to use the PCR technique to amplify a gene.
- Clone a gene into a commercial plasmid, as well as selecting and analysis of recombinant clones.
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Syllabus |
Theoretical Program
1. Introduction to genetic engineering
2. Enzymes: restriction enzymes; DNA modifying; DNA ligase
3. Host cells and vectors: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic
4. Getting DNA into cells: transformation; transfection; packaging phage DNA in vitro; electroporation;
microinjection; biolistic
5. Construction of cDNA and genomic libraries
6. Gene cloning: synthesis of recombinant proteins
7. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
8. Selection, screening, and analysis of recombinants
9. Bioinformatics aplied to genetics
10. Applications: Recombinant proteins; genetic modified organisms; gene therapy; Development of novel
vectors.
Practical program
- To search and analysis of DNA sequences using informatics tools
- Gene amplification by PCR
- Cloning of PCR product into pGEM-T easy vector, and transformation of competent cells
- Plasmid DNA extraction, enzymatic digestion and electrophoresis
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Main Bibliography |
1. Desmond S.T. Nicholl; An introduction to genetic engineering; 3rd Edition, Cambridge, 2008
2. Arnaldo Videira; Engenharia Genética-Princípios e Aplicações; 2ª Edição, LIDEL, 2011.
3. S.B. Primrose and R.M. Twyman; Principles of gene manipulation and genomics; 7th Edition, Blackwell publishing, 2009.
4. A.J. Nair; Introduction to biotechnology and genetic engineering; Infinity Science Press LLC, 2008.
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
In the theoretical modules, specific objectives are proposed to students in order to be attained using the
bibliography. Students make short presentations with discussing of the contents with professor and colleagues.
In addition, several flashcards are resolved and discussed on classes. The practical module includes classes of
bioinformatics, gene cloning and analysis of recombinants. The bioinformatics classes are held in computer
rooms where students have the opportunity to use various informatics tools. Regarding to laboratory classes,
students have the opportunity to use specific laboratories to perform an experimental protocol.
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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