Course Code : ABF 217

Course Title : Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Weekly lecture and application hours of the course: 3-2

Course Description:Introductory course into Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with focus on applications in plant, animal and food sciences.The course provides an important background for the students of all three options and covers the central dogma of Molecular Biology (DNAreplication and repair, transcription and translation), regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetic recombination inbacteria and viruses (conjugation, transduction, transfection), genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology, gene promoter analysis andplasmids). Biotechnology and creation of high producing plants. Creation of resistant plants to disease, viruses, herbicides, insects or cold. Genetransformation protocols. Genetic application usage of Agrobacterium for DNA engineering transfer and creation of transgenic plants forpharmaceutical products, food production, resistance to herbicides, Lepidoptera and viruses. Transgenic Animals and genetically modifiedmicroorganisms used in food industry. Risks from genetically modified organisms. The future and ethics of biotechnology. The course includeslectures and lab practical’s.

Textbooks and supplementary books:

  1. Molecular Biology, 2nd Edition by Clark & Pazdernik ISBN : 9780123785947 ISBN :9780123785954

  2. An Introduction to Biotechnology, 1st Edition, The Science, Technology and Medical Applications by W  Godbey  ISBN :9781907568282 ISBN :9781908818485

Course Evaluation:

  • Class Participation 10%,

  • Mid-term Examination 30%,

  • Assignments 10%,

  • Final Examination 50%,

Attendance 95%compulsory