Genetic Engineering

Objectives

The objectives of this subject are to show students:

• State-of-the-art technology in genetic engineering
• Applications of genetic engineering in the development of research projects and the generation of commercial products
• Advantages and limitations of the different techniques described

Learning outcomes

1. Apply the technology and methodology for cloning and characterisation of nucleic acids and take them into account in experimental design.
2. Analyse and interpret data.
3. Identify the apropriate methodology for genome analysis and to study gene expression and function in different settings.
4. Distinguish the methodology to genetically modify living organisms.
5. Demonstrate comprehension of both spoken and written English.
6. Question and reflect on scientific, social and ethical issues.

Competencies

General skills

• Combine scientific knowledge with technical skills and technological resources to deal with problems in professional practice.

Specific skills

• Apply knowledge of the molecular basis of biological systems and basic aspects of hereditary transmission to biotechnology problems and situations in this field.
• Have oral and written skills in English for communicating results, conclusions and processes deriving from biotechnology research and process management.
• Interpret results obtained in biotechnology laboratories on the basis of correct application of laboratory protocols and basic techniques, making appropriate use of suitable instruments, with due regard for established safety standards.
• Know about subcellular structure and the cell types of organisms, and understand the processes of functional integration in organisms.
• Study and manipulate genes and their structure and mechanisms of expression in a variety of professional and research contexts.
• Use the main techniques and methods for manipulation and modification of biological systems.
• Use the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of organisms, including relationships with other organisms or agents, to design biotechnological products.
• Work properly in a laboratory, individually and in groups, with due regard for safety, sterilisation, handling, quality control, elimination of biological and chemical residues and annotated records of activities.

Basic skills

• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.

Core skills

• Exercise active citizenship and individual responsibility with a commitment to the values of democracy, sustainability and universal design, through practice based on learning, service and social inclusion.
• Interact in international and worldwide contexts to identify needs and and new contexts for knowledge transfer to current and emerging fields of professional development, with the ability to adapt to and independently manage professional and research processes.
• Use oral, written and audiovisual forms of communication, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with a high standard of use, form and content.

Content

• Basic concepts
• In vitro DNA recombination
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Prokaryotic cloning vectors
• Eukaryotic vector-host systems
• Gene libraries
• Study of gene expression
• Recombinant proteins
• Transgenic animals and plants
• Genome edition. CRISPR-CAS

Evaluation

Assessment activities represent 100% of the final course grade (NF):

• Activity 1. Written tests: 60% (NF); minimum pass mark: 4/10 ; tests may be retaken independently but you can only retake one of the two partial tests and the average of these two must be 4/10 or higher to be considered for final course grade.
• Partial test 1: 30% (NF)
• Partial test 2: 30% (NF)
• Activity 2. Questionnaires: 20% (NF)
• Activity 3. Case study: 20% (NF)

Reassessment

Each student can retake one partial test at the end of the semester in the reassessment period.

Methodology

• Presentation of theoretical aspects related to diverse technologies or methodologies
• Specific seminars on latest technology advances and applications
• Work on one case study with exercises on the techniques described during the course

Bibliography

Key references

• Brown, T. A. (2020). Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An introduction (8 ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Brown, TA. (2002). Genomes. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21128/?term=genomes%20brown
• Izquierdo, M. (2014). Curso de genética molecular e ingeniería genética. Pirámide.
• Primrose, S.B., & Twyman, R. M. (2006). Principles of gene manipulation and genomics (7 ed.). Blackwell.
• Watson, J. D., Caudy, A. A., Myers, R. M., & Witkowski, J. A. (2007). Recombinant DNA. Freeman & Co-CSHL Press.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.