2025
Biotechnology
Name: Biotechnology
Code: BIO12356L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
1. Understanding Genetic Engineering as an integrated science from several other scientific areas, with
focus on a Biologic point of view
2. The teaching will be directed for the familiarization of techniques for the creation of added value from
new processes and products.
3. Based on previous knowledge on Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology and Virology,
concepts for application of the new techniques will be discussed.
4. Application of Molecular Biotechnology on the Health); on the Environment; and on the Agriculture
(transgenic plants and animals for the food chain).
5. Laboratory work will be focused on the most common techniques used for the most recent
biotechnological applications.
focus on a Biologic point of view
2. The teaching will be directed for the familiarization of techniques for the creation of added value from
new processes and products.
3. Based on previous knowledge on Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology and Virology,
concepts for application of the new techniques will be discussed.
4. Application of Molecular Biotechnology on the Health); on the Environment; and on the Agriculture
(transgenic plants and animals for the food chain).
5. Laboratory work will be focused on the most common techniques used for the most recent
biotechnological applications.
Contents
1 Theoretical programme
a. Introduction
b. Fundaments of Molecular Cloning and DNA analysis
c. Microbial Systems in Genetic Engineering
d. Eukaryotic Systems in Genetic Engineering
e. Applications of Genetic Engineering for the development of new products and services
f. Official Regulation
2. Laboratorial programme
a. Training on pipeting. Solutions and dilutions.
b. Plasmidic DNA extraction (MiniPrep)
c. Restriction digestion of plasmidic DNA
d. Agarose gel electrophoresis
e. Preparation of competent bacteria
f. Transformation of competent bacteria
g. Screening of recombinants
h. Autonomous laboratorial work: Identification of unknown DNA sample
a. Introduction
b. Fundaments of Molecular Cloning and DNA analysis
c. Microbial Systems in Genetic Engineering
d. Eukaryotic Systems in Genetic Engineering
e. Applications of Genetic Engineering for the development of new products and services
f. Official Regulation
2. Laboratorial programme
a. Training on pipeting. Solutions and dilutions.
b. Plasmidic DNA extraction (MiniPrep)
c. Restriction digestion of plasmidic DNA
d. Agarose gel electrophoresis
e. Preparation of competent bacteria
f. Transformation of competent bacteria
g. Screening of recombinants
h. Autonomous laboratorial work: Identification of unknown DNA sample
Teaching Methods
Both the Theoretical and Practical-Laboratory components will integrate different pedagogical resources to support learning.
In the Theoretical Component, lectures will primarily be supported by slide presentations or exposition using the blackboard; additionally, videos will be shown and scientific articles discussed. Researchers from specific areas will be invited to enrich the Theoretical Component through guest lectures. Study visits to facilities that employ the techniques addressed during the classes will also be organized, promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of knowledge.
The Practical-Laboratory Component will be based on the presentation of slides and, in particular, the blackboard; experimental implementation of laboratory protocols; preparation of the corresponding reports; and completion of practical worksheets. It will also include the reading and interpretation of scientific articles.
The integration of both components will culminate, at the end of the semester, in the public presentation of a poster during a scientific symposium (Symposium of Biotechnology), based on the interpretation of a scientific article selected by the student. This event will enable students to develop scientific communication skills, critical thinking, and information synthesis, as well as to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course unit to the analysis and discussion of current topics in Biotechnology.
In the Theoretical Component, lectures will primarily be supported by slide presentations or exposition using the blackboard; additionally, videos will be shown and scientific articles discussed. Researchers from specific areas will be invited to enrich the Theoretical Component through guest lectures. Study visits to facilities that employ the techniques addressed during the classes will also be organized, promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of knowledge.
The Practical-Laboratory Component will be based on the presentation of slides and, in particular, the blackboard; experimental implementation of laboratory protocols; preparation of the corresponding reports; and completion of practical worksheets. It will also include the reading and interpretation of scientific articles.
The integration of both components will culminate, at the end of the semester, in the public presentation of a poster during a scientific symposium (Symposium of Biotechnology), based on the interpretation of a scientific article selected by the student. This event will enable students to develop scientific communication skills, critical thinking, and information synthesis, as well as to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course unit to the analysis and discussion of current topics in Biotechnology.
Assessment
Assessment in Continuous Evaluation / Normal Exam Period - Students who comply with the attendance requirements established in the current Academic Regulations may be evaluated. This evaluation includes:
? Two midterm tests or a final exam, covering both the Theoretical and Practical-Laboratory components. Each assessment will be graded on a 20-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 10 points per midterm test or exam. This component accounts for 70% of the final grade.
? Public presentation of a poster based on the analysis of a scientific article focused on a specific area of biotechnology. This component accounts for 20% of the final grade.
? Preparation of laboratory reports developed during the practical component. This component accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Assessment in Exam Periods (Recurso, Especial, and Extraordinária):
? Assessment consists of a single exam covering both Theoretical and Practical-Laboratory components. The exam is graded on a 20-point scale, and the final grade is based solely on this exam. The minimum passing grade is 10 points.
? Two midterm tests or a final exam, covering both the Theoretical and Practical-Laboratory components. Each assessment will be graded on a 20-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 10 points per midterm test or exam. This component accounts for 70% of the final grade.
? Public presentation of a poster based on the analysis of a scientific article focused on a specific area of biotechnology. This component accounts for 20% of the final grade.
? Preparation of laboratory reports developed during the practical component. This component accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Assessment in Exam Periods (Recurso, Especial, and Extraordinária):
? Assessment consists of a single exam covering both Theoretical and Practical-Laboratory components. The exam is graded on a 20-point scale, and the final grade is based solely on this exam. The minimum passing grade is 10 points.
Certificações
