The application of viruses in biotechnology and medicine 1400-236ZWBTM
1.Applications of viruses in the techniques of DNA recombination, vector design, creation of gene libraries in EMBL and Charon vectors, the selection rules for the use of recombinant vectors. Cosmids, phagemids, lambda phage DNA packaging into phage heads, the creation of gene libraries in cosmids.
2. Viruses as vectors for overproduction of heterologous proteins systems. The use of genetic elements to construct expression vectors (phage T7 and lambda promotors, phage T7 DNA polymerase).
3. Genetic recombination of a eukaryotic DNA viruses as the basis for creating vectors for cloning foreign DNA. Vectors based on SV40 virus, adenovirus, herpes virus pokswirusy, baculoviruses, retroviruses. Viruses as tools in gene therapy.
4. Phage display technique (presentation of peptides on the surface of the capsids of recombinant phages) and its use in molecular biology and biotechnology.
5. Viruses as vaccines and vaccine carriers.
6. Applications of bacterial viruses in the diagnosis and therapy. Bacteriophage therapy against bacterial pathogens: agriculture and animal farms, against bacterial infections in humans and the use of bacteriophages in the industry.
7. Viral anticancer therapy.
8. The use of viruses in materials science and nanotechnology.
9. Filoviruses and other viruses as factors with high potential for bioterrorism.
10. Viruses as research models and tools for studying cell biology and host defense function.
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Acquires the knowledge of current concepts in major fields of biotechnology, knowledge of the microbiological and genetic terminology (in Polish and English), latest researches, discoveries and utilization of microorganisms in biotechnology, medicine and molecular biology. Shows the knowledge about: (i) independent designing of the scientific experiments, (ii) working out own experimental data for presentations or/and publications, (iii) the significance of experimental work in the field of biotechnology, medicine and molecular biology. Appreciates the significance of mathematic and statistic tools used for evaluation of experimental data and phenomena which happen in nature.
Abilities
Commands of the modern language (Polish or English) to a degree that enables accessing electronic data sources and research publications concerning molecular biology.
Is able to explain the results of the experiments and to discuss them on the basis of the accessible literature. Is able to study on his/her own choosing the direction properly. Is able to use the accessible sources of information including the electronic ones. Uses the advanced techniques of molecular genetics for selection and targeted modifications of microorganisms.
Social competences
Is careful and critical about mass-media information concerning science and biotechnological achievements. Feels the need of constant education and updating the knowledge concerning science. Recognizes the importance of sharing the information on new achievements of microbiology and biotechnology and is able to pass this knowledge in a comprehensive way. Feels responsible for the assessment of risk arising when using scientific strategies and is able to generate proper conditions of work safety. Understands the need of communication to the society information about the newest achievements in the field of biotechnology, biology of microorganisms and is able to do that in a comprehensive way.
Assessment criteria
Classes are credited if the student: (i) attended at least 85 percent of the classes; (ii) actively participated in the classes, especially in discussions, (iii) (ii) fulfil of tasks assigned for self preparation, (iv) worked in the classes in a way that positively assessed the knowledge, skills and social competences he/she obtained during the classes (described in the syllabus as the subject learning outcomes).
Detailed conditions for passing the course: An exam consisting in the preparation of oral presentations based on selected publications on the use of viruses in biotechnology and / or medicine, and attendance at lectures.
Practical placement
Not applicable
Bibliography
Literature is given for each lecture by the lecturer.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: