spring 2022
KJE-3603 Protein Production Technology - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Type of course

Theoretical and practical course. The course is available as a singular or elective course independent of study program, also to exchange students. The course is offered on condition that a minimum number of students register for the course. The course is given every second or third year.

Admission requirements

Required:

  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biotechnology or equivalent, with a grade C or better in the Norwegian grading system.
  • Basic knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology.


Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

BIO-3320 Fermentation 5 stp
BIO-3321 Protein purification 5 stp

Course content

Protein expression and protein purification is an art of science and technology. Each protein is unique and needs special treatment. This intensive practical course is dedicated to the current technology and processes available to obtain a pure sample of protein using recombinant DNA techniques, combined with biotechnology of protein production and purification. The course covers cloning and overexpression in bacterial and eukaryotic systems, introduction to fermentation, protein purification and biophysical characterization. Course topics include:

 

i) Recombinant protein technology and fermetation

  • Recombinant protein technology
  • Expression systems i (prokaryote systems)
  • Expression systems ii (eukaryote systems)
  • Introduction to fermentation

ii) Protein purification

  • Initial planning and strategy
  • Biological activity and quantification of proteins
  • General methods for handling enzymes and proteins
  • The protein extract
  • Purification of engineered proteins
  • Fractionation techniques
  • Optimization
  • Scaling up
  • Analysis of purified product


Objectives of the course

The student will have acquired a solid and broad theoretical and practical basis to understand protein production technology. This means that the student

Knowledge

  • has advanced knowledge in protein production technology including recombinant protein technology, fermentation and protein purification
  • has thorough knowledge of methods and techniques applied in protein production
  • can apply knowledge to new areas in protein production technology
  • can analyse academic problems related to recombinant protein production technology

 

Skills

  • can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
  • can analyze methods, techniques and interpretations in protein production and work independently on practical problems
  • can use relevant methods and techniques in protein production for research in an independent manner
  • can carry out an independent, limited research or developmental project under supervision

 

Competence

  • can apply her/his knowledge and skills in protein production technology in order to carry out assignments and projects
  • can communicate terminology in the field of protein production including recombinant protein expression and protein purification
  • can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of protein production technology
  • can write a scientific report


Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all syllabus material is in English.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught as a combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical lab work (intensive course). Lectures and demonstrations: 20 h. Hands-on laboratory exercises: 40 h. Compulsory attendance.

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see the Admission requirements" and the "Prerequisite" sections for more information.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412 


Assessment

Evaluation of submitted lab report. Pass/fail.

Work requirements: Compulsory attendance.

Students who fail the exam may register for re-sit the following semester.


  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: KJE-3603
  • Earlier years and semesters for this topic