Metabolic Engineering
Metabolic engineering

KMB040F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Spring 2014
Decided by: FN2/Eva Nordberg Karlsson
Date of establishment: 2014-03-10

General Information

Division: Applied Microbiology
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course code: KMB040
Teaching language: English

Aim

Based on previous student knowledge in gene technology, mathematics and microbiology, the course aims to introduce the PhD students to the field of metabolic engineering, discuss tools and strategies used in the field and give the students insight in how the technology can be used in white biotechnology.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• • understand the fundamentals of metabolic engineering tools (including pathway engineering, mass balances, metabolic flux modeling, metabolic control analysis)
• • understand how these tools can be applied for the analysis of metabolically engineered microorganisms
• • have acquired in depth knowledge on metabolic pathways and their regulation and on how metabolic pathways can be engineered for the improvement of various bioprocesses.

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• • show ability to carry out relevant calculations concerning mass balances, metabolic flux analysis and metabolic control analysis in biological systems
• • show ability to understand and master the terminology in the field in verbal and written form and to organise and structure the scientific content into an overall picture
• • show ability to critically report, both in oral and writing forms results from scientific papers and/or the PhD student´s own experimental work.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• • show ability to do critical assessments literature study outcomes in the field of metabolic engineering
• • show ability to relate and distinguish between evidence and argument

Course Contents

The course includes lectures and workshops on the following topics: metabolic pathways, strain engineering, material balances, metabolic control analysis, metabolic flux analysis and systems biology. Exercise sessions are performed on carbon balance, redox balance, flux analysis and metabolic control analysis. The course also includes a literature study consisting of a thorough discussion of research strategies on a specific topic within metabolic engineering.

Course Literature

Course compendium

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, seminars, exercises, self-study literature review

Examination Details

Examination formats: Oral exam, seminars given by participants
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Admission requirements: MSc in Biotechnology or equivalent
Assumed prior knowledge: Background in gene technology, microbiology and biochemical engineering
Selection criteria: Background and date of application

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: http://www.tmb.lth.se/education/courses/metabolic_engineering/