English

Every autumn semester

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Lectures

Seminars

Exercises

Self-study literature review

Oral exam

Seminars given by participants

Failed, pass

MSc in Biotechnology or equivalent

Background in gene technology, microbiology and biochemical engineering

Background and date of application

 

Course compendium

KMB040F

 -03-10

FN2/Eva Nordberg Karlsson