This course will provide students with an overview on gene cloning strategies and their applications, while they get a strong hands-on experience on molecular cloning laboratory techniques. Scientific writing will be also developed through paper assignments. Basic biochemistry and/or molecular biology knowledge is recommended.

Prerequisites: Recommended previous courses: Molecular Genetics, Molecular Microbiology

As a result of this course, the students will:
(a) have acquired the theorical and pratical skills necessary to understand and use recombinant DNA molecules and vectors
(b) will be able to design and execute a protocol for cloning and sequencing of DNA
(c) know the most common vectors used for cloning and producing recombinant proteins;
(d) know the main techniques of DNA manipulation in vitro and their applications
(e) see that individual experiments are just steps of a longer investigatory process
(f) learn to troubleshoot in the laboratory
(g) learn to elaborate a scientific paper based on experimental data obtained at the laboratory
(h) learn to work in a cooperative manner

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES
-Knowing and understanding contents, principles and theories related to biotechnology
-Knowing how to use laboratory equipment and to carry out basic operations for each discipline including: safety measures, handling, waste disposal and activity register
-Knowing basic and instrument laboratory techniques in the different areas of biotechnology.
-Knowing how to analyze and understand scientific data related to biotechnology
-Understanding and identifying the mechanisms in the genetic heritage
-Knowing and applying action plans and assessment criteria of biotechnology processes.
-Integrating life science and Engineering into processes of development of biotechnological products and applications
-Contrasting and checking results of biotechnological experimentation
-Solving and analyzing problems posed by biotechnology
-Describing and calculating important variables of processes and experiments.
-Knowing how to use different specific operating systems and software packages designed for Biotechnology.
-Knowing and complying with legislation and ethics of biotechnological processes and applications.
- Knowing main characteristics of Molecular biosciences and biotechnology communication

Learning Outcomes
R-1 Has acquired the theorical and pratical skills necessary to obtain recombinant DNA molecules
R-2 Is able to design and execute a protocol for cloning and sequencing of DNA
R-3 Knows the most common vectors used for cloning and producing recombinant proteins
R-4 Knows the main techniques of DNA manipulation in vitro and their applications
R-5 Sees that individual experiments are just steps of a longer investigatory process
R-6 Has learned to troubleshoot in the laboratory
R-7 Has learned to elaborate a scientific paper based on experimental data obtained at the laboratory
R-8 Has learned to work in a cooperative manner

SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING THE ACQUISITION OF THE COMPETENCES AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

Assessment Too:Written test base on conceptual and practical sessions
LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED:R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5
Competences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Allocated Percentage:50%

Assessment Too:Laboratory research project report
LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED:R-1, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8
Competences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34
Allocated Percentage:10%

Assessment Too:Laboratory work evaluation
LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED:R-1, R-2, R-5, R-6, R-8
Competences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Allocated Percentage: 10%

Assessment Too:Additional assignments
LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED:R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8
Competences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Allocated Percentage:10%

*Course content subject to change