Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Microbiology & Genetic Engineering
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Students may schedule an appointment with the professor at their convenience via email: dsanchezdealcazar@uic.es
Introduction
The Microbiology and Genetic Engineering course is essential for a comprehensive understanding of key biological phenomena. The course is divided into two main sections: genetic engineering and microbiology.
On the one hand, we will explore various aspects of genetic engineering, starting with the chemical composition and structure of the primary macromolecules of life (DNA, RNA, and proteins). We will also study the processes of replication and transcription of genetic material, along with their regulation, which are fundamental for precise manipulation aimed at biotechnological applications. Alongside this, we will explore the use of bacteria for biotechnological applications, particularly in cosmetics to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
On the other hand, we will delve into the field of microbiology to analyze the organisms with which we interact, focusing on their classification and the different types of bacteria. This section also covers methods for detecting microbial presence and strategies for ensuring the quality control and preservation of cosmetic products.
Pre-course requirements
It is recommended that students have completed basic courses in biology and chemistry.
Objectives
On the one hand, the objectives of this course are for students to acquire and understand the essential fundamentals and techniques for the characterization and manipulation of genetic material, as well as its applications in basic and applied research in biomedicine and cosmetics.
To achieve these objectives, students will explore:
- Bases of genetic engineering.
- Techniques for gene isolation, cloning, and manipulation.
- Application of genetic engineering to the production of innovative ingredients in cosmetics.
- Genetically modified organism (GMO) as allied partners for the production of API.
On the other hand, microorganisms play a central role in biological systems, exhibit great diversity, and have a significant impact both ecologically and in their relationship with health. Microbiology has provided most of the experimental models that have enabled the development of modern biochemistry and molecular biology. Microbiological knowledge has allowed us to understand how nature works and to develop key resources for biotechnology.
- Microbiology: microbiome in the skin.
- Probiotics & prebiotics.
- Microbiology: types of relevant microorganisms and its impact in Cosmetics.
- Sampling and detection methods of microorganisms in cosmetic products.
- Applications of microbiology in the formulation and preservation of cosmetic products.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CE1 - Acquiring basic knowledge of traditional cosmetics involves understanding the ingredients and chemical principles required to formulate cosmetic products.
- CE3 - To have the ability to understand and utilize methodologies, new technologies, and bioengineering tools in the research, development, and manufacturing of cosmetic products.
- CE4 - To acquire the essential skills to work in the cosmetics manufacturing sector, including knowledge of production processes and quality control in the cosmetics industry.
- CE5 - To understand the regulations and standards in the cosmetics industry, as well as to evaluate manufacturing systems and processes and perform quality control on them.
- CE8 - To have a basic understanding of the application of microbiology in the formulation and preservation of cosmetic products, as well as the use of genetic engineering applied to the production of innovative ingredients in cosmetics.
Learning outcomes of the subject
By completing this course, students should be able to acquire fundamental scientific knowledge in the field of microbiology and genetic engineering and solve exercises and problems presented throughout the syllabus using the necessary tools and methodologies. Additionally, students should be able to perform work efficiently. They must also have acquired the skills to search for relevant information, synthesize it, and assimilate key concepts.
Syllabus
Part I: Genetic engineering
Module 1. Basis of genetic engineering
Module 2. Genetic regulation in prokaryotes.
Module 3. Transcription in prokaryotes.
Module 4. Techniques in molecular biology.
Module 5. Replication of DNA and techniques of synthesis.
Module 6. Recombinant proteins.
Module 7. Protein engineering: techniques.
Module 8. GMO for the expression of recombinant proteins and biomolecules.
Part II: Microbiology
Module 1. Basis of microbiology
Module 2. Probiotic & prebiotics
Module 3. Microbiome
Module 4. Microbiome and skin pathology
Module 5. Microbiome: gut and skin interplay
Module 6. Microorganisms in cosmetic: applications and detection methods
Module 7. Preserving cosmetic products.
Module 8. Bioethics and regulations in biotechnology and microbiology.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Fully In-Person Modality in the Classroom
- Lectures.
- Cooperative learning.
- Preparation and completion of assessable activities.
- Independent study and completion of exercises.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
- Class participation and activities: 15%
- Midterm exam: 30%
- Final exam: 30%
- Oral presentation: 25%
A minimum of 5 points in all evaluated components is required to pass the course. If the midterm exam is not passed (score < 4), taking the final exam covering the entire subject will be mandatory.
Second Exam Session:
- Only the score from the second exam will be considered.
- Honors distinction ("Matrícula de Honor") will not be available.
- Attendance is mandatory.
Important Considerations:
- Plagiarism, cheating, or any other dishonest actions will result in a score of zero for that component. Cheating on exams will lead to immediate failure of the course.
- In the second exam session, the maximum grade achievable will be "Excellent," as the Honors distinction will not be available.
- No changes will be accepted to the schedule, exam dates, or evaluation system.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) and repeat students will be subject to the same conditions as all other students.
Bibliography and resources
- David P. Clark, Nanette J. Pazdernik and Michelle R. McGehee (2019). Molecular biology (3rd ed.). Cell: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2015-0-06229-3.
- David P. Clark and Nanette J. Pazdernik (2015). Biotechnology: Applying the genetic revolution (2nd ed.). Cell: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-64257-4.
- Prescott, Harley and Klein (2008). Microbiology (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Prof. Dr. H.-J. Rehm, Dr. G. Reed (Eds.) (2001). Biotechnology set. Wiley.
- Nava Dayan (Ed.) (2020). Skin Microbiome Handbook: From Basic Research to Product Development. Wiley.
- Miranda A. Farage, Kenneth W. Miller, Howard I. Maibach (Eds.) (2020). Textbook of aging skin. Springer.