Biotechnology Course

Lesson 1 • Microbiology Fundamentals

Surveys microbial diversity, growth kinetics, and sterile technique. Prepares students for fermentation, cell culture, and biosafety practices in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Cell Biology Essentials

Covers prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, organelle functions, and membrane dynamics. Provides the cellular framework needed for understanding genetic and protein-based biotech tools.

Lesson 3 • Biochemistry for Biotechnologists

Examines enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, and cofactor roles. Equips students to interpret biochemical data critical for process design and product analysis.

Lesson 4 • Molecular Biology Core Concepts

Introduces DNA, RNA, and protein structure alongside the central dogma. Links molecular information flow to downstream biotechnology manipulation strategies.

Lesson 1 • PCR and DNA Amplification Methods

Covers PCR thermocycling, primer design, and variant techniques such as RT-PCR and qPCR. Enables accurate amplification and quantification of target sequences.

Lesson 2 • DNA Sequencing and Analysis

Introduces Sanger sequencing chemistry and next-generation sequencing platforms. Students interpret sequencing output to confirm clone identity and detect mutations.

Lesson 3 • Expression Systems for Recombinant Proteins

Compares bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian expression hosts. Guides selection of the optimal system based on protein complexity and yield requirements.

Lesson 4 • Gene Cloning Workflow

Walks through insert preparation, ligation, transformation, and colony screening. Integrates restriction enzyme and PCR skills into a complete cloning pipeline.

Lesson 1 • Comparative and Functional Genomics

Examines synteny, ortholog identification, and gene ontology enrichment. Links genomic comparisons to understanding gene function and evolutionary relationships.

Lesson 2 • Bioinformatics Tools and Databases

Surveys major sequence databases, alignment algorithms, and scripting for data automation. Builds computational literacy needed for large-scale genomic projects.

Lesson 3 • Genome Assembly and Annotation

Covers de novo assembly algorithms, scaffolding, and gene prediction tools. Produces annotated genome drafts used in comparative and functional genomics.

Lesson 4 • Genome Sequencing Technologies

Compares short-read, long-read, and single-molecule sequencing platforms. Connects technology choice to assembly quality and downstream analytical accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Rational Protein Design

Applies computational modelling and site-directed mutagenesis to improve protein properties. Connects structural knowledge to targeted amino acid substitutions.

Lesson 2 • Proteomics Technologies

Introduces 2D gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and protein identification workflows. Enables proteome-wide profiling of expression and post-translational changes.

Lesson 3 • Directed Evolution Techniques

Covers error-prone PCR, DNA shuffling, and high-throughput screening for evolved variants. Enables iterative improvement of enzyme activity and selectivity.

Lesson 4 • Protein Structure and Function

Reviews primary through quaternary structure and structure-function relationships. Provides the structural basis for rational protein engineering decisions.

Lesson 1 • Mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas Systems

Explains Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 mechanisms, PAM requirements, and guide RNA design. Establishes mechanistic understanding before practical editing design.

Lesson 2 • CRISPR Screens and Functional Genomics

Introduces pooled CRISPR library screens for gene function discovery at scale. Connects editing tools to genome-wide functional annotation workflows.

Lesson 3 • Therapeutic and Agricultural Gene Editing

Applies CRISPR to monogenic disease correction and crop trait improvement. Evaluates translational challenges including immune response and regulatory review.

Lesson 4 • Genome Editing Outcomes and Repair

Covers NHEJ, HDR, and base editing repair pathways and their editing consequences. Guides selection of repair pathway based on desired genetic outcome.

Lesson 1 • Mammalian Cell Culture at Scale

Addresses CHO and HEK293 cell culture media, growth conditions, and productivity enhancement. Bridges microbial fermentation knowledge to complex biopharmaceutical production.

Lesson 2 • Downstream Processing and Purification

Covers centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, and formulation steps for bioproduct recovery. Ensures product purity and stability meeting quality specifications.

Lesson 3 • Bioreactor Design and Operation

Covers stirred-tank, airlift, and perfusion bioreactor configurations and control parameters. Establishes engineering principles for maintaining optimal culture conditions.

Lesson 4 • Microbial Fermentation Strategies

Examines batch, fed-batch, and continuous fermentation modes for microbial hosts. Connects feeding strategy to productivity, yield, and metabolite accumulation.

Lesson 1 • Drug Discovery and Target Identification

Covers target validation, hit identification, and lead optimisation for biologic candidates. Establishes the discovery foundation before development and manufacturing topics.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Trials and Regulatory Submission

Outlines preclinical safety studies, clinical phase design, and regulatory dossier preparation. Connects manufacturing quality to clinical development and market authorisation.

Lesson 3 • Good Manufacturing Practice Compliance

Covers facility design, documentation, change control, and deviation management for GMP environments. Prepares students to operate within regulated manufacturing settings.

Lesson 4 • Analytical Characterisation of Biologics

Examines physicochemical, biological, and immunochemical assays for biologic characterisation. Ensures product identity, purity, potency, and safety are fully defined.

Lesson 1 • Metabolic Pathway Engineering

Covers flux balance analysis, pathway insertion, and competing pathway elimination. Enables rational redirection of carbon flux toward target metabolite production.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Circuit Design

Examines promoter engineering, riboswitch design, and feedback control circuits. Enables dynamic regulation of gene expression in response to metabolite levels.

Lesson 3 • High-Throughput Strain Engineering

Applies combinatorial library construction, FACS-based screening, and automated platforms. Accelerates identification of high-producing strains from large variant populations.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Synthetic Biology

Introduces standardised biological parts, genetic circuit design, and the design-build-test-learn cycle. Establishes the engineering mindset applied throughout the chapter.