Microbial Biotechnology

Catalog description

The overall goal of Microbial Biotechnology (3 cr.) is to provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of microbiology and biotechnology to the synthesis of biologically important and industrially useful products. The course will focus on the application of the tools of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Forensics, Environmental Biology and Bioinformatics to exploit microbes as "vessels" to create an array of products to benefit humans, animals and the environment. For example, discussions may address the use of microbes in the cleanup of polluted environments (bioremediation) as well as their role in producing drugs (vaccines, antibiotics, etc.), industrially important enzymes (rennet, meat tenderizers, indigo production etc.), and biodegradable plastics. Furthermore, ethics and regulations surrounding the production, marketing, and distribution of these biologics will be discussed. Students in the course will also participate in a project wherein they conceive of an idea for a value-added product, research steps necessary to bring said product to market, investigate aspects related to intellectual property, and develop a marketing plan. The student project will culminate in a class competition where students will choose to invest their "biotech bucks" in a fellow student's proposed company. Throughout the entirety of the course, the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation will be at the forefront of class discussions.