To acquaint students with how modern methods may be employed to enhance the characteristics of microbes that are commonly used in various industries including food, agriculture and pharmaceutical. This module will take an in-depth look at how microbes and their metabolic pathways and products can be used in biotechnology. The module will be particularly concerned with microbial biotechnology, covering for example, genetic modification of microbes, exploitation of microbes in various industries, in agriculture, in energy sector and in medicine. This course will also provide information about vaccine development and antibiotics. but the module will also allow students to develop their own interests in other aspects of biotechnology. Contents 1. Issues and scope of microbial biotechnology 2. Genetically modified microorganisms 3. Microbes as tools for microbiological research 4. Biotechnological potential of microbes 5. Significance of microorganisms in food production, fermentation, pharmaceutical and other industries 6. Vaccine development and production 7. Microbiological mining 8. Biofuels and use of microbes in petroleum industry 9. Plant-microbe interactions 10. Bio-fertilizers 11. Biopesticides, composting 12. Antimicrobials 13. Significance of microbial biotechnology in the economic development of Pakistan.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A student passing this course will be able to

1. Critically evaluate the role of micro-organisms in specific biotechnological processes
2. Explain the complex processes behind the development of genetically manipulated organisms
3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of how biochemical pathways relate to biotechnological applications
4. Conduct a comprehensive search for original research literature pertinent to a selected area of microbiology and biotechnology
5. Judge the relative support for different perspectives in potentially controversial issues based on a critical and objective analysis of published research
6. Communicate complex scientific principles and ideas effectively.

Reading

Latest published  Review articles

Assesment Criteria

Sessional: 15

Midterm exam: 15

Practical: 25

Final exam: 45