Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-09 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameMetabolism och teknisk mikrobiologi
- CodeKMB041
- Credits9 Credits
- OwnerTKBIO
- Education cycleFirst-cycle
- Main field of studyBioengineering, Chemical Engineering
- DepartmentBIOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 48124
- Maximum participants70
- Open for exchange studentsNo
- Only students with the course round in the programme overview.
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0110 Laboratory 3 c Grading: UG | 1.5 c | 1.5 c | |||||
| 0210 Examination 6 c Grading: TH | 3 c | 3 c |
|
In programmes
Examiner
Eduard Kerkhoven- Senior Researcher, Systems Biology, Life Sciences
Eligibility
General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Specific entry requirements
The same as for the programme that owns the course.Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Course specific prerequisites
Basic university courses in chemistry, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology.
Aim
The course aims at giving the student an understanding of the metabolic processes in different organisms. It should give thorough knowledge about the driving forces that control biological reactions, and what mechanisms that can be used to regulate reaction rates under different environmental conditions. In addition, the course should give an introduction to microbiology, including laboratory practice, and knowledge about different industrial microbiological applications and cultivation modes.
Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- account for diffences in cell morphology between eukaryotes and prokaryotes
- acount for the great variation existing among organisms regarding nutrient utilisation and metabolism
- explain which modes of cultivation that exist for microorganisms, the advantages and disadvantages of these, and what dynamic conditions that are imposed by the mode of cultivation
- understand and explain the functions of central metabolic pathways, e.g. glycolysis, the TCA cycle, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, etc.
- understand how evolution works and how this can be applied within biotechnology
- apply and develop industrial biotechnological processes
- work experimentally using microbiological laboratory methodology
Content
Lectures treat morphology and classes of microorganisms, nutrient supply and utilisation, thermodynamics, growth and cultivation techniques for microorganisms, sterilisation and antibiotics, industrial microbiology and industrial biotechnological processes.
The central metabolic pathways, e.g. glycolysis, TCA cycle, respiratory chain, pentose phosphate pathway, are studied extensively regarding function, driving forces and regulation. In addition, biosynthetic reactions and the interplay between catabolic and anabolic processes are treated. The diversity of organisms regarding energy metabolism and the ecological importance of this diversity is illustrated. In this context, processes like photosynthesis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation and chemolitotrophic metabolism are considered. In addition, a number of industrial biotechnological applications are discussed.
Organisation
Lectures and obligatory laboratory work
Literature
Biochemistry Concepts & Connections, by Appling, Anthony-Cahill and Mathews. 2nd edition (2019) or 1st edition (2016)Examination including compulsory elements
Written exam. Laboratory work including lab reports
The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.