Biological Models

Code:

BIOL4056

Acronym:

BIOL4056

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 1S (of 06-10-2022 to 14-01-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Applications in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:ABBS	20	The study plan from 2019/20	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese and english

Objectives

This UC meets the current needs of using biological models in research and in biotechnology / synthetic biology. It will provide the students with the basic knowledge necessary to select suitable models to adress specific research questions and the knowledge to utilize and manipulate these models.

Learning outcomes and competences

The student is expected to be able to:

- identify different models used in research and biotechnological applications

- recognize the importance of using model organisms / cell lines / chassis

- determine the type of model organisms more suitable to a specific objective of a given project

- understand the genetics and physiology of the models and how they can be appliedn in basic and applied research

- recognize the essential requirements for handling the different models

- recognize characteristics, potentials and limitations of in vitro and in vivo assays

- develop independent thinking in experimental design using biological models

- identify ethical aspects related to the work involving biological models, namely the principles of 3Rs

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Prokaryotic and yeast models: relevant genera, characteristics, toolboxes, genetic manipulation and metabolic engineering. Applications in basic and applied research.


2. Plant models: model species, anatomy, physiology, genomes, cultivation and manipulation. Relevant applications and examples of genetically modified plants.


3. Animal models: relevant models of invertebrates and vertebrates, characteristics, physiology and genomes. In vivo vs. In vitro assays (cell lines).3Rs. Applications in basic and applied research.

Mandatory literature

vários autores; artigos e capítulos de livro específicos

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures and laboratory classes.

Theoretical classes will be expositive with power point presentations, videos, and supported by a strong interaction with the students. Seminars by recognized researchers that use different biological models will be organized.  "Case studies" will be used as a tool to apply and consolidate knowledge.

The practical classes will allow the acquisition of specific skills, namely pratice in handling different biological models.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	120,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendence of 2/3 of the classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Exam  - 100%