ENN539 Foundations of Industrial Biotechnology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ENN539 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (Completion of 336cp in EV04) or Admission to (EN54 or EV54 or EN66 or EN74 or EN77) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,044 |
| International unit fee | $5,652 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ENN539 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (Completion of 336cp in EV04) or Admission to (EN54 or EV54 or EN66 or EN74 or EN77) |
Overview
Industrial biotechnology employs microorganisms as cell factories for synthesis of a wide variety of bioproducts. This unit overviews the foundations of industrial biotechnology and explain how they are used for producing food, feed, biofuels, biochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It covers the key concepts of biochemistry and microbiology that are fundamental to all aspects of industrial biotechnology, and introduces fundamentals of genetic engineering, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology and their applications for manufacturing bioproducts. Moreover, technical and non-technical aspects of commercialisation of bioproducts including research and development, intellectual property, quality management systems, regulations, ethics and safety will be discussed. This enables students to gain skills required for employment in a broader area of biomanufacturing sectors.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the key concepts of biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology
- Explain the key concepts of genetic engineering, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology
- Propose microorganisms and molecular engineering approaches for synthesis of different types of bioproducts
- Explain the technical, economic, and regulatory issues in commercialisation of bioproducts
Content
- Microorganisms and their characteristics
- Biochemistry and key metabolic pathways in microorganisms
- Protein and enzymes
- Strain screening, selection, propagation and storage
- Conventional techniques for strain improvement
- Genetic and metabolic engineering
- Synthetic biology
- OMICS
- Quality management system in biotechnology i.e., GLP, GMP and GCP
- IP and commercialisation, regulatory, ethics and safety
- Industry site visit
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal interactive lectures (2 hours per week) from experienced professional engineers and scientists cover the main concepts with real world applications and examples to provide insights into industrial biotechnology knowledge, skills, and attributes. You will also hear from invited professionals working in the industrial biotechnology sector about the topic covered in the lectures.
- Tutorials (2 hours per week) in a flexible learning space will provide experience and insight into the principles of industrial biotechnology to support the topics covered in the lectures.
- Short field trip (1 day) guided by an experienced professional in industrial biotechnology sector to get insight into bioprocesses and potential employers in the region.
To complement the timetabled activities and complete your learning in this unit, you will be provided online resources and activities the unit's Canvas website:
- Informative recap videos as extra problem-solving resources to enhance your problem-solving approach, skills and knowledge.
- Basic materials such as notes, handouts, and Echo360 recordings.
You are expected to:
- Engage with timetabled activities on campus and ask questions. You should follow the weekly guide and announcements from Canvas on the online materials that should be completed prior to attending timetabled activities on campus.
- Engage with the online materials for developing your understanding of fundamental concepts. These will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding release of these resources.
- Manage your time to engage with online resources outside of timetabled activities.
Engage with your peers during the interactive workshops and the teamwork assessment tasks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback on the development of your disciplinary knowledge will be via quizzes throughout the semester. You will also receive formative feedback on your progression during workshops and practical sessions. Written feedback will be provided with each summative assessment throughout the semester.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit has been designed to allow you to show your learning against the unit learning outcomes.
Rubrics with criteria and standards will be used to evaluate the unit learning outcomes of your work.
The assessment consists of ongoing formative and summative assessments that are based on independent and group work. The assessment items allow you to demonstrate your technical knowledge of the topic, observation of real-world and communication skills as well as laboratory practical skills.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quizzes
Several non-invigilated scenario-based quizzes will be delivered via Canvas to assess your ability to understand and solve problems related to key biological concepts.
Assessment: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
In group, you will do 15 min presentation pitching the concept for a new biotech company to investors. The new company may be based on an existing company or based on your new ideas. The presentation will include technical, product and business/market aspects. The technology section will cover aspects such as the production organism and their generation/engineering; fermentation/production processes, safety/regulatory considerations. The business section also covers aspects such as intellectual property; funding strategy; technology commercialisation status; partnerships; customers; and the market. Based on the information you provide in your case study, you can conclude the prospect of your company and business idea.
Assessment: Final exam
Final examination is mainly problem-solving questions and conceptual questions with both familiar and unfamiliar questions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Modern Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology; Edited by Nduka Okafor; Benedict Okeke; Taylor & Francis Group, 2017
Gene Biotechnology; Edited by William Wu; CRC Press, 2011
Synthetic Biology Handbook; Edited by Darren N. Nesbeth; CRC Press, 2016.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Any practical sessions in the laboratory must be done under the supervision of the lecturer and may be supported by technical staff. In any laboratory practicals you are expected to (add the requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and any special gear to wear appropriate protective items e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes.)
Before the commencement of any practical sessions, you will undergo a health and safety induction and (add any further instructions her and or If you do not complete the required safety induction you will be denied access to laboratories.)
Note: You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory, and you may be required to visit an industrial site under the supervision of QUT lecturers. If you do not have a general safety induction certificate or sticker you will be denied access to laboratories and/or visit to industrial site. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised further regarding the requirements for safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or gumboot shoes).
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN54 Master of Advanced Manufacturing
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist theory-based discipline knowledge and concepts as they relate to contemporary practice in Advanced Manufacturing
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Employ advanced specialist technical skills, analysis approaches, design, and data to the solution of problems in Advanced Manufacturing, critically evaluating solutions against practice-informed performance and whole-of-life requirements
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Develop and employ professional leadership skills and management frameworks to deliver projects, lead teams, and enact change within Advanced Manufacturing
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Implement professional communication and collaborative skills while engaging with stakeholders, exchanging ideas, and presenting complex information to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethical and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, and reflective practice
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam - Enact a holistic approach to sustainability in Advanced Manufacturing that embodies the principals of efficient, green, circular, and clean
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate an ability to research and apply established theories and plan and execute a substantial research-based project, cultivating an attitude of engineering innovation and creativity
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
EN56 Master of Engineering Technology
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Engineering Technology
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Analyse and evaluate Engineering Technology problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
Relates to: Quizzes, Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam - Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage projects in Engineering Technology in a way that assures sustainable outcomes over their whole lifecycle
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Effectively communicate Engineering Technology problems, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
EN66 Graduate Certificate in Bioprocess Engineering
- Demonstrate and apply advanced theory-based discipline knowledge and concepts as they relate to contemporary practice in Bioprocess Engineering
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Employ advanced technical skills, analysis approaches, design, and data to the solution of problems in Bioprocess Engineering, critically evaluating solutions against practice-informed performance and whole-of-life requirements
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Develop professional leadership skills and management frameworks to deliver projects, lead teams, and innovate within Bioprocess Engineering
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Implement advanced communication and collaborative skills while engaging with stakeholders, exchanging ideas, and presenting complex information to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethical and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, and reflective practice
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam - Enact a holistic approach to sustainability in Bioprocess Engineering that embody the principals of efficient, green, circular, and clean
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
EN74 Master of Advanced Manufacturing with Project Management
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist theory-based discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Advanced Manufacturing and Project Management domains
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Employ advanced specialist technical skills, analysis approaches, design, and data to the solution of problems in Advanced Manufacturing and Project Management domains, critically evaluating solutions and practice-informed performance to deliver whole of life requirements and strategic objectives
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Develop and employ professional leadership skills and management frameworks to deliver projects, lead teams, and enact change in Advanced Manufacturing and Project Management domains
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Implement professional communication and collaborative skills while engaging with stakeholders, exchanging ideas, and presenting complex information to specialist and non-specialist audiences in Advanced Manufacturing and Project Management domains
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethical and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, and reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam - Enact a holistic approach to sustainability in Advanced Manufacturing that embodies the principals of efficient, green, circular, and clean
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate an ability to research and apply established theories and plan and execute a substantial research-based project, cultivating an attitude of engineering innovation and creativity
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
EN77 Master of Advanced Manufacturing with Data Analytics
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist theory-based discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Advanced Manufacturing and Data Analytics domains
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Employ advanced specialist technical skills, analysis approaches, design, and data to the solution of problems in Advanced Manufacturing and Data Analytics domains, critically evaluating solutions and practice-informed performance to deliver whole of life requirements and strategic objectives
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Develop and employ professional leadership skills and management frameworks to deliver projects, lead teams, and enact change in Advanced Manufacturing and Data Analytics domains
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Implement professional communication and collaborative skills while engaging with stakeholders, exchanging ideas, and presenting complex information to specialist and non-specialist audiences in Advanced Manufacturing and Data Analytics domains
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethical and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, and reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam - Enact a holistic approach to sustainability in Advanced Manufacturing that embodies the principals of efficient, green, circular, and clean
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate an ability to research and apply established theories and plan and execute a substantial research-based project, cultivating an attitude of engineering innovation and creativity
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch
EN79 Graduate Diploma in Engineering Studies
- Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary Engineering practice
Relates to: Quizzes, Final exam - Analyse and evaluate Engineering problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage Engineering projects in a way that assures sustainable outcomes over their whole lifecycle
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Effectively communicate Engineering problems, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch - Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
Relates to: Biotechnology commercialisation pitch, Final exam