12769 - Molecular Biotechnology and Society Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12769 - Phase-out Module
Module Title:Molecular Biotechnology and Society
  Molekulare Biotechnologie in der Gesellschaft
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Küpper, Jan-Heiner
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every winter semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:This highly interdisciplinary lecture should demonstrate the students that many recent biotechnological developments do not only influence scientific fields, but can also have a clear-cut impact on the whole society. The students learn about biotechnological fields which are relevant for political & ethical issues, medical issues and economical issues, i.e. emerging biotechnological industries. Since biotechnology is a rather broad field, the lecture highlights some “prominent” examples. The lecture is called “Molecular Biotechnology” because of its further focus on molecular principles used in the presented biotechnological fields.

For each biotechnological topic, the molecular basics are presented followed by presentation of their respective influences on politics, medicine and / or economy. If applicable, the lecture also covers some basics on relevant “Biotech” laws. The students should learn that although the awareness and knowledge of Biotechnology in society is quite low, it definitely is a key technology of the 21th  century influencing many aspects of life. In addition, the students should obtain a deep understanding of the molecular principles presented in the lecture to be competent for future discussions outside the University.

In addition to specialized knowledge (professional competences), the students will train social competences because of being stimulated for contributions and critical discussions. Methodical competences are developed as well because students have to use different sources to collect informations and facts (e.g. text books, internet searches, peer-reviewed journals, newspapers).
Contents:The lecture starts with an introduction into the awareness of people towards biotechnology, importance of biotechnology for medicine & sustainable industry, provide examples of the biotechnological presence. In addition, the lecture contains the following topics:
  • Forensic DNA science, their techniques, ethical issues and their national regulations (e.g. German DNA Analysedatei)
  • Medical DNA screening including techniques of genetic tests, examples of single gene disorders and chromosomal disorders, regulations such as the German “Gendiagnostikgesetz”
  • Special lectures are provided on cell cycle regulation, Signal Transduction, cellular mortality/immortality and molecular carcinogenesis to provide the basis for understanding the molecular defects of the discussed diseases and their respective diagnostics.
  • Stem cells and cloning, including stem cell biology, therapeutic and reproductive cloning, preimplantation diagnostics and their discussions in society as well as national regulations such as the German “Embryonenschutzgesetz”.
  • Concepts of Personalized Medicine
  • Biotechnology and Global Warming: This last part of the lecture makes the focus on recent developments in biotechnology that could help to mitigate global warming
Recommended Prerequisites:none
Mandatory Prerequisites:none
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 1 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 105 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:
  • Molecular Biology of the Gene, Watson et al., Pearson International Edition, Sixth Ed (2008) or newer ones
  • Genetik, Klug et al., Pearson Studium, 8. Auflage (2007) or newer ones
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al., Garland Science, 5th edition (2008) or newer ones
  • Selected original scientific journal articles and reviews on the fields discussed.
Module Examination:Final Module Examination (MAP)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Written Examination (120 min)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Biotechnologie / keine PO
  • Master (applied) / Biotechnology / PO 2018
  • Master (applied) - Extended Semester / Biotechnology / PO 2018
 This module has been approved for the general studies.
Remarks:
"Recommended Placement in the Study Plan"
  • Biotechnology (Master of Science, 3 Semester Version): Master 1st year course
  • Biotechnology (Master of Science, 4 Semester Version): Master 2nd year course
Module Components:
  • Lecture "Molecular Biotechnology and Society"
  • Seminar "Molecular Biotechnology and Society"
  • Examination "Molecular Biotechnology and Society"
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
Follow-up Module/s: Phase-out module since: 13.02.2024