GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Course code:
MBC7102
Course Level:
1
Course Credit:
3 CU
Brief Course Description
This course begins by introducing students to the concept of genetic engineering and
biotechnology. It then examines the molecular cloning methods, the various cloning vectors and
their hosts, and how to find the right vector for molecular cloning. Aspects of DNA amplification
and analysis techniques, cloning and expression of mammalian and plant genes in bacteria and
practical applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology are covered under this course.
The course ends with the analysis of the legal, ethical, and biosafety aspects of genetic
engineering.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
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Explain the concept of genetic engineering and biotechnology
Explain the principles underlying molecular cloning
Describe the various cloning vectors and their hosts
Describe the principles underlying DNA amplification and analysis
Explain the steps involved in cloning and expression of mammalian and plant genes in
bacteria
Describe the various practical applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology in
agriculture, industry, medicine and environmental protection
Analyze the legal, ethical, and bio-safety implications of genetic engineering.
Course outline
Concept of genetic engineering and biotechnology
(2 hours)
Definition of genetic engineering and biotechnology, and how have they emerged from other
sciences. A historical perspective of biotechnology, and the key events in the evolution of
biotechnology.
Cloning, expression and analysis of genes and their products
(7 hours)
Concept of molecular cloning, plasmids as cloning vectors, Bacteriophage Lambda as a cloning
vector, hosts for cloning vectors, finding the right vector, expression vectors. Synthetic DNA,
Amplifying DNA: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cloning and expression of mammalian
and plant genes in bacteria, In vitro and site-directed mutagenesis.
Practical applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology
(7 hours)
Production of Transgenic plants and animals, Production of enzymes and medicines (industrial
applications), Production of Mammalian Products and Vaccines by Genetically Engineered
Organisms, Pollution control in environment (bioremediation).
Legal, ethical and bio-safety aspects of genetic engineering
(4 hours)
Institutional, National and international legal framework for biotechnology, ethical concerns of
genetic engineering (culture, religion and trade), safety and risks of genetically engineered
products to human health and environment.
Tutorials
(20 hours)
Practical
(30 hours)
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways i.e formal lectures, reading
assignments/coursework, and participatory discussions/presentations.
Assessment
End of module examination, tests, assignments reports, and presentations. Their relative
contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
Tests
Final examination
Total
Contribution
20 %
20 %
60 %
100 %
Reading List
The recommended reading will include but not limited to the following literature.
 Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko and ack Parker (2000). Brock. Biology of
microorganisms (9th and 10th Editions), Prentice Hall International, Inc.
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Joseph Kyambadde (2005). Optimizing processes for biological nitrogen removal in
Nakivubo wetland, Uganda. PhD Thesis, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm,
Sweden, ISBN 19-7283-962-7
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Essential Biosafety (CD-ROM, 2nd edition): The latest scientific and regulatory
information for genetically modified and other novel crops and foods. AGBIOS,
Canada
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http://www.agbios.com/main.php