Metabolic Engineering

Subject CHEN90016 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 52 Hours
Total Time Commitment: Estimated 120 Hours
Prerequisites:

610-103 Chemistry 2

620-156 Linear Algebra

411-694 Biology for Engineers

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Sally Louise Gras

Contact

Melbourne School of Engineering Office
Building 173, Grattan Street
The University of Melbourne
VIC 3010 Australia


General telephone enquiries:
+ 61 3 8344 6703
+ 61 3 8344 6507

Facsimiles:
+ 61 3 9349 2182
+ 61 3 8344 7707


Email: eng-info@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: Metabolism in microbial, plant and animal cells. Control of metabolism and its application to bioprocessing and bioproduct process development. Pathways of catabolism and anabolism in heterotrophs. Photosynthesis. Chemoautotrophs and their role in biological waste treatment. Genetic control of metabolism. Genetic manipulation by mutation and recombinant DNA techniques. Case studies in the development of bioprocesses employing recombinant microorganisms. Control at the enzyme level. Enzyme inhibition kinetics. Immobilised enzymes, mass transfer and kinetic effects. Protein and enzyme engineering. Metabolic engineering. Practical work (enzyme kinetics).
Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:


• Describe cell metabolism and the control of cell metabolism for aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
• Apply systems approaches to describe and model cell metabolism.
• Develop creative strategies to decouple and remove metabolic regulatory controls in order to increase product yield or develop new products.
• Discuss the role of metabolic engineering in product development, the regulatory standards that apply to such products and the business drivers for product development.
• Discuss the synergies between biochemistry and chemical engineering.
• Work in teams to process primary scientific information.
• Perform laboratory assignments.
• Communicate their knowledge and findings to their peers and to broader audiences.

Assessment: Two assignments not exceeding 4000 words, one due around Week 4 and one due around Week 8 of the semester (20% of the total mark) and one 3 hour written end of semester examination (80% of total mark ). A mark of 40% or more in the end of semester examination is required to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: • Capacity for independent thought.
• The ability to comprehend complex concepts and communicate lucidly this understanding.
• Awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline.
• Ability to work in a team, including with professionals from different discipline areas.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering

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