International Students

BIOLOGY 2

BY4002

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to fundamental concepts in cellular reproduction and genetics; diversity of life, introductory plant physiology, evolution and ecological principles. Syllabus: Cellular reproduction; binary fission, mitosis and meiosis. Introduction to genetics; Mendelian inheritance, chromosomes and genes, mutations. DNA; structure, replication and organisation in cells. Gene activity; the genetic code, transcription, translation and expression. Plant structure and function; transport in plants, reproduction, seed structure, germination, growth and development, plant adaptations. Introduction to taxonomy and classification. Introduction to animal kingdom (Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Chordata). Introduction to fungi, algae and plants (Bryophyta Pterophyta, Coniferophyta, Anthophyta). Evolutionary theories, evidence for evolution, evolutionary process, origins of life. Principles and scope of ecology; ecosystems; cycles in nature; energy flows; population and community dynamics; limiting factors; food chains: succession, environmental concerns.

Prerequisites: BY4001

 

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

BY4014

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: This module provides an introduction to Microbiology and Immunology. Students are introduced to the concepts of microbes as mutualists, commensals and pathogens. The module serves to introduce students to the nature of the host pathogen relationship and how the innate and adaptive immune system maintain host defences. Syllabus: Microbiology: introduction to micro- organisms; major structural components of bacteria; mutualism, indigenous microbiota; determinants of virulence; Pathogen[1]associated molecular pattens; Virology: virus structure and classification; viral pathogenesis, viral interactions and immune evasion. Immunity: introduction to immunity; innate defences against infection; pattern recognition receptors; cell biology of the specific immune system; humoral specific immunity; cell mediated specific immunity; generation of immunological diversity

 

ECOLOGY 1

BY4104

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Syllabus: Freshwater ecosystems: lentic and lotic habitats, plant and animal life; physico chemical and other abiotic influences in freshwater ecosystems Marine ecosystems, concentrating on the ecology of rocky shores; brief consideration of sandy, muddy and estuarine ecosystems; plant and animal life and the influence of physico chemical and other abiotic factors intrinsic to these ecosystems. General introduction to plant and vegetation ecology, plant communities in Ireland. Woodland ecosystems: structure, composition, succession. Adaptations of woodland plants and animals. Population dynamics and ecological strategies of woodland plants. Food webs, primary and secondary productivity in these ecosystems. Detritus and grazing food chains. Detritivores in woodlands; fungi and their role in woodlands. Introduction to vegetation sampling. Prerequisites: BY4001, BY4002, BY4003

 

 

HORTICULTURE

BY4026

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 3 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of the module is to familiarize students of the Biological Sciences (LM092) who are taking the Agricultural Science elective, with the principles and practices of Horticultural science. Syllabus: Composts, growing media and substrates in horticulture, seed propagation, vegetative propagation, seedbed preparation, horticultural crop rotation, vegetable crop production & fertilising, fruit crop production, protected crop structures, climatic factors associated with plant growth, micropropagation & genetic modification of plants. Sustainability of Horticulture Prerequisites: BY4015

 

ADVANCED CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

BY4048

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The module will examine cellular structures including the organelles, cytoskeleton, molecular motors and key cellular processes including trafficking, cell cycle, apoptosis events and motility. The module will present the genetics of model systems and how they are used to study development, differentiation and disease. The module will present new technologies in studying systems biology of organisms and how to extract meaningful data from large data sets. These technologies will include those used for the analysis of cell responses by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics. The module will use extensive reading of primary literature and reviews to embed the knowledge of techniques, capabilities and challenges in the area. Syllabus:The syllabus will include Cell structure; Cytoskeleton,Molecular motors and trafficking systems in cells, Cell motility, Cell cycle, Cell differentiation and development, Apoptosis Examining cellular structures, Profiling cells at a molecular level

 

POLLUTION BIOLOGY

BY4505

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To familiarise students with the main types of environmental pollutants, their origins exposure routes and impacts. To equip students with skills in the methodology monitoring the impacts of selected pollutants. Syllabus: Categories of freshwater pollution. Organic pollution of surface and ground water - sources, effects and impacts. Indicators - biological and chemical monitoring; use of biotic indices. Methods for determination of nitrates, phosphorus , chlorophyll a, Ca, Mg, D.O., B.O.D., C.O.D., T.O.C., etc. Microbial pollution - methods. Toxic pollutants in air, water, soil and food. Introduction to toxicological principles: acute toxicity; LD50; chronic toxicity (types of). Uses of lab and epidemiological studies. Introduction to structure activity relationships in toxic chemicals. Risk assessment. Analytical methods. Review of toxic effects of heavy metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons and other organics and inorganics, mycotoxins, radioactive elements. Air pollution: major air pollutants, sources and impacts, i.e. smoke SO2, NOx, PAHS CO2 Ozone, volatile organics CFC's. Global warming causes, models and scenarios; biological impacts. Prerequisites: BY4003

 

 

HOST MICROBE INTERACTIONS

BY4058

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The module will present the key strategies microbes use to establish an interaction with the host. This will be developed in the context of both infection and commensalism. State-of-the[1]art concepts on the impact of commensal communities on the host will be explored. The module will set out the molecular basis of the interactions where known. The module will also present the tools used to examine the interactions. The module will present new technologies in studying communities of organisms and how to extract meaningful data from large data sets. The course will use extensive reading of primary literature and reviews to embed the knowledge of techniques, capabilities and challenges in the area. Syllabus: The syllabus will include Host-pathogen interactions; Mechanisms of pathogenesis; Avoiding the host immune system; Host-commensal interactions; Development of tolerance; The role of microbes in programming the host immune response; Microbial communities of humans; The role of gut microbiota in health and disease; The brain gut axis; Analysis of complex microbial communities

 

GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

BY4008

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic inheritance at organism, gene and molecular levels in the light of current knowledge. It is also designed to equip the students, most of whom will be aspiring second -level teachers of biology, the necessary skill and knowledge to able to teach genetics confidently, competently and imaginatively at second level. Syllabus: Extensions of Mendelian genetics - incomplete dominance and codominance, pleiotropy. Linkage; multiple alleles, multiple genes and epistasis. Quantitative characters, genetic variance and heritability. Basic laws of probability and inheritance of characters. Basic principles of plant and animal breeding. Human genetics. Introduction to population genetics. Speciation and evolution. DNA and chromosome structure and packaging. DNA replication, transcription, translation and the genetic code. Mutation causes and effects at the gene chromosome and organism levels. Recombinant DNA/RNA technology. Genomics. Proteomics. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; genes and cancer, cell differentiation. Bacterial and viral genetics. Prerequisites: BY4002, BY4006

EQUINE REPRODUCTION

EV4024

 ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles of Equine Reproduction and how these relate to the practical applications of equine breeding. Syllabus: The syllabus is comprised of the following: reproductive anatomy of the mare and stallion, reproductive endocrinology of the mare and stallion, oestrous cycle, fertilization, pregnancy, parturition; neonatal physiology; male reproductive physiology and practical aspects of equine breeding management. The management of brood mares and stallions are presented from a physiological and husbandry perspective. The events at parturition are presented and discussed in the context of the management of the neonatal foal and the early return of the mare to reproductive activity.

 

EV4032 - THE HORSE INDUSTRY

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: This module provides the student with an understanding of the nature and scope of the horse industry, both national and international. Syllabus: Topics covered on this course include aspects related to: The Irish Horse Industry, the UK Horse Industry, The Horse Industry in Europe, US and Australia; comparative analysis of nature, size, economic importance, policies, supports, regulations, organisations, education and training of personnel. Safety, health and welfare within the horse industry; legislation. Horse welfare; issues and legislation. The statutory and regulatory organisations that operate, control and administer the horse industry. Ancillary industries; horse feed industry, transportation, tourism. Racecourse management. Aspects of breeding and training

 

EQUINE REPRODUCTION

EV4042

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles of Equine Reproduction and how these relate to the practical applications of equine breeding. Syllabus: The syllabus is comprised of the following: reproductive anatomy of the mare and stallion, reproductive endocrinology of the mare and stallion, oestrous cycle, fertilization, pregnancy, parturition; neonatal physiology; male reproductive physiology and practical aspects of equine breeding management. The management of brood mares and stallions are presented from a physiological and husbandry perspective. The events at parturition are presented and discussed in the context of the management of the neonatal foal and the early return of the mare to reproductive activity.

 

EQUESTRIAN SKILL ANALYSIS

EQ4032

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: This module provides important foundation skills for students of equitation in movement and technique analysis, necessary for evaluating equines as athletes. Students are provided with the knowledge and skills to evaluate the physical interactions between the horse and rider. Syllabus: Common misconceptions in rider skill requirements. Rider movement: the role of nervous, skeletal and muscular systems in proprioception and movement, use of body segments for balance and to influence the horse, core stability, skill related components of fitness, physiology and psychology of motor learning, limiting factors - joint range of movement, mental fitness and physical fitness. Qualitative analysis of rider movement, variations by sports discipline. Analysis of technique, strategies and rules of the 3 main Olympic equestrian disciplines and horse racing. Use of video analysis of, and feedback on rider performance. Analysis of efficient technique and it's role in influencing the horse and avoiding injury. Simple methods for developing rider and horse skills; use of simple off and on horse techniques on the flat, over ground poles and jumping to promote efficiency, rhythm, balance, coordination and accuracy in rider and horse movement. Developing skills and knowledge on bandaging, bitting, early handling of horses and corrective and surgical shoeing. Factors affecting rider movement; tack and equipment, horse and rider conformation, rider gender, length of stirrup and saddle design

 

EQUINE PHYSIOLOGY

EV4013

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

 ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: This module builds on the previous modules BY4001, BY4002, BC4902 and EV4012 and forms a core module on the Equine Science Degree programme. Syllabus: Integrating the students prior knowledge, and valuing a quantitative approach, this module leads to an advanced understanding of mammalian body systems, exemplified by equine performance and dysfunction. The systems to be studied include: Blood circulation and the cardiovascular system. Respiration Water balance and excretion including renal function and urine formation. Gastrointestinal function. The nervous system: central, autonomic. Special senses. Temperature regulation. Skeletal muscle. Endocrinology and metabolism. Reproduction and lactation. Prerequisites: BY4002, EV4012, BC4902, BY400

 

EQUINE NUTRITION

EV4014

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles of Equine Nutrition and how these relate to the practical applications of feeding. Syllabus: Classification, digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids; Amylose and amylopectin; Utilisation of the products of dietary energy and protein, Glycemic response, insulin production, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia; microbial fermentation, manipulation of fermentation; VFA absorption; VFA efficiency, lactic acid production, Feed digestibility including aspects on apparent and true digestibility; Transit and retention times, Protein degradation and amino acid absorption; NPN and N utilisation, FFAs; NEFAs; Water; water requirements; Appetite; Feeding standards, Metabolic body size and intake; Feed energy systems, Partition of dietary energy for horses, an evaluation DE and NE systems; energy and protein requirements based on UFC and MADC; heat increment; Efficiency of utilisation of ME; A critical review and evaluation of feeding experiments, and nutrient balance studies; Dietary electrolyte balance; Feeding for performance and metabolism of nutrients during exercise, Applied equine nutrition including aspects on nutrient requirements and utilisation during periods of for growth and production (lactation, gestation). An overview of dietary related problems; Application of current equine nutritional research;

 

EQUINE HEALTH AND DISEASE

EV4015

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To acquant students with the physical appearance and behaviour ofthe healthy horse so that signs of ill health and disease are recognised at an early stage, thus enabling them tomake informed decisions about the necessity for veterinary intervention. To acquaint students with disease conditions of toxicologic origin and with the causes, management and prevention of infectious diseases. Syllabus: To acquaint students with the physical appearance and behaviour of the healthy horse so that signs of ill health and disease are recognised at an early stage, thus enabling students to make informed decisions about the necessity for veterinary intervention. To acquaint students with disease conditions of toxicological origin and with the causes, management and prevention of infectious diseases. Topics covered include parasitic, bacterial and viral diseases of the horse. Diseases of metabolic and degenerative origin are also discussed, including degenerative orthopaedic diseases and osteoarthritis. Disease conditions of the airways and their impact on athletic performance of the horse are discussed from the perspectives of contributing environmental factors and prevention.

 

FOUNDATIONS OF EQUINE PERFORMANCE

EQ4014

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Syllabus: Horse handling and management; methods of control and restraint, protocols for assessing and monitoring horse health, welfare status and fitness for use, use of lungeing on hard and soft surfaces and as an evaluation tool for lameness and respiratory assessment. Measuring physiological indicators; respiration, temperature, heart rate, hydration. Assessment and selection for performance; genotypic and phenotypic considerations, environmental and training contributions, cloning the sports horse, sales evaluation. Training; identification of efficient athletic technique, exercises to improve athletic performance, improving accuracy and power in athletic technique in the horse, use of jumping exercises to improve power and agility, establishing independent balance in the horse and rider.

 

ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

BY4016

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 3 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of the module is to educate the students in animal production, health and welfare so that they are able to teach it as part of agricultural science at leaving certificate level. Syllabus: - Animal Welfare - Five freedoms of animal welfare, Animal Welfare Law; principles of animal welfare; body condition scoring of cattle, sheep and pigs; major categories of animal diseases; zoonotic and notifiable diseases. - Sheep Flock Managemen oSheep production systems; sheep breeds; sheep breeding; rearing and feeding of sheep and lambs; shee diseases; building and handling facilities for sheep. - Beef Herd Management - Breeds of beef cattle; rearing and production of steer, heifer and bull beef; feeding of beef cattle; carcass grading systems for beef cattle; diseases of beef cattle; housing and handling facilities for beef cattle. - Dairy Herd Management - Breeds of dairy cattle; spring and autumn calving dairy herds; life cycle of a dairy cow; the lactation curve; diseases of dairy cows; rearing of dairy calves; feeding of dairy cows; milking machine and milking parlour operation; housing and handling facilities for dairy cows. - Pig Production oBreeds of pigs; the pig production cycle; diseases of pigs; feeding of pigs. - Poultry Production - Poultry management of production of meat and eggs; poultry housing. Prerequisites: BY4025

 

TRAINING THE PERFORMANCE HORSE

EQ4038

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Syllabus: Developmental exercises; leg yield, shoulder in, travers, renvers, half pass, sequence bounces, stride adjustment and distance tests, show jumping and dressage exercises for the racehorse, maintaining willingness in the horse in high level training. Analysis of performance requirements; rules of sports and racing disciplines, test definitions and influence on training and outcome, development, implementation and evaluation of training plans for technique and fitness, long term equine development models, comparison of Irish and international horse development and assessment models. Equipment and technology; use of pressure measurement devices to evaluate saddle fitting, use of 2D motion analysis of technique and movement on the flat and over fences.

 

MANAGING THE PERFORMANCE HORSE

EQ4048

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Syllabus: Performance environments; heat and humidity, acclimatisation, replication, aggressive cooling, rehydration and pre-hydration. Ethics; use in competition, safety, rules and regulations, fence and course design. Holistic management; roles and values of the contributing practitioners. Competition planning; periodisation, setting long, medium- and short-term goals, training schedules, licences and qualifications, entries, travel, quarantine, management at competitions, recovery from competition. Profiling; conformation, back templating, weighing, limb examination, routine health observations, value of veterinary imaging techniques. Procedures; travel documentation, routine health care, vaccinations, licences, entries, competition analysis and planning

 

EQ4068 - ADVANCED EQUINE PHYSIOLOGY

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: This module is focused on the core principles and recent developments in Exercise and Reproductive Physiology. It aims to provide students with an understanding of both of these facets of physiology so as to equip students to work in the equine industry. Syllabus: Effect of exercise and training on the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Sources of energy and the causes of fatigue in horses undertaking different types of work. Modern training methods relating the principles of exercise physiology with current training and management regimes. Laboratory and field methods for monitoring equine fitness based on heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption and blood lactate production. Examination of fitness training programmes for horses competing in specific disciplines. Interval training, continuous training. Recent developments is assisted reproductive technologies in horses including manipulation of the mares reproductive cycle. Assessment of follicular dynamics using ultrasonography, Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, Semen collection, processing and freezing, Sperm assessment techniques, Artificial insemination, Cloning. Prerequisites: EV4013

 

EQUINE PHARMACOLOGY

EV4017

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To acquaint students with the classes of drugs which are of relevance to equine medicine and to provide an insight to the factors that determine species differences in drug response. Syllabus: To acquaint students with the classes of drugs which are of relevance to equine medicine and to provide an insight to the factors that determine species differences in drug response. Classification of drugs and sources of information on drugs. Drug dosage forms and routes of administration. Processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Basic principles of pharmacokinetics. Pharmacological effects, mechanism of action and fate of therapeutic agents that affect various systems of the body (equine), with particular emphasis on drugs affecting the musculo- skeletal and respiratory systems; Antimicrobial drugs; Non-steroidal anti[1]inflammatory drugs; Anthelmintic medication; Applied toxicology; Drug assay methodology; Drug licensing, registration and legislation. Performance enhancing drugs, mechanism of action and current legislation; Doping, current doping problems in the equine industry; international trends; diagnostic assays and their sensitivities.

PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN NUTRITION

BY4214

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 1 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of Human Nutrition Syllabus: This module will examine nutrients, their function, metabolism and food sources as well as discuss the latest research in the role of nutrition for the promotion of optimal health and prevention of disease. The absorption, digestion and essential functions of the macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and lipids) and the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) will be explored. Changes in nutritional requirements at different stages of the life cycle will discussed as well as special needs during pregnancy, lactation and aging. The impact of nutrition and food on the promotion of health and the prevention of disease will be fully explored. Topics covered include: energy requirements, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, absorption, digestion and metabolism of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, water, dietary standards, heart disease, cancer, obesity, maternal nutrition/lactation, infant/childhood/teenage nutrition.

Prerequisites: BY4001, BY4002, CH4102

 

FOOD CHEMISTRY

FT4204

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 2 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To introduce students to the utilisation of raw materials by the food industry To provide a general course on the chemistry of raw materials and of foods Syllabus: Overview of utilisation of plant and animal raw materials by agri-industries. Biochemistry of raw materials - amounts and types of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and secondary metabolites of economic importance. Anatomical and structural aspects of raw materials. Food Analysis. Relationship between raw material composition and biochemical and physical properties.

 

CANCER MECHANISMS, THERAPEUTICS AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE

BY4038

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: There have been considerable developments in our knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and other diseases. These developments have hastened the advent of the new discipline of molecular medicine. This module presents recent developments in our understanding of cell cycle controls in relation to cancer biology as well as new developments in Bioscience which allow the targeting of cellular and molecular pathways involved in disease. The module will present the theoretical and practical aspects of modern molecular technologies as applied to cancer and other human diseases. Syllabus: Molecular pathology of cancer and some inherited human diseases; molecular changes during the transformation of normal cells to malignant cells; control of the cell cycle and alterations in cell cycle checkpoints in cancer cells; oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes; the process of tumour initiation and progression, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis; genomic alterations in molecular genetic disease and describe the identification of specific disease related genes; molecular drug targets in cancer; cancer vaccines; signal transduction as a therapeutic target; Anti-cancer drug target discovery; monolconal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors as therapeutic agents; tissue engineering and nanomedicine.

 

ADVANCED FOOD CHEMISTRY

FT4428

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To provide an advanced course in Food Chemistry To develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between food characteristics and their molecular basis. Syllabus: Detailed treatment of the chemistry of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins in food systems. Analytical techniques. Relationships between structure and function. Industrial modification of lipids; oxidative rancidity and its control. Emulsification. Non-enzymatic browning and caramelisation reactions. Natural and chemically modified polysaccharides. Roles of proteins in gelation, dough formation, foaming, texture formation, etc. Effects of processing and storage.

 

FOOD MICROBIOLOGY

FT4438

ECTS Credits: 3 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To provide a specialised course on the microbiology of foods. Syllabus: Roles of major families of microorganisms in food preservation/spoilage, food fermentations and public health. Isolation and characterisation. Physiological characteristics of selected food microbes. Microbial testing and control in food products. Advanced detection methods. Hygiene, cleaning and disinfection in the food factory. HACCP and Quality Systems. Foodborne pathogens of current concern including Listeria monocytogenes, psychrophilic C. botulinum, Aeromonas, Yersinia, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella etc

 

FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

FT4458

ECTS Credits: 3 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To give students a general understanding of agricultural production in Ireland. To give students an appreciation of the factors influencing the production of novel crops and their subsequent utilisation. Syllabus: [Soils and plant nutrition]; soil composition, physical chemical and biological properties. [Fertiliser use]. [Production of conventional and novel crops including crops for biomass use]. [Grassland and grazing], grazing systems, grass conservation. [Milk and meat production], rearing and management of cattle, sheep and pigs, production systems. [Effects of production methods on post-harvest and processing quality]

 

FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY

FT4468

**Lab numbers are capped at 2-3 students**

ECTS Credits: 6 (Year 4 Module)

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: To introduce students to the basic concepts of Food Biotechnology. To develop an understanding of the enabling technologies used to manipulate micro-organisms, plants and animals for the production of food. To develop a critical awareness of the impact of Food Biotechnology on the production and processing of food. To develop a critical awareness of the impact of Food Biotechnology on the ethics, labelling and regulatory issues related to the consumer and the environment. Syllabus: Introduction to Food Biotechnology, Outline of basis of traditional and novel food biotechnology processes; principles of fermentation, separations, recovery systems; Introduction to novel platform technologies; Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics. Biotechnology and the food industry: Enzyme and bacterial mediated bio[1]transformations; Flavour Ingredients, Brewing, Winemaking, Enzyme technology. Food applications of microbial biotechnology; Lactic acid bacteria and Yeast; metabolic and protein engineering, overexpression of enzymes and metabolic end products; Probiotics and nutrigenetics. Plant Biotechnology; Plant transformations, genetic strategies for improvements of characteristics, pesticide resistance, yield improvement, metabolite production. Animal Biotechnology; Genetic strategies for improvements of animal characteristics, disease resistance, yield and performance improvement, Transgenic animals, Quantitative trait loci (QTLÆs) Related issues; Regulations and Legal declarations, Ethics, Consumer concerns, biotechnology and the environment, Future trends Prerequisites: BC4904, BC4803