Protein Production and PurificationLaajuus (10 cr)

Objective

This course will teach how to produce and purify recombinant proteins using different expression systems and techniques. Students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of different vectors and host cells such as bacteria, yeasts, moulds, insect and mammalian cells. Students will also learn about the methods and challenges of expression, fermentation, downstream processing, protein characterisation and quality control. Students will gain practical skills in mammalian cell culture and immunological techniques. Finally, students will apply their knowledge in a recombinant protein production and purification project, where the gained knowledge and skills are combined in a hands-on laboratory project.

Content

• Cloning and recombinant protein extraction
• Various production vectors, host cells and expression methods (bacteria, yeasts and moulds, insect and mammalian cells)
• Basics of fermentation and yield scaling up
• Different steps in the isolation of the final product
• Protein purification and characterisation methods, for example: precipitation and different separation techniques and immunological characterisation methods
• Specific issues related to biotechnology products: legislation, patents, safety, quality, product development and storage
• Recombinant protein production and purification project
• Cell culture technology in theory and practice

Qualifications

Gene Technology and Basics in Bioinformatics
Bacterial Identification project

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• demonstrates achievement of core competence objectives
• applies field-specific knowledge appropriately to the situation
• searches for information and justifies the use of sources
• is able to work as a member of a project team.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• masters all the learning objectives of the course
• uses field-specific concepts and knowledge fluently and comprehensively
• is able to critically evaluate and utilise sources and research data
• acts actively and responsibly as a member of a project team.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• is able to use theoretical and professional concepts and knowledge in a competent way and integrate them into a coherent whole
• takes responsibility for the whole
• applies their professional knowledge
• takes responsibility for their own and the team's development in a goal-oriented manner.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student:
• demonstrates achievement of core competence objectives
• applies field-specific knowledge appropriately to the situation
• searches for information and justifies the use of sources
• is able to work as a member of a project team.