BIO102 Applied Biotechnology

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Gustav Vaaje-Kolstad

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:75

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

  • Lectures: 22 h.
  • Semester assignment: 8 h.
  • Self-study: 95 h.

Teaching and exam period:Autumn parallel.

About this course

The subject will consist of a combination of lectures based on the course book and guest lectures by researchers on biotechnology taking place at NMBU and other institutions in the Oslo area. The guest lectures will provide examples of the various topics that the subject illuminates: proteins as products, microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology, DNA "fingerprinting" and forensics, bioremediation, aquatic biotechnology, medical biotechnology, international laws and regulations in biotechnology, and ethics and biotechnology. The first part of the subject will provide a superficial introduction to the basic understanding of genes, genomes, proteins, DNA and protein analysis, cells, and other concepts that form the basis of modern (applied) biotechnology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge. The student should:

  • Understanding what biotechnology is, what application areas exist, and how the technology has developed to become an important part of the society.
  • Acquire knowledge of the various molecular techniques used to develop biotechnological applications.
  • Gain insight into recent advances in research within the various branches of biotechnology and the implications this research might have for the society.
  • Understand and reflect over the regulations governing the use of biotechnology and the ethical issues related to such technology.
  • Gain an understanding of how artificial intelligence can be used in knowledge dissemination and what limitations lie within the technology.

Skills. The student should be able to:

  • Explain how biotechnology has become an important technology in today's society.
  • Provide good examples of both historical and modern biotechnological methods and applications.
  • Assess and reflect over the ethical issues associated with the use and development of biotechnological methods.
  • Participate actively in conversations/discussions about biotechnology and biotechnology legislation.
  • Provide and receive constructive feedback to/from others.

General competence.

The student should have gained a broad overview of the opportunities biotechnology provides both nationally and internationally. The student should be familiar with the basic methods used in biotechnology and be aware of biotechnological applications and research both globally and locally at NMBU. The student should also be prepared for further education and in-depth learning in the basic subjects that form the foundation of biotechnology. The student should understand the importance of a deep understanding of the basic subjects as a cornerstone of a biotechnologist."

  • Learning activities
    • Lectures
    • Quiz
    • Group work
  • Teaching support
    • Canvas.
      • Discussion with Q&A.
    • Questions can also be directed to the lecturer and teaching assistants during lectures and group work
  • Prerequisites
    BIO101 or equivalent
  • Recommended prerequisites
    Specialization in chemistry and/or biology from high school.
  • Assessment method

    Final 3.5-hour written exam during the exam period, graded A-F, which may be entirely or partially composed of multiple-choice questions.

    The final exam counts for 100% of the grade.



    School exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids
  • Examiner scheme
    External examiner approves the examination questions.
  • Mandatory activity
    • Obligatory quizzes for each chapter in the book. >70% of these must be completed and passed for the student to be allowed to take the exam.
    • Semester project and related activities.
  • Teaching hours

    Week 36-42: 2 hours of lectures per week.

    Week 43-46: 2 hours of lectures + 2 hours of exercises (semester assignment).

  • Preferential right
    B-BIOTEK og M-KB.
  • Reduction of credits
    BIO140 Introduction to biology 2 sp.
  • Admission requirements
    Special requirements in Science