This version of the course guide is provisional until the period for editing the new course guides ends.

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Microbian Biotechnology

Code: 42900 ECTS Credits: 9
2025/2026
Degree Type Year
Biotecnología Avanzada OB 1

Contact

Name:
Antonio Pedro Villaverde Corrales
Email:
antonio.villaverde@uab.cat

Teachers

Antonio Pedro Villaverde Corrales
Pau Ferrer Alegre
Neus Ferrer Miralles
Escarlata Rodriguez Carmona
Esther Vazquez Gomez
Eloi Parlade Molist
Anna Aris Giralt
Jose Luis Corchero Nieto
Elena Garcia Fruitós
Jesus Aranda Rodriguez
(External) Antonio Barreiro Vázquez
(External) Antonio Rodríguez Fernández de Henestrosa
(External) Carla Prat
(External) Jordi Feliu
(External) Lucas Martín
(External) Luis Enrique Brenes
(External) Luis Ruiz
(External) Manuel Rodríguez
(External) Marí Aldea Malo
(External) Patricia Ayma
(External) Pau Vila
(External) Remedios Mancebo
(External) Rubén León

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

It is expected to have a good conceptual background in microbial metabolism and physiology, molecular microbiology, microbial cell culture techniques, genetic manipulation of microorganisms and protein engineering.


Objectives and Contextualisation


The objective of this module is to provide students with an overview of microorganisms of industrial interest, microbial diversity and their potential on an industrial scale in production / transformation processes.

There will also be several microbial products of industrial and biomedical interest, especially proteins, and how microbial cell factories can be used for the production and adaptation of the same for biotechnological and biomedical applications.


Learning Outcomes

  1. CA03 (Competence) Design microorganism-based tools and strategies to optimize industrial processes.
  2. CA03 (Competence) Design microorganism-based tools and strategies to optimize industrial processes.
  3. CA04 (Competence) Evaluate research results to develop new products or industrial processes for transfer to society.
  4. CA05 (Competence) Act in the industrial field with ethical responsibility and with respect for fundamental rights and duties, diversity and democratic values, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.
  5. KA02 (Knowledge) Recognise experimental procedures in the field of industrial microbiology.
  6. KA02 (Knowledge) Recognise experimental procedures in the field of industrial microbiology.
  7. KA03 (Knowledge) Recognize microorganisms of industrial interest.
  8. KA03 (Knowledge) Recognize microorganisms of industrial interest.
  9. SA04 (Skill) Apply microbial diversity as a source of new microorganisms and microbial products of industrial interest.
  10. SA04 (Skill) Apply microbial diversity as a source of new microorganisms and microbial products of industrial interest.
  11. SA05 (Skill) Apply current tools and systems used in industrial microbiology and at the interface between industrial microbiology and biotechnology.

Content

-R+D+I to obtain products or microorganisms of industrial interest.

-The Cell Factory concept: microbial production of metabolites, enzymes and recombinant drugs.

-Experimental design in microbial biotechnology.

-Production and engineering of protein drugs and materials of clinical interest. 

-Microbiology in different industrial sectors (health, pharmaceutical, agri-food, cosmetics).

-Value and technological transfer of microbial products.

 


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Lectures 46 1.84 CA03, KA02, KA03, SA04, CA03
Type: Autonomous      
Personal study 135 5.4 CA04, CA05, KA02, KA03, SA05, CA04
Preparation of an oral presentation 41.75 1.67 CA03, CA04, KA02, SA04, CA03

This module consists of expository masterclasses taught by researchers in fields related to Microbiology and Biotechnology, by professionals in these specialties from related industries, and by experts in valorization and industrial transfer. Attendance at 60% of master classes will be required.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Evaluation of group assignments: oral presentations 25 0.25 0.01 CA04, CA05, KA03, SA04
Individual evaluation: multiple choice test (Partial 1) 35 1 0.04 CA03, CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05
Individual evaluation: multiple choice test (Partial 2) 40 1 0.04 CA03, CA04, KA02, SA04

El módulo se evaluará a través de dos pruebas individuales escritas eliminatorias con preguntas tipo test y de la entrega de un trabajo realizado en grupo y evaluado mediante presentación oral.

Para superar la asignatura se debe obtener una nota media ponderada de 5 o más alta, y una nota de 4 o más alta en cada prueba escrita individual. En caso de no superar el módulo, la evaluación individual podrá ser recuperada.

To participate in the recovery, students must have been previously evaluated in a set of activities whose weight is equivalent to a minimum of two thirds of the total grade for the subject or module. Therefore, the student body will obtain the qualification of "Not Evaluable" when the evaluation activities carried out have a weighting of less than 67% in the final qualification.

In the event that the student wishes to improve the qualification of the individual evaluation, they will be able to opt for a grade improvement test that will be carried out the same day as the recovery test, giving up the grade obtained previously in this section. Students who want to take this test must contact the module teachers in writing at least 72 hours before the scheduled day to take the test. It is necessary to get a minimum of 5 to pass it.

To pass the module it is mandatory to attend at least 60% of the theoretical classes.

Single assessment: The single assessment consists of a single individual written test consisting of two types of questions (test and short questions) in which the contents of the entire theory program of the subject will be assessed. The grade obtained in this synthesis test will account for 75% of the final grade for the subject.

The evaluation of the work presentation through oral presentation will follow the same process of the continuous evaluation. The grade obtained will account for 25% of the final grade for the subject.

The same recovery system will be applied asfor the continuous evaluation.


Bibliography

The necessary basic and specific bibliography will be published on the moodle course. The databases will be indicated to obtain the necessary material for the individual works.


Software

No specific software is foreseen.


Groups and Languages

Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Spanish first semester morning-mixed