lbirc2101a  2019-2020  Louvain-la-Neuve

Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
4 credits
18.5 h + 22.5 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Chaumont François; Hachez Charles; Morsomme Pierre (coordinator);
Language
French
Prerequisites
General biochemistry and general genetics
Main themes
The first part (Basics of genetic engineering) starts with a brief review of how genetic information is expressed (transcription, translation, post-translational modifications) in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The major steps of genetic engineering will then be examined:  gene libraries, gene cloning, gene modification, genetic transformation of procaryotes.
The second part (Analytical biochemistry) covers classic methods used to purify biological macromolecules et determine their identity and biochemical properties.
Practicals illustrate standard techniques used in genetic engineering as well as in analytical biochemistry.
Content
Part 1. Basics of genetic engineering (4 ECTS)
Regulation of transcription and translation, posttranslational modifications, protein targeting in subcellular compartments. Tools of genetic engineering (restriction and modification enzymes). Cloning vectors (plasmids, phages, bacterial and yeast artificial chromosomes). Genomic and cDNA libraries. Library screening. PCR cloning. Gene characterization (restriction map, sequencing, expression profiling). Heterologous expression in bacteria.
Part 2. Analytical biochemistry (4 ECTS)
Centrifugation and fractionation of cells, organelles or molecules. Protein chromatography techniques. Protein electrophoresis (1D and 2D). Light and fluorescence microscopy of proteins. Mass spectrometry analysis and sequencing of proteins. Immunodetection (ELISA, western blotting, in situ). Genotyping (PCR and microsatellites).
Teaching methods
The theoretical part will be taught by the teacher using the blackboard and Power Point files.
Practicals will give the students (groups of two) the opportunity to put in practice the methodologies taught in the theoretical part.
Evaluation methods
An exam will be performed at the end of the practicals to assess the comprehension of the methodologies used (25% of the final score).
An exam on the theoretical part will be organized to assess the understanding of the various concepts as well as the capacity to use these concepts to solve practical problems (75% of the final score).
Other information
Each part (Basics of genetic engineering and Analytical biochemistry) can be taken separately as optional course. Participation in the practical work is mandatory. Any unjustified absence will result in a penalty on the final grade of the course.
Ths course can be given in english.
Online resources
Moodle
Bibliography
Syllabus et notes de cours
Faculty or entity
AGRO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Biomedical Engineering

Master [120] in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology

Master [120] in Agricultural Bioengineering

Master [120] in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Master [60] in Biology