Welcome and Brief description of module
Dear Students,
Welcome to the Animal and Plant Biotechnology Module. The major gaol of this module is to introduce to you the principle and the application of the recombinant DNA technology to animal and plants. The Module is splint into two related, but standalone components; Animal Biotechnology and Plant Biotechnology.
In the Plant Biotechnology component, we will look at techniques for plant transformation and our discussion will be focused on Binary vectors for plant transformation; The genetic manipulation of herbicide resistance; The genetic manipulation of pest resistance; Plant diseases resistance; Strategies for engineering stress tolerance; The improvement of crop yield and quality.
The Animal Biotechnology component will give you: Brief overview on biotechnology in general and animal biotechnology in particular, Introduction of Novel Genes, Directed genetic manipulation, Propagation by nuclear transfer, Technical issues with germline modification, Concerns related to germline technology, Issues related to somatic cell nuclear transfer technology, Biopharmaceutical production and finally a discussion on Xenotransplantation.
Module Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Get acquainted with the use of molecular techniques to introduce useful traits in animals that results in economic gains and improvement of livelihood of humanity;
- Get a hand on skills in recombinant DNA;
- Explore the creation of the transgenic plants for potential use to resist to herbicides and tolerate the stress;
- Relate Plant Biotechnological innovations with GMO commercialization.
Module Indicative Contents
Animal Biotechnology component
- Brief overview on biotechnology
- Introduction of Novel Genes
- Directed genetic manipulation
- Propagation by nuclear transfer
- Technical issues with germline modification
- Concerns related to germline technology
- Issues related to somatic cell nuclear transfer technology
- Biopharmaceutical production
- Xenotransplantation.
Plant Biotechnology component
- Techniques for plant transformation
- Binary vectors for plant transformation
- The genetic manipulation of herbicide resistance
- The genetic manipulation of pest resistance
- Plant diseases resistance
- Strategies for engineering stress tolerance
- The improvement of crop yield and quality
Form of final/summative assessment
- Online quizzes: 10%
- Practical: 20%
- Online assignment :20%
- Final Examination: 50%
Module Teaching Team
Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, Animal Biotechnology; Tel: +250 785 122 932; Email: josephnsenga01@gmail.com; SMS, WhatApp, etc
Dr. Jean-Pierre Munyampundu, Plant Biotechnology; Tel: +250 784283838; Email: j.munyampundu@ur.ac.rw/ mpundupeter@hotmail.com
The aim of this module is to provide an integrated background in immunology and immunogenetics, the study of the interrelation between immunity to disease and genetic makeup. Students will study the organs and cells of the immunological system and mechanisms involved in the functioning of the immune system, including the humoral system and cellular immunity, host-antigen relationships, and immunological reactions or infections. The course will cover methods of study in immunology and immunogenetics, particularly the development of B and T cells.
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
1. mechanisms of humoral and cellular immunity
2. specific immune responses
3. B lymphocytes and antibody formation
4. cell-mediated immunity and T- cell physiology and antigen presenting cells
5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reactions of antigen-antibody
6. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of MHC and HLA molecules, the polygenism and polymorphism of HLA genes
7. demonstrate knowledge of the Ig genetics and the genetic of T cell receptors
8. the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms as well as the biotechnological applications
9. the relationship between immune response and genetics
This module aims to help students understand the process of research. It starts by defining research methodology and ethical concerns in research. This will be followed by going through all the steps for conducting research: Formulation of research questions, and hypothesis, defining what one wishes to investigate, gathering the data, analysis of data, interpreting data, testing and revising of hypothesis, and concluding the research.