Module Indicative Content |
Reproductive Biotechnology
Artificial Insemination (AI); Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization; livestock cloning; Genetic and biochemical aspects of embryo development and viability; Biotech approaches to oestrous detection; Biotech approaches to sperm sexing in cattle.
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Biotechnology and Animal Health
Biotech based vaccines; Rapid biotech based diagnostic tests for infectious disease; Molecular-based typing of pathogens to monitor spread of disease within and between herds and trace the source of disease; Genetic analysis of animal pathogens.
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Biotechnology and Animal Growth
Improved feed, hormones and other biotech products that enhance animal size, productivity and growth rates. Sample case study: Synthetic hormone bST (bovine somatotropin) used in the U.S. to increase milk yield in lactating cows.
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Transgenic animals
Genetic engineering of animals. Recombinant protein production in transgenic animals. Pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural applications. Sample case study: Production of human antithrombin in transgenic goats.
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Risk assessment and Legislation
Risk assessment of GMOs with regard to biosecurity and food safety; The importance of Quality Control and traceability in GMO food-production; The risks associated with GMOs in the food-chain; Legislation and 'best practice' regarding GMO feedstocks, GMO labeling, GMO traceability etc.
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Ethical issues
Ethical aspects of the biotechnology industry, especially with regard to GM animals and the introduction of GM organisms in the food-chain.
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DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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T. A. Brown. (2010), Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction, 6th ed.. Wiley.
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T. A. Brown. (2011), Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach, Garland Science.
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A.S. Verma, A. Singh. (2014), Animal Biotechnology: Models in Discovery and Translation, Academic Press.
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Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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Current research publications from
peer-reviewed journals will be used as
additional material.
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Other Resources |
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Website, Environ: Genetically Modified Organisms,
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Website, Food Safety Authority of Ireland,
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Website, European Commission: Genetically
Modified Food and Feed slide,
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