• Plan the design of transgenic organisms for applications in food, pharmacy and health, energy, or the environment.
• Utilize this knowledge as a supporting component in Bioprocess Technology courses.

The Genetics of Living Organisms course explores the fundamental concepts of genetics and heredity in living organisms, covering essential topics such as DNA structure, replication mechanisms, genetic mutations, and inheritance patterns. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next and how genetic variation influences the characteristics of living beings. Students will study topics such as genome structure and function, transcription and translation processes, gene regulation, and the principles of molecular evolution. In addition, this course covers the applications of genetics in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, including genetic engineering, gene therapy, and genetic selection for crop and livestock improvement.

• Gene Expression and Function

  • Fundamentals of gene expression: transcription, translation, and regulation
  • Role of genes in determining organismal traits and biochemical processes

• Genome

  • Structure and organization of the genome in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
  • Techniques for genome sequencing and annotation
  • Understanding genetic variation and its implications

• Introduction and Development of GMO Organisms

  • Definition and history of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
  • Applications and milestones in GMO research and development

• Genome Modification Techniques

  • Overview of genetic engineering tools and techniques:
    • CRISPR-Cas9
    • Gene knockout and knock-in methods
    • Transgenic technology
    • RNA interference (RNAi)
  • Advances in precision genome editing

• Methods of Analyzing GMO Organisms

  • Techniques for detecting and characterizing GMOs:
    • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
    • Southern blotting
    • Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
    • Bioinformatics tools for GMO analysis

• GMO Organisms in Food

  • Applications of GMOs in agriculture: pest-resistant crops, herbicide tolerance, and enhanced nutrition
  • Safety, labeling, and public perception of GMO foods

• GMO Organisms in Pharmacy and Health

  • Production of pharmaceuticals using GMOs: insulin, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies
  • GMOs in gene therapy and personalized medicine

• GMO Organisms in Energy

  • Role of GMOs in biofuel production and renewable energy solutions
  • Genetic engineering of microorganisms for efficient biomass conversion

• GMO Organisms in the Environment

  • Applications of GMOs in bioremediation and pollution control
  • Genetic engineering for climate-resilient crops and ecological balance

• Latest Research and Applications Related to GMO Organisms

  • Recent advancements in GMO technology and applications
  • Emerging trends and ethical considerations in GMO research
  • Case studies on innovative GMO applications in various sectors

1. Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, & Monty Krieger, Molecular Cell Biology, 6th ed., W. H. Freeman.
2. T. A. Brown, Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis, 6th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, Hong Kong, 2010.
3. Newest Scopus-Indexed Scientific Journals.