This course entitled Upstream Biotechnology Processes is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in basic upstream fermentation processes applicable to the biotechnology industry. Basic concepts and general designs of upstream fermentations will be covered through a series of lectures. The bulk of the course, however, will be spent in the laboratory where students will have an opportunity to perform a fermentation on a 5-liter scale. All the fundamental steps used within the fermentation industry will be experienced, including selection of clones, growth of microorganism, monitoring purity of the culture, and bioassay to document product yield.

The course will be organized as 20% lectures and 80% laboratory experience. This format is designed to broaden student knowledge and understanding of upstream biotechnology processes while emphasizing practical laboratory experience.

Course Title: Upstream Biotechnology Processes-PHARM/CHEM:4850-2 Semester Hours

Dates: Do be determined

Meeting Time: Do be determined

Location: A164 MTF (Lecture) and B145 MTF (Lab), University of Iowa Research Park (Oakdale Campus)

No Prerequisites: Students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical and biochemical engineering, biology, microbiology, and pharmaceutical science with interests in biotechnology are encouraged to take this course.

Topic covered: Hands-on experience with basic cloning, shake-flask growth, and microbial fermentation emphasizing reactor preparation, inoculation methods, reactor operation and control, product collection, and bioassay.

Please contact Instructor Shuvendu Das for more information.

MyUI course listing