3000

Cellular and Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes is one of the mandatory courses of the concentration in the molecular and cellular line of the Biology and Microbiology Program. Therefore, it is designed to integrate the knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology and physiological microbiology in prokaryotes. The main objective of the course is to familiarize students in depth with the molecular and cellular level of the mechanisms involved in the replication of chromosomal as well as plasmid genetic material, in the mechanisms of recombination and reparation, and interrelate this understanding with the synthesis of proteins and the transport of proteins to their final environment for the biosynthesis of structures such as membrane, flagella, etc. Operon type positive and negative regulators and the cell differentiation system, particularly sporulation, are analyzed in detail along with horizontal transfer mechanisms and their implications on variability.

The objective of the Cellular and Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes Laboratory is to put the knowledge acquired by students in the theoretic part of the class into practice. General protocols of molecular biology (sequencing-restriction), induction and differentiation are implemented in the sporulation process and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms (conjugation, transformation, transduction).

This course is aimed at introducing students to the basic techniques of bioinformatics: database searching, sequence alignments, phylogenetic analysis, primer design and modeling and visualization of three-dimensional structures of proteins. By knowing these techniques, the student will be able to understand and design genomic and met genomics projects.

The objective of this course is to study the fundamental and basic concepts of medical mycology. The course delves into the main characteristics of fungi of medical interest as well as updated taxonomic systems of identification, in their relationship with the host and establishment, as well as their clinical manifestations, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.

The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the main genera of fungi that cause illnesses in human beings. In addition, it studies some of the procedures and techniques employed in the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of fungi-related infectious diseases.

Plants are the main food source on which man and animals depend, either directly or indirectly. Similarly, they are an important source of raw materials for different industries. Fruit farming and flower growing has been an example of agro industrial development in Colombia in recent years, becoming an important line of export. Therefore, the study of the diseases caused by different types of microorganisms that affect different crops, reducing their output, is of great importance. The objective of this course is to train students to work in the field of diagnosing, controlling and researching plant diseases.

The objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction on how to recognize signs and symptoms of microbial diseases in plants, as well as the proper processing of samples to isolate significant phytopathogens in agriculture in order to diagnose, handle and control phytosanitary problems. Practices will apply the procedures to process vegetable matter as well as isolate and identify phytopathogens.

Theoretic course in which students are trained to deal with different situations in the industry, regarding process control, quality management and quality assurance of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. In addition, the course covers the different agents that cause food transmitted diseases and their impact on public health.

Practical course whose objective is to train students in the different techniques used to evaluate the presence of indicator, deteriorative or pathogen microorganisms involved in food quality and innocuousness, and develop students’ ability to analyze and interpret results, which is fundamental in decision making as regards processes on the industrial levels.

This course studies the interactions between microorganisms and their environment (water, soil, air, plants) as well as the role of these interactions toward biotechnological bioprospection. It has been divided into four modules: One based on diversity and biotechnology. The second and third modules are based on the role of microorganisms in the cycles of the elements and their application in the biodegradation and biotransformation of xenobiotic and recalcitrant compounds. Finally, the fourth module is focused on the usefulness of microorganisms as biofertilizers and biological control agents.

The objective of the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory is to develop analytical capacity as regards the possible results obtained. Practices are focused on microbial diversity, land-farming bioremediation processes, the degradation of aromatic compounds, heavy metal resistance (biosensors) and biological control.

The course covers topics related to the application of microorganisms in the industry. Being the Biotechnology a multidisciplinary area, the course aims to develop in students the ability to integrate the information they will receive with previous knowledge, so they can use that information for troubleshooting. The program covers topics such as bacteria and fungi conservation, improvement of strains, bases of fermentation and production of metabolites, immobilization, and production of biomass and metabolites of industrial interest (single cell protein, dairy and alcohol products, antibiotics, etc.). During the course there are exhibitions and discussion of articles in the topics covered. Additionally, students formulate a research proposal, for which, explanations about the correct wording of title, exposition of the problem , objectives, materials and methods, schedule, budget and references will be provided.

The course structure is based on practices for the development of skills in laboratory work with microorganisms of industrial interest, and a field trip in which visits are made to companies with biotechnology. Among laboratory practices we find the bacterial growth curve, the preservation of bacteria and fungi, production of compounds with antibiotic activity, production of fermented foods, production of enzymes and vitamins, etc..

Show students the relationship between biology and the deterioration of objects that constitute the cultural heritage of nations. Give the student an overview of the causes and effects of deterioration in these objects, as well as possible prevention and treatment. Biodeterioration Art Objects

The subject Inscription Project Grade BIOL 3906 proposed by the student is developed in this course. The Graduation Project is carried out under a scientific committee tutorial where the student executes a scientific task based upon his/her project. This final project should be submitted in writing. (Manuscript format of scientific type) and give room for a public presentation. The Grade Internship is guided as a student formation complement based upon field experience and through enterprise, institutes and/or laboratories dynamic participation. Access to these programs could be granted through published offers by CTP or through students self management. Monograph is an investigation based upon scientific literature carried out under the supervision of one or two tutors. Work results should be submitted in writing (manuscript format of scientific type) giving room for a public presentation.

All students from the program who are planning to graduate the following semester are to enroll in this course.