Marine Biotechnology

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge in marine ecology and general chemistry.

Teaching Methods

Transmission of knowledge for the acquisition of new learning based on field and laboratory activities and data analysis.Application of dynamic tools and methodologies in the transmission of scientific knowledge. Intense practical, laboratorial and field components.

Learning Outcomes

Know fundamental principles of marine biotechnology, techniques and relevant applications in the marine context. Understand the diversity of marine life and its importance in biotechnology, including ecology and physiology of marine organisms. Identify and characterize marine organisms of biotechnological interest, including capture/harvesting and cultivation processes for these organisms. Demonstrate knowledge of extraction and analysis techniques (NMR, FTIR-ATR, HPLC, etc.) of bioactive compounds from marine organisms, including bioprospecting for natural products with therapeutic and industrial potential. Be familiar with related ethical, legal and environmental issues to marine biotechnology and approach it responsibly. Develop practical skills in handling marine samples, laboratory techniques and analysis methods associated with marine biotechnology. Evaluate and interpret the results of experiments and research.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Marine organisms as biotechnological resources. Discussion of unique characteristics and strategies for collecting, identifying and cultivating marine organisms, as well as genetic and biochemical diversity Use of marine organisms as a source of biologically active compounds. Application of omics tools: identification and investigation of new compounds, valorization and chemical diversity Study of bioactive substances with therapeutic potential found in marine organisms. Pharmaceuticals and marine biomedicine.
Biotechnology and food production: Exploring the applications of biotechnology in aquaculture and marine food production; Control and quality of food safety Bioremediation and environmental monitoring: applications of marine biotechnology in the recovery and preservation of marine ecosystems Bioenergy and renewable resources: use of marine organisms in the production of renewable energy

Head Lecturer(s)

Leonel Carlos dos Reis Tomás Pereira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Project: 15.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

AL, DP, JC, JCM, LP and AMMG 2020. Seaweeds bioactive candidate compounds to food industry and global food security. Life 10, 140; doi:10.3390/life10080140
AV, MP, AC, JPF, HL, CA, JC and LP 2020 Effect of carrageenans on vegetable jelly in humans with hypercholesterolemia. Marine Drugs 2020, 18(1), 19; doi: 10.3390/md18010019
LP and AV 2021 The seaweed diet in prevention and treatment of the neurodegenerative diseases. Marine Drugs 2021, 19, 128. doi: 10.3390/md19030128
JC,DP, GSA, AV, ATC and LP 2021 On the Health Benefits vs. Risks of Seaweeds and Their Constituents: The Curious Case of the Polymer Paradigm. Marine Drugs 2021, 19, 164. doi: 10.3390/md19030164
CPR,DP, JC, JCM, LP and AMMG 2021 Seaweeds as valuable sources of essential fatty acids for human nutrition. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18(9), 4968. DOI: 0.3390/ijerph18094968