GMO – benefits and threats Field of study: Biotechnology
Programme code: W2-S2BTA19.2021

Module name: GMO – benefits and threats
Module code: 2BT_E_36
Programme code: W2-S2BTA19.2021
Semester:
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • winter semester 2025/2026
  • summer semester 2024/2025
  • winter semester 2024/2025
  • summer semester 2023/2024
  • winter semester 2023/2024
  • summer semester 2022/2023
  • winter semester 2022/2023
  • summer semester 2021/2022
  • winter semester 2021/2022
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 4
Description:
The module is aimed at broadening of students’ knowledge on current status of cultivation of GMP in the world. Identifies problems and potential threats associated with GMP for the environment and consumers. Discusses such issues as: GMP and famines in the world, GMP and diminishing of fertilizers application in agriculture, vertical and horizontal gene transfer, ethics of GMO products and food safety, GMO as private and social value. The module acquaints students with legal regulations regarding registration and release of new GMO crop cultivars in the USA and European Union. During the classes students acquaint themself with molecular methods of GMO detection in food products and with the safety procedures of GMO handling.
Prerequisites:
Knowledge on basic issues of biotechnology.
Key reading:
see: syllabus compulsory reading
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
Student describes deploying of genetically modified plants (GMP) in agriculture, taking into account food production, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. [2BT_E_36_1]
 2BT_E_W02_P [5/5]
Student presents data regarding current status of GMP production in the world. Characterizes transgenic plants of new generation. [2BT_E_36_2]
 2BT_E_W05_P [5/5] 2BT_E_W09_P [5/5]
Student presents legal regulations regaring release of GMO to the environment and trade of goods containing GMO products. [2BT_E_36_3]
 2BT_E_U02_P [5/5]
Student identifies and discusses problems and potential threats related with GMP for the environment and consumers. [2BT_E_36_4]
 2BT_E_U02_P [5/5]
Student critically evaluates pros and cons of GMP release to the environment and their use in food production, taking into account biological, economical and ethical aspects. [2BT_E_36_5]
 2BT_E_K01_P [5/5]
Student acquires and improves skills of application of molecular biology methods aimed at GMO identification and improves capabilities of data analysis and interpretation. [2BT_E_36_6]
 2BT_E_U01_P [5/5] 2BT_E_U02_P [5/5]
Student acquaints oneself with safety protocols for GMO handling. [2BT_E_36_7]
 2BT_E_K02_P [5/5] 2BT_E_K04_P [5/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
Final test [2BT_E_36_w_1]
Written test evaluating students’ knowledge and skills acquired during lectures and lab classes.
 2BT_E_36_1 2BT_E_36_2 2BT_E_36_3 2BT_E_36_4 2BT_E_36_5
Practical skills evaluation [2BT_E_36_w_2]
Evaluation of proper implementation of safety procedures during work in laboratory, evaluation of skills of experiment conducting, observation and drawing counclusions.
 2BT_E_36_6 2BT_E_36_7
Report on the lab work [2BT_E_36_w_3]
Group report describing methods, effects and conclusion of the perfomed experiments.
 2BT_E_36_6 2BT_E_36_7
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [2BT_E_36_fs_1]
Lectures illustrated with results derived from own experiments and scientific literature with the application of Power Point presentations.
 20
Acquiring knowledge derived from lectures, books and supplementary literature.
 55 Final test [2BT_E_36_w_1]
practical classes [2BT_E_36_fs_2]
Student’s individual work coordinated by supervisor.
 10
Gathering knowledge and skills required for participation in lab classes . Acquaintance with issues discussed during classes and suggested literature.
 15 Final test [2BT_E_36_w_1] Practical skills evaluation [2BT_E_36_w_2] Report on the lab work [2BT_E_36_w_3]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)