(in Polish) Biotechnology for biofuels - how to boost global sustainable lipid production in plant and algae 2600-BBBIOT-SX-S2

During the course, successive generations of biofuels and their importance in the global energy transition will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on microalgae and plants as sources of lipids and bioproducts. Students will become familiar with the physiology of lipid and bioproduct accumulation, metabolic regulation, and modern biotechnological strategies (e.g., genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9, the use of synthetic biology, and the biorefinery approach). The course highlights the interdisciplinary significance of biofuels in the context of sustainable development, the bioeconomy, and CO₂ emission reduction.

Total student workload

Lecture: 15 hours Independent study of literature and materials: 20 hours Preparation for assessment: 15 hours Total: 50 hours (2 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student: understands the history and successive generations of biofuels, is familiar with biotechnological tools for enhancing lipid production in plants and microalgae, explains the role of microalgae in carbon cycling and the circular bioeconomy, knows examples of genetic modifications improving triacylglycerol (TAG) and bioproducts accumulation.

Learning outcomes - skills

Student can: analyze and interpret scientific data on lipid production, compare different biotechnological strategies in terms of efficiency and sustainability, critically assess the potential of implementing algal and plant biofuels and bioproducts in industry.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student: understands the importance of a responsible approach to natural resource use, is able to work interdisciplinarily in renewable energy projects, is aware of social and ethical aspects of the energy transition.

Teaching methods

Interactive lecture with discussion, case study analysis, interpretation of research data, and working with scientific publications.

Expository teaching methods

- problem-based lecture
- informative (conventional) lecture
- participatory lecture

Type of course

elective course

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology, as well as a general understanding of climate change and renewable energy issues. Ability to read scientific literature in English.

Course coordinators

Krzysztof Zienkiewicz

Assessment criteria

Attendance and participation – 20%
Discussion of scientific literature (preparation of a short review) – 30%
Final assignment in the form of a written essay on a given topic – 50%

Bibliography

Basic:

Zienkiewicz K. et al. (2017) Biotechnology for Biofuels 10:8.
Zienkiewicz K. et al. (2019) Plant Physiology 182(2):819–839.
Kumar M. et al. (2020) Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 8:914.

Supplementary:

Merchant S.S. et al. (2011) Science 333:1203–1206.
Li-Beisson Y. et al. (2019) Progress in Lipid Research 74:31–68.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-BBBIOT-SX-S2 in USOSweb