Industrial Biotechnology from Coursera

Fossil fuels have been the primary energy source for society since the Industrial Revolution. They provide the raw material for the manufacture of many everyday products that we take for granted, including pharmaceuticals, food and drink, materials, plastics and personal care.

As the 21st century progresses we need solutions for the manufacture of chemicals that are smarter, more predictable and more sustainable.

Industrial biotechnology is changing how we manufacture chemicals and materials, as well as providing us with a source of renewable energy. It is at the core of sustainable manufacturing processes and an attractive alternative to traditional manufacturing technologies to commercially advance and transform priority industrial sectors yielding more and more viable solutions for our environment in the form of new chemicals, new materials and bioenergy.

This course will cover the key enabling technologies that underpin biotechnology research including enzyme discovery and engineering, systems and synthetic biology and biochemical and process engineering. Much of this material will be delivered through lectures to ensure that you have a solid foundation in these key areas. We will also consider the wider issues involved in sustainable manufacturing including responsible research innovation and bioethics.

In the second part of the course we will look at how these technologies translate into real world applications which benefit society and impact our everyday lives. This will include input from our industry stakeholders and collaborators working in the pharmaceutical, chemicals and biofuels industries.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Understand enzymatic function and catalysis.

2. Explain the technologies and methodologies underpinning systems and synthetic biology.

3. Explain the diversity of synthetic biology application and discuss the different ethical and regulatory/governance challenges involved in this research.

4. Understand the principles and role of bioprocessing and biochemical engineering in industrial biotechnology.

5. Have an informed discussion of the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology

6. Give examples of industrial biotechnology products and processes and their application in healthcare, agriculture, fine chemicals, energy and the environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Enzymes, Enzyme Discovery and Engineering

Enzyme catalysts are central to life. They are the vehicles for delivering innovative bioscience solutions to chemicals manufacture, drug discovery, therapeutics and bioprocessing. They are the key enablers in the white biotechnology revolution, providing essential components in the new science of 'synthetic biology', offering new routes to biofuels, bulk and commodity chemicals and novel therapeutics.

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Examines enzymatic functions and catalysis, which are fundamental principles in biotechnology and the white biotechnology revolution

Introduces systems and synthetic biology, including methods, technologies, and applications, to advance the understanding of biological systems design and construction

Highlights the importance of biochemical and bioprocess engineering in translating discoveries from life sciences and synthetic biology into viable production processes

Provides insights into the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals using biocatalysis, showcasing industrial examples and sustainability considerations

Covers bioenergy and biomaterials, addressing key challenges and sustainable solutions for energy production and the development of novel materials

Examines glycoscience and biotherapeutics, highlighting the significance of carbohydrates and groundbreaking medicines, with case studies illustrating practical applications

Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at industrial biotechnology

According to learners, this course provides a broad overview of Industrial Biotechnology, covering essential areas like enzymes, syn bio, and bioprocessing. Many found the industry case studies particularly valuable, offering practical insights into real-world applications in pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials. Students feel it helps build a solid foundation in core concepts. However, some learners note that certain topics, like Synthetic Biology, can be challenging without prior knowledge, and feel the pacing might be uneven or lack depth in specific advanced areas. Overall, it's seen as a highly relevant and well-structured introduction to the field.

Builds a strong understanding of core concepts

"Helped build a solid understanding of enzymatic function and basic bioprocessing principles."

"The initial lectures laid a crucial groundwork for understanding the later modules and their complexity."

"Feel like I have a good basis to understand more advanced topics and applications in the field now."

Covers diverse industrial biotech areas

"Provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas in industrial biotechnology."

"I got a solid foundation across enzymes, syn bio, and bioprocessing."

"Great way to see how different aspects of biotech connect and are applied."

Practical examples from industry experts

"The real-world case studies were the most valuable part, showing practical application."

"Input from industry stakeholders added crucial practical perspective beyond theory."

"Loved seeing how these technologies are applied in pharmaceuticals and energy industries."

Some modules felt rushed or lacked depth

"Felt the end of the course was a bit rushed, with some topics covered too quickly."

"Wished there was more depth on specific industrial manufacturing challenges beyond the case studies."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on scale-up considerations in bioprocessing."

Some sections require prior knowledge or effort

"The Synthetic Biology section was quite challenging without a strong molecular biology background, requiring extra effort."

"Bioprocess engineering felt a bit theoretical and hard to grasp fully without more engineering context."

"Needed to do extra reading for certain complex methodologies and concepts introduced."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Industrial Biotechnology with these activities:

Compile materials and notes

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Reviewing the textbooks and course syllabus before starting the course helps you familiarize yourself with the course content and identify areas where you need to focus more attention.

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Gather lecture notes, assignments, and other course materials
Review the course syllabus and schedule
Identify topics that you may need additional support with
Create a study plan that outlines your study schedule and goals

Join study groups or discussion forums

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Participating in peer-based learning activities allows you to engage with fellow students, share knowledge, and enhance your understanding.

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Identify online or in-person study groups or discussion forums related to industrial biotechnology
Join the group and actively participate in discussions
Share your perspectives, ask questions, and engage with other members

Explore online tutorials on synthetic biology

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Seeking out guided tutorials can provide additional insights and perspectives on synthetic biology, enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

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Identify online platforms or resources that offer high-quality tutorials on synthetic biology
Select tutorials that align with your interests and learning goals
Follow the tutorials, take notes, and engage in hands-on exercises

Two other activities

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Design and present a prototype for a biopharmaceutical product

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Developing a prototype provides hands-on experience in applying the principles of biopharmaceutical design and showcasing your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

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Identify a specific biopharmaceutical product or application to focus on
Research and gather information on existing products and technologies
Design and develop a prototype, including its structure, function, and potential applications
Prepare a presentation to showcase your prototype and its potential impact

Contribute to open-source projects in industrial biotechnology

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Engaging in open-source projects provides practical experience, deepens your understanding of real-world applications, and allows you to contribute to the field.

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Identify open-source projects in industrial biotechnology that align with your interests
Review the project documentation and contribute to discussions
Propose and implement improvements or new features to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Industrial Biotechnology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioprocess Engineer

A Bioprocess Engineer designs equipment and processes for the production of pharmaceuticals and other products using biological organisms. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology. With a particular focus on biochemical and bioprocess engineering, this course will teach you how to apply knowledge of process constraints to design integrated process steps for the manufacture of bio-based chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and biofuels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioprocess Engineer

Biochemical Engineer

A Biochemical Engineer designs and operates processes for the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products using biological organisms. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology. With a particular focus on biochemical and bioprocess engineering, this course will teach you how to apply knowledge of process constraints to design integrated process steps for the manufacture of bio-based chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and biofuels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemical Engineer

Biomanufacturing Scientist

A Biomanufacturing Scientist develops and manufactures products using biological organisms. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology. It will help you understand the principles and role of bioprocessing and biochemical engineering in industrial biotechnology and how these technologies translate into real-world applications that benefit society and impact our everyday lives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomanufacturing Scientist

Synthetic Biologist

A Synthetic Biologist designs and builds new biological systems with novel valuable functionalities. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on systems and synthetic biology. It will help you understand the engineering concepts that inform Synthetic Biology and the cutting-edge technologies that underlie our dramatically increasing ability to construct living systems with custom-made functionalities.

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Biomaterials Scientist

A Biomaterials Scientist develops and tests materials for use in medical devices and implants. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on biomaterials science. It will help you understand the current trends and the future of biomaterials research and biomanufacturing technologies.

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Biopharmaceutical Scientist

A Biopharmaceutical Scientist develops and manufactures biopharmaceuticals, which are new medicines that are made biologically. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on biopharmaceuticals. It will help you understand the approaches used to ensure production of safe and effective biopharmaceuticals, using various types of expression systems.

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Enzyme Engineer

An Enzyme Engineer designs and engineers enzymes for use in industrial processes. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on enzyme discovery and engineering. It will help you understand how enzymes function and catalyze reactions, and how they can be engineered to improve their performance.

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Industrial Biotechnologist

An Industrial Biotechnologist develops and manufactures products using industrial biotechnology techniques. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology. It will help you understand the principles and role of bioprocessing and biochemical engineering in industrial biotechnology and how these technologies translate into real-world applications that benefit society and impact our everyday lives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Biotechnologist

Bioenergy Scientist

A Bioenergy Scientist develops and tests renewable energy sources from biomass. This course provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on bioenergy. It will help you understand the research and knowledge challenges associated with increasing the contribution of UK bioenergy to meet strategic environmental targets in a coherent, sustainable, and cost-effective manner.

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Bioinformatics Scientist

A Bioinformatics Scientist analyzes and interprets biological data to identify patterns and trends. This course may be useful to a Bioinformatics Scientist because it provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology. It will help you understand the principles and role of biochemical and bioprocess engineering in industrial biotechnology.

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Bioethicist

A Bioethicist studies the ethical implications of biotechnology. This course may help you develop a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology and the wider issues involved in sustainable manufacturing, including responsible research innovation and bioethics.

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Glycoscientist

A Glycoscientist studies the structure and function of carbohydrates. This course may be useful to a Glycoscientist because it provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology, with a particular focus on glycoscience. It will help you understand the fundamental concepts of glycoscience and the benefits for society and how this drives and impacts the bioeconomy.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and develops solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to an Environmental Scientist because it provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology and the wider issues involved in sustainable manufacturing, including responsible research innovation and bioethics.

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Science Policy Analyst

A Science Policy Analyst analyzes science policy and develops recommendations for policymakers. This course may be useful to a Science Policy Analyst because it provides a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology and the wider issues involved in sustainable manufacturing, including responsible research innovation and bioethics.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about science and technology for a general audience. This course may help you develop a strong foundation in the key enabling technologies underpinning research in industrial biotechnology.

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