Explore the programs and courses offered by Microbial Biotechnology
Browse Programs Admission InformationThrough this program, students will have the opportunity to enroll in the 1st Year of a Master's degree in Biotechnology (with the existing specialization in Phytotherapeutic Biotechnology and Innovation). By exploring microbial biodiversity to characterize novel molecules with valuable pharmaceutical and/or industrial properties, students can pursue diverse career paths based on their chosen specializations (biological engineering, agri-food, environmental biotechnology, industrial applications, etc.).
The program focuses on:
· Understanding the biological foundations of microbial biotechnology.
· Mastering technological applications across various sectors.
· Gaining key terminology to track advancements in biotechnology and their transfer to the economic sphere.
This training equips students with the skills to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of biotechnology industries.
1. Core Scientific Fundamentals
· Microbial Biochemistry: Study of microorganism metabolism (bacteria, fungi, yeasts) to harness their capabilities (enzyme production, synthesis of bioactive molecules).
· Microbiology & Microbial Systematics: Taxonomic, physiological, and ecological principles of microorganisms—essential for their identification and targeted applications.
· Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering: Key techniques (PCR, cloning, CRISPR) to modify or optimize microbial strains (e.g., insulin-producing bacteria).
2. Applied and Sector-Specific Approaches
· Agri-Food Biotechnology: Microbial applications in fermentation (yogurt, cheese), probiotics, and food preservation.
· Biological Analysis Methods: Laboratory techniques (ELISA, Spectrophotometry) for quality control or industrial R&D.
· Immunology: Critical for vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and host-pathogen interaction studies.
3. Cross-Disciplinary Tools & Conceptual Frameworks
· Biostatistics: Analysis of experimental data (e.g., microbial growth, efficacy testing)—a sought-after skill in research and industry.
· General Ecology: Understanding microbial roles in ecosystems (bioremediation, biogeochemical cycles) for environmental applications.
· Botany: Complementary knowledge for plant biotechnology (e.g., plant-microbe interactions in biofertilizers).
• Metabolic Engineering: Reprogramming microbial strains to produce biofuels (e.g., butanol-synthesizing bacteria)
• Human Microbiome: Modulating gut microbiota to treat diseases (3rd generation probiotics)
• Alternative Proteins: Precision fermentation for microbial protein production (e.g., mycoproteins as meat substitutes)
• Biopreservation: Natural inhibitory bacteria replacing chemical preservatives (e.g., bacteriocins)
• Smart Packaging: Biodegradable films incorporating freshness-indicator microbes
. Environmental Applications
• Bioaugmentation Remediation: Microbial consortia for degrading PFAS ("forever chemicals") or microplastics
• Bio-Mining: Extraction of rare metals (lithium, cobalt) using leaching bacteria
• CO₂ Capture: Design of microbial bioreactors for carbon sequestration
4. Health & Immunology
• Therapeutic Phages: Bacteriophage viruses to combat antibiotic resistance
• Viral Vectors: Engineered microbes for targeted drug delivery (e.g., insulin-producing Lactococcus)
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Microbial biosensors for pathogen detection (e.g., E. coli O157:H7)
5. Tools & Methodologies
• Micro fluidics for Microbiology: Droplet-based microbial culture for rare strain studies
• Cryo-Electron Microscopy: 3D visualization of host-microbe interactions
Bachelor's Degree in Experimental Sciences
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