Master's Degree Programme in Biotechnology (MBIOT)

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1 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 1(3) Master's Degree Programme in Biotechnology (MBIOT) General information The supplies the students with the expertise and skills they need for modern biotechnology research and related employment. Topics in instruction range from the latest developments in recombinant DNA technology to non-technical issues, such as business and bioethics. MBIOT is organised by the Faculty Agriculture and Forestry and the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences in close co-operation with the Institute of Biotechnology. The state-of the- art scientific research conducted at these units offer exceptional opportunities to pursue studies in an inspiring research-oriented environment while benefiting from modern facilities. At the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the Department of Food and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Forest Sciences are the responsible units for MBIOT education. Studies in MBIOT At the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, students in MBIOT will specialise in one of the four Biotechnology major subject specialist options (responsible Departments in parentheses): 1) Animal Biotechnology (Dept. of Agricultural Sciences) 2) Food Biotechnology (Dept. of Food and Environmental Sciences) 3) Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology (Dept. of Food and Environmental Sciences) 4) Plant Biotechnology (Dept. of Agricultural Sciences) and Forest Biotechnology (Dept. of Forest Sciences) MBIOT studies at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry include advanced seminars and practical courses in biotechnology, courses in economics and ethics, and a final examination. A central part of advanced studies is the Master s thesis, which alone is worth 40 credits. Students selected for MBIOT may be required to complete their education in biotechnology with some supplementary studies. The estimated duration of studies is two to three years. Admission to the Programme Potential MBIOT candidates apply to either the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry or the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The application deadline is at the end of January annually. Careers Graduating with a Master's Degree from MBIOT offers many opportunities for a wide variety of careers both within and outside research and science. Job prospects for M.Sc. students graduating in the various fields of biotechnology are expected to be good. Academic research communities at universities and research institutes will require versatile young PhD students and post-doctoral scientists to conduct basic and applied research based on the newest methods in biotechnology and gene technology. Industry will require modern biotechnologists for the manufacture of new biological products such as pharmaceuticals (e.g. therapeutic proteins) and speciality chemicals in entirely new hosts. Food and beverage manufacturing is increasingly based on biotechnological methods, and environmental awareness is expanding the role and importance of environmental biotechnologists. Contact persons MBIOT professors/persons at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry: Animal Biotechnology: Elo, Kari, University lecturer (Animal Biotechnology), Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 28, Koetilantie 5, room 117, Tel. (09) , kari.elo@helsinki.fi Food Biotechnology: Alatossava, Tapani, Prof. (Dairy Technology), Dept. of Food and Environmental Sciences, PO Box 66, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, EE-building, room 3037, Tel. (09) , tapani.alatossava@helsinki.fi Forest Biotechnology Asiegbu, Fred, Prof. (Forest Pathology), Dept. of Forest Sciences, PO Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 7, Forest Sciences building, room 215, Tel. (09) , fred.asiegbu@helsinki.fi Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology: Hatakka, Annele, Prof. (Environmental Biotechnology), Dept. of Food and Environmental Sciences, PO Box 56, Viikinkaari 9, Biocenter 1, room 3006, Tel. (09) , annele.hatakka@helsinki.fi Plant Biotechnology: Elomaa, Paula, Prof. (Horticulture), Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 7, Forest Sciences building, room 117, Tel. (09) , paula.elomaa@helsinki.fi MBIOT student advisers at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (general questions): Animal Biotechnology & Plant Biotechnology: Niklander-Teeri, Viola, Docent, Coordinator, Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 5, C-building, room 131, Tel. (09) , viola.niklander-teeri@helsinki.fi Food Biotechnology & Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology Naskali, Tiina, MSc, Coordinator, Dept. of Food and Environmental Sciences, PO Box 66, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, EE-building, room 2022, Tel. (09) , tiina.naskali@helsinki.fi Forest Biotechnology Orenius, Outi, MSc, Coordinator, Dept. of Forest Sciences, PO Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 7, Forest Sciences building, room 342, Tel. (09) , outi.orenius@helsinki.fi Further information:

2 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 2(3) Degree Requirements credits MASTER S DEGREE, 120 credits GENERAL STUDIES, 12 credits ECTS credits Timing year/period BIOT410 Personal Study Plan for the Master s Degree 1 1/I Academic Writing I 2 1/I Business Economics 4 1-2/open Bioethics and Legislation 3 1/IV Academic Writing II 2 2/II MAJOR SUBJECT STUDIES, credits Obligatory major subject studies, credits Working Life Orientation courses or BIOT421 Practical Training in Master s Degree, 2 cr /open BIOT422 Advanced Training in a Research Group, 10 cr or laboratory courses /open BIOT550 Advanced Seminar 3 2 /open 1 credit of ICT studies integrated BIOT560 Final Examination in Master s Degree /open BIOT570 Master s Thesis 40 2/open Maturity Essay 0 2/open Elective major subject studies according to the specialisation line, credits: Animal Biotechnology (some of the courses have BSc level studies in animal genetics and molecular biology as prerequisites) KEJAL410 Linear Models and Breeding Planning (lect. in Finnish) /II-III KEJAL/KEBIOT440 Molecular Genetic Markers in Animal Breeding 5 1-2/III (odd years) KERAV/KEBIOT420 Feed Technology and Hygiene 5 1-2/III (even years) KEJAL470 Genomic Selection 3 1/IV KEJAL/KEBIOT430 Genetic Resources and Animal Biotechnology (lect. in Finnish) 10 1/IV KEJAL420 Methods in Prediction of Breeding Values (lect. in Finnish) 5 1-2/IV (even years) KEJAL450 Estimation of Variance Components 5 1-2/IV (odd years) Courses from the Dept. of Biosciences: Molecular Genetics, practical course 6 1-2/II (even years) Genomes 2 1/IV From Genomes to Gene Function 6 1/IV Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes 3 1-2/IV (odd years) Food Biotechnology (some of the courses have minor subject studies in Food Sciences as prerequisites) ETT320 Industrial Food Process Design 5 1-2/I-II EK223 Food Additivies 3 1-2/I-II (odd years) MIKRO233 Food Microbiology 4 1-2/I-IV ETT340 LAB starters 3 1-2/II EK131 European Food Legislation and Control 3 1-2/II ETT330 Fermentation Technology 4 1-2/ II ETT425 Potential Novel Processing Technologies 5 1/ IV ETT415 Separation Methods 5 1/IV EK221 Vitamins and Other Bioactive Compounds 5 1-2/IV (even years) Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology YKEM420 Biofuels 5 1-2/I (odd years) YBIOT565 Production of Recombinant Proteins laboratory course 5 1-2/III MYKO540 Research Methods in Fungal Biotechnology 5 1-2/I / II (in 3 rd years, next time in autumn 2015) MIKRO560 Microbial Genetics laboratory course 5 1/IV

3 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 3(3) Plant and Forest Biotechnology (some of the courses have BSc level studies in plant genetics and molecular biology as prerequisites) KBIOT403 Molecular Methods in Applied Plant Genetics 5 1-2/I (even years) MPAT132 Basic Biotechnology in Forestry 5 1-2/I KTB403 Stress Physiology 5 1-2/II MPAT221 Advanced Forest Mycology and Pathology /II MPAT131 Forest Microbiology /II KPAT404/MPAT205 Plant Virology 5 1-2/II (even years) KPAT405/MPAT204 Plant Pathogenic Bacteria 5 1-2/II (odd years) KPAT501/MPAT222 Plant-Microbe Interaction and Molecular Defence of Plants 10 1/III KBIOT300 Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 5 1/III KBIOT301 Laboratory Course in Plant Biotechnology 5 1/III-IV Courses from the Dept. of Biosciences: Advanced Course of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology 7 1-2/I Molecular Genetics, practical course 6 1-2/II (even years) Epigenetics 3 1III Genomes 2 1/IV From Genomes to Gene Function 6 1/IV Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes 3 1-2/IV (odd years) ELECTIVE (FREE-CHOICE) STUDIES, 3-21 credits University courses freely chosen by a student (e.g. theoretical, methodological or multidisciplinary studies or a minor subject (25 credits) related to/supporting the specialist option). Courses from other faculties and universities can also be approved. Courses taught in other languages than English may be included in the in up to 25 % of the total credits (i.e. maximum of 30 credits) Courses in the other Master s Degree Programmes in Viikki MENVI: MScFB: MScFood: MScPPS: Courses in the Department of Biosciences Orientation course for Foreign Students 2 1/I Working Life Orientation courses, e.g. Curriculum for Career Viikki 1 1-2/II MASTER'S DEGREE TOTAL 120 credits Study units Teaching events in WebOodi Personal Study Plan for the Master`s Degree (BIOT410), 1 cr Timing: Autumn term, period I Objective: To devise an individual plan for the Master s degree studies to be completed and a timetable for their completion Contents: Discussions and group work organised and supervised by the coordinator and the teachers of the specialist option, after which students will independently write their plans and return them to the coordinators and the responsible professors of the specialist options. Study materials and literature: Biotechnology degree requirements, course descriptions, curriculum, other instructions Completion: Participation in the introduction courses/meetings, discussions with the coordinators and teachers, independent writing. MBIOT/Plant and Animal Biotech students complete this study unit by participating to the introduction course together with the MScPPS students (3 ECTS credits, includes 1 cr of personal study plan). MBIOT/Food Biotech students complete this study unit by participating to the introduction course together with the MScFood students (2 ECTS credits, includes 1 cr of personal study plan). MBIOT/Forest Biotech students complete this study unit by participating to the introduction course together with the MScFB students (3 ECTS credits, includes 1 cr of personal study plan). MBIOT/Microbial and Environment Biotech students complete this study unit by participating to the introduction course together with the MENVI students (3 ECTS credits, includes 1 cr of personal study plan). These introduction courses/meetings can be completed either partially (relevant parts, 1 credit) or fully (the extra credits can be included in the elective studies). Evaluation: Written plan for the completion of studies. Grading scale: Pass/fail, coordinators

4 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 4(3) Bioethics and Legislation (BIOT430), 3 ECTS credits Target group: MBIOT, HEBIOT, MScPPS, MScFood and MENVI Master's degree students. Exchange and visiting students Timing: Spring term, period IV in life sciences Objective: The aim is to familiarise students with ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects) of biological sciences. Contents: The course is composed of lectures, documentary film sessions, a panel discussion and students' presentations. The course is divided by a two weeks' period when students prepare case study presentations on ELSA of chosen topics in small groups. The course will provide following themes: Introduction to ethical principles in science; Good scientific practices, misconduct of research and plagiarism; Science information services, public perception; ELSA in biomedical research and applications; ELSA in food production and food security, in agricultural practices, in environmental matters and in current issues in developing countries (climate change, biodiversity, bio-energy and patenting issues) Study material and literature: Material will be provided during the course Completion: Lectures, films and a panel discussion; Group work (preparation and presentation of the case studies); Independent study (learning diary) Evaluation: Attendance 85%; Active contribution to the panel discussion and to the preparation and presentation of the case study; Learning diary. Scale: Pass/fail Responsible persons: MBIOT, HEBIOT, MScPPS, MScFood and MENVI coordinators Other information: The course is organized jointly with the Dept. of Biosciences (code ). Priority is given to MBIOT, HEBIOT, MScPPS, MScFood and MENVI Master's degree students and the exchange and visiting students of the two faculties. Practical Training in Master`s Degree (BIOT421), 2 cr Timing: According to agreement. Recommended to be completed during the first or second year, but before the Master s thesis Objective: To acquire practical experience in a company, research institute, university or government agency operating in the field of biotechnology Contents: Practical work in the field of biotechnology. The training place is to be agreed upon in advance with the responsible professor. Study materials and literature: Material related to the training Completion: Practical work, training report. Duration: 1-3 months = 2 ECTS credits Evaluation: Letter of reference and training report. Grading scale: Pass/fail Advanced Training in a Research Group (BIOT422), 10 cr Timing: According to agreement. Recommended to be completed during the first or second year, but before the Master s thesis Objective: After completing the study unit, the student has learned the basic concepts of independent work in a research group and reporting of results. This course can be completed in two separate sections and preferably in two different research groups. Contents: Full-time 2 months working period in a research group. The student participates in a small-scale research project, learns basic methods, and becomes familiar with a specified research question under the supervision of a teacher. Reading associated literature is included in the working period. At the end of the working period, the student prepares a brief report and submits it, along with a laboratory book, to the teacher. Study materials and literature: Scientific literature related to the project Completion: Research group work, writing of the laboratory book and the report. Evaluation: Research work, laboratory book and report. Grading scale: 0-5 Advanced Seminar (BIOT550), 3 cr Timing: Recommended to be completed during or after the experimental phase of the Master s thesis Objective: The seminar introduces students to the presentation techniques of oral presentations based on experimental research. Students will prepare seminar presentations on the topic of their own Master s thesis, covering the background, objectives, methodology and the most important findings, and will discuss the topic in a manner similar to a presentation at a scientific conference, taking into account, however, the audience's level of expertise. Furthermore, students will practice giving and receiving feedback by acting as opponents to their fellow students presentations and by actively engaging in discussion. Contents: Students will prepare seminar presentations on the topic of their own Master s thesis. They will also act as opponents to their fellow students and engage in discussions in the seminar. Study materials and literature: Source material for the student s research Completion: Participation in the seminars (at least 8 attendances), oral presentation, acting as an opponent. The study unit can be completed by participation in the advanced seminar series of the Department of the responsible professor (i.e. ETT485, KEJAL520, KTB501, MEK251 tai MIKRO630) or, according to agreement, in other advanced seminar series ( recommended) Evaluation: Oral presentation, active participation in the seminar. Grading scale: Pass/fail Final Examination in Master`s Degree (BIOT560), 8-10 cr Timing: Recommended to be completed during the second year of the Master s degree studies

5 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 5(3) Objective: To deepen the student's knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology within the chosen specialist option Contents: Independent study, examination Study materials and literature: Scientific literature according to the chosen specialist option Completion: Literature examination. Literature agreed with the responsible professor pages = 1 ECTS credit Evaluation: Literature examination. Grading scale: 0-5 Master`s Thesis (BIOT570), 40 cr Timing: Recommended to be completed during the second year of the Master s degree studies Objective: The Master s thesis must demonstrate the student s ability to think scientifically, mastery of the necessary research methods, familiarity with the research topic and competence required for scientific communication in the field. The thesis work can be completed independently or, alternatively, by participating in group work or in a wider research project, provided that the student s independent input can be verified and assessed. Each student must write the thesis independently. Contents: See the instructions of your faculty or major subject Study materials and literature: Scientific literature according to the chosen research topic Completion: See the instructions of your faculty. The topic and supervisor of the thesis is agreed by the responsible professor Evaluation: Verbal assessment on the Latin scale laudatur approbatur (improbatur)