This course aims to help students developing the skills of: (i) knowing and understanding; (ii) applying knowledge through the development of skills and critical, creative and practical thinking; (iii) integrating knowledge; and (iv) communicating scientific information. Four general learning outcomes were defined:
1. Describe the biological principles responsible for the properties of marine organisms that confer their biotechnological applicability.
2. Identify the main biotechnological applications of the marine organisms, discussing specific cases and analysing the scientific principles involved.
3. Reflect on the ecological, political and ethical implications of those applications.
4. Prepare a paper on a topic within the course, and present it orally.
1. Definition of biotechnology and scope of the course
2. Prospection of marine products
2.1. Chemical ecology
2.1.1. General principles (secondary metabolites and their signaling, defense and attack functions)
2.1.2. Vegetables
2.1.3. Invertebrates
2.1.4. Vertebrates
2.2. Prospection techniques
3. Production
3.1. Aquaculture
3.2. Other techniques
The course comprises 15 units TP of classes of 3 hours each. Students will be directed to the: (i) knowledge of the biological principles responsible for the properties of marine organisms that confer biotechnological applicability; (ii) analysis of specific applications emphasizing the relevant scientific principles; and (iii) reflection on the ecological, political and ethical implications of these applications. Complementar literature searches will help them deepen their knowledge. The integration and application of the acquired knowledge will be achieved through literature review and the preparation of a scientific work on a topic within the area of the course, to be determined at the beginning of the year. An active participation of the students will allow the discussion and consolidation of the acquired knowledge.
Eisner, T., and J. Meinwald, eds. 1995. Chemical ecology: The chemistry of biotic interaction. Washington: National Academy Press.
McClintock, J. B. and B. J. Baker, 2001. Marine Chemical Ecology, CRC Marine Science
Müller-Schwarze, D., 2009. Hands-On Chemical Ecology: Simple Field and Laboratory Exercises. Springer.
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