U711
biotechnology of algae
syllabus

Course: 2 hour lecture; 1 hour discussion: 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. J. Polle

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office: 425 NE (Ingersoll Hall)
Office Hours:
During the Semester: Tuesday Morning, 11:00AM-12:00PM
Semester Recess: Please make an appointment

Phone: (718) 951-5000 Ext 2025
Email: jpolle@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Website: www.dunaliella.org/jpolle

Note: Students are welcome to contact me at other times besides the office hour, but I cannot guarantee that I will be available. However, additional appointments outside the office hour may be possible.

SUMMARY

Areas covered in this course include phylogeny, evolution, habitats, growth cycles, and genetic engineering of algae. In addition, biosynthetic pathways of algal products and their metabolic regulation will be incorporated. Also, interdisciplinary topics such as designing bio-reactors and nutritional sciences including values of natural products from algae will be covered. The economic aspect of the course can include patent law as well as management of culture collections, and companies dealing with algae. It is anticipated to have guest speakers from companies to talk within the course objective about their specialty. The course will consist of two hours lecture and a third hour of in depth discussion of topics pertinent to algal biotechnology.

COURSE GOALS:

This course will provide students with a multi-disciplinary approach to the field of biotechnology in the special area of algal biology. This course combines the biology of algae and products extracted from algae with a general overview of the markets and possibly patent law. Students will gain insight into the decision-making processes in biotechnological fields and companies. It is anticipated that students will get to meet company executives, invited as guest speakers in the course, which should foster student/company relationships. In addition, weekly discussion sections should inspire students to independent and analytical thinking.