This minor is considered to be a specialization within Biotechnology, this means that a certain level of knowledge on Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology should be present. Besides the theoretical modules, there is a strong emphasis on the practical execution of research projects during the Laboratory Courses (in total 14 ECTS) in which students work as independent couples. In the research and development assignments, students apply the biotechnological and molecular biological techniques. This minor starts in February (spring semester).

Molecular Biotechnology (3 ECTS)

In this module, the molecular aspects of protein production are introduced and further explained. Which genetic elements play a role in protein purification. The cloning and expression of proteins from plasmids and vectors will be part of this, also in relation to the introduction of elements which help purification.
test: written exam

Bioprocess Engineering (3 ECTS)

Within biotechnology microorganisms can be applied in a wide variety of processes. To effectively use microorganisms, modelling of growth in both batch cultures and continuous cultures is needed. Once the concept of energy-conversion an the modelling is growth is clear, it will be applied in various biotechnological processes. This includes (A) biogas production (anaerobic digestion) in which students learn to calculate the yield of biogas from various types of biomass, (B) biohydrogen production, in which two different types of bioreactors are involved, (C) photosynthetic biomass production, in which students learn the calculate the yield of algal biomass based on the amount of sunlight and (B) bioremediation, predominantly linked to sulphate reducing bacteria.

Basically, for each specific biotechnological process the theoretical background will be explained and subsequently the yield of these processes can be calculated, using mathematical calculations, in which the microbial growth models, efficiencies of biochemical conversions, biomass yield based upon photosynthesis, et cetera are calculated.
test: written exam

Advanced Analysis of Biomolecules & Medicinal Chemistry (5 ECTS):

This module has a focus on bio-organic chemistry linked to medicine production. This might be with a pure chemical background, but most of it will linked to use bio-organic compounds (plant components). Topic like 'drug delivery', but also stereochemistry of medicine and the benefit of using enzymes in production processes.
test: written exam. To study Medicinal Chemistry an understanding of advanced analysis of biomolecules is necessary. Therefore, this module also has a strong link to proteins (with some biochemistry). Protein purification strategies using different types of chromatographic techniques based properties op proteins will be discussed. Also analytical detection techniques, like MALDI-TOF are introduced. 
test: Assignments and written exam

Biotechnology of Plants (3 ECTS):

This module focusses on the physiological aspects of the growth of plants. Productions of secondary metabolites which might have interesting applications, ways of influencing this production, e.g. by using various types lights (wavelengths) or other environmental conditions will be introduced. Also molecular cloning in plants will be discussed.
test: written exam

Laboratory course (8 & 7 ECTS):

As indicated before, the minor has also a strong practical component (laboratory course), in which students work in couples on a specific project. The laboratory course is divided in two parts (theme 11  and theme 12), which are 8 and 7 ECTS. The projects introduced in the minor Biotechnology have a strong link to ongoing research within the Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The main aim is to (independently) work on a student project within the framework (boundaries) of a specific research project. During the first part (theme 11) students are setting up research protocols and preforming preliminary test, which results in the execution of a defined  research project in the second part (theme 12). This setup requires the students to be competent to work in the lab, meaning that they should be acquainted with various types of analytical equipment (e.g. protein extractions, SDS-PAGE, DNA extractions, (real time) PCR, HPLC, GC, Spectrophotometric analysis).
test: report

• Minimal 2-3 years Bachelor Degree programme in the field of (Molecular) Biology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry (or comparable)
• Basic knowledge in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Cell Biology and proficiency in laboratory skills/techniques
• Good command of English. Exchange students are not required to submit proof of their proficiency in English

Check the timetables in Digirooster. 

Laboratory Course module 11: report + skills + posterMolecular Biotechnology: written exam
Bioprocess Engineering: written exam
Medical Chemistry: written exam

Laboratory Course module 11: report + skills + presentation
Advanced Analysis of Biomolecules: assignments during lectures
Biotechnology of Plants: assignments during lectures
Academic Counselling: report