This course will increase basic knowledge on biotechnological constructions and application of genetically modified organisms (GMO) which are used worldwide in food production systems. The course discusses health issues, the legislation frame and food safety aspects of GMO applications in agriculture, food production and consumption in Switzerland and EU-countries.
Lernziel
This course will provide knowledge and biological background on genetically modified organisms (GMO) and food produced with the help of GMO, especially on the molecular basis of GMO constructions with emphasis on genetically modified food in Switzerland and the EU. Criteria of rationale food safety and health assessment in agriculture and food consumption will be elaborated.
Inhalt
Overview on application in gene technology, the gene transfer potential of bacteria, plants and other organisms and the mostly used transgenes in food as well as on GMO used for food production and their detection technologies in food; food safety assessment of GMO food; information on the legislation in Switzerland and EU-countries
Skript
Copies of slides from lectures will be provided
Literatur
Actual publications from literature will be provided
Voraussetzungen / Besonderes
Good knowledge in biology, especially in microbiology and molecular biology are prerequisites. Some contents will be provided by registred students who will present as a group an actual publication.
Leistungskontrolle
Information zur Leistungskontrolle (gültig bis die Lerneinheit neu gelesen wird)
Es wird ein Repetitionstermin in den ersten zwei Wochen des unmittelbar nachfolgenden Semesters angeboten.
Zusatzinformation zum Prüfungsmodus
Compulsory continuous performance assessment (i.e. ‘obligatorisches Leistungselement’): A group presentation on a published paper in the field during the semester (20% of the final grade).
Leistungskontrolle als Semesterkurs