Admission requirements
This course is open for 3rd year BSc students in Biology or a related field with a background in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics. Students should be familiar with molecular techniques, such as PCR, cloning, protein biochemistry and “omics” techniques.
Contact information
Course coordinator: Dhr Dr. R. Offringa
Email: r.offringa@biology.leidenuniv.nl
Description
Lectures by IBL staff and guest speakers introduce how fundamental scientific research can lead to new discoveries and inventions, and how further multidisciplinary research is needed to provide proof of concept for the invention, and to turn the discovery into a marketable product. By active participation in case studies and through visits to research institutes and companies students will get acquainted with innovation and valorization processes in the Industrial (White) and Plant (Green) Biotechnology.
Learning goals
Course objectives:
The aim of the course if to provide insight into the innovation and valorization process in Industrial and Plant Biotechnology. The first step is the invention: to link a new scientific discovery to an application in biotechnology. The next important aspect is to protect the intellectual property of that invention in a patent. The third step is the applied research trajectory needed to obtain prove of concept for the invention, which is needed to turn the initial idea into a product that can be sold.
Final qualifications:
The student has acquired basic knowledge on the innovation and valorization processes in universities, research institutes and companies, including the consideration to protect scientific ideas and results (intellectual property) by patents. The student has gained more insight into how to write a successful patent, and also what is needed to turn the initial idea into a marketable product.
Timetable
week 1 and 2: White Biotechnology
week 3: Green Biotechnology
week 1 and 4: Patents
end of week 4: Final exam
A detailed schedule will be provided on Blackboard before the start of the course.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, case studies, writing reports, site visits
Assessment method
Evaluation of reports and presentations, a final exam.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for communication and exchange of documents
Reading list
Course material will be provided by the teachers, at least in part via Blackboard
Registration
Register for this course via Usis and enroll in Blackboard
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.