BioE 465: Metabolic Reaction Engineering

Metabolic engineering is concerned with the directed improvement of cellular properties through the modification and design of biochemical reactions in living organisms to achieve desired industrial production targets or biomedical goals. The tools to modify metabolic functions include generic engineering of cellular DNA or deliberate intervention of the cellular protein synthesis by gene expression interference. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles and methodology of metabolic engineering. We will cover experimental and mathematical techniques for the quantitative description, modeling, control, and design of metabolic pathways. The course will provide a thorough introduction into optimization techniques. Open-ended project assignments will help undergraduate and graduate students develop skills to apply class content independently.

Lecture/Recitations: Tuesday and Thursday as follows:
SEO Room 200: 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Instructor: Prof. Andreas A. Linninger
Email: linninge@uic.edu, Tel. 3-7743
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12:15 pm - 2:00 pm
SEO Room 206
Software Tools: MATLAB
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor

Grading:

  • Midterms and Final Exam (30%)
  • Homework and Project Assignments (60%)
  • Class Participation (10%)

Textbook/Notes:

  • Recommended Text:
    • Systems Biology:
      Properties of Reconstructed Networks. B. Palsson, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
    • Computational Analysis of Biochemical Systems:
      A Practical Guide for Biochemists and Molecular Biologists. E. O. Voit, Cambridge University Press, 2000.
  • Complimentary Reading:
    • Metabolic Engineering Principles and Methodologies. G. Stephanopoulos, A. Aristidou and J.Nielsen, Academic Press, 1998.