Natural Resource Valorization

In a first approach to marine biotechnology, NARVAL aims to highlight the bioactive molecules produced by marine organisms in natural products used for human well-being (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, neutraceuticals...). This module therefore links natural products used in everyday life to their taxonomic origin with a focus on the associated nomenclature. 

program: Science & Society, Blue Managers
code name: NARVAL
module family: #Chemistry & Biotechnology 
credits: 3 ECTS
semester: Spring (semester 2)

UN Sustainable Development Goals:

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Students should

  • gain a foundational understanding of marine biotechnology, identifying and describing the various fields of valorization for marine natural products (molecules, biomass, biosourcing).
  • understand chemical interactions within the marine environment and how these interactions influence the production of bioactive compounds
  • trace the pathway from natural substances derived from marine organisms to their development into commercial products like drugs and cosmetics.
  • comprehend the principles and practices of bioprospection, including the ethical and sustainable sourcing of marine organisms for biotechnological applications.
  • understand the methodologies involved in the biotechnology pipeline from discovery to product development.
  • demonstrate their understanding by creating media productions (such as outreach video podcasts) and developing posters that effectively communicate the relevance and application of marine biotechnological research to a broader audience.

TOPICS

  • Introduction to marine biotechnology
    • fields of valorization
  • Chemical ecology
    • chemical interactions in the marine environment
    • from natural substances to drugs
  • Bioprospection
    • secondary metabolites from marine organisms
    • methodology: the biotechnology pipeline
    • marine fungi focus
  • Biomass valorization
    • microalgae
  • Biosourcing
    • biopolymers
    • bioplastic

INSTRUCTORS

  • Nathanael Guigo (ICN, Université Côte d'Azur), module coordinator
  • Hubert Bonnefond (INRIA, Université Côte d'Azur)
  • Cécile Sabourault (ECOSEAS, UCA)
  • Nathanael Guigo (ICN, Université Côte d'Azur), module coordinator
  • Giovanna Cristina Varese (University of Turin)

ASSESSMENT

  • Quizz & assignments
  • Media production (outreach video podcast)
  • Poster
The other Semester 2 modules

 
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