This unit covers issues in molecular biotechnology: the production and utilisation of genetically modified organisms for practical purposes. It concentrates on the genetic modification of microorganisms, but also addresses issues dealing with plants and animals. By the end of this unit, students should: understand the fundamental principles involved in the production of genetically modified organisms and their practical use; identify possible problems encountered in genetic engineering and suggest solutions to those problems; have a good understanding of what genetic engineering can do and just as importantly, what it cannot do. MICR 360A covers material in greater depth than MICR 360. MICR 560 is based on MICR 360 and has an additional 2500 word assignment which will include a review of recent scientific literature in the field of Molecular Biotechnology or industrial Microbiology.