Synthetic Biology Project

Catalog description

This is a project-based course where students will collaboratively work on a single hands-on synthetic biology project over the course of the semester. The results of this project will be submitted to the Global Open Genetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) in the following spring semester. This course will take students with no prior knowledge of synthetic biology or laboratory experience and introduce them to the design and use of DNA, genetic cloning, CRISPR, and DNA sequencing. In this course, we will collaboratively design new experiments, construct genetic parts in the lab, and use a variety of analytical techniques to assess experimental results. Results of the project will be presented in the form of a written report and a visual/oral presentation submitted to compete in the GOGEC. Course concepts (e.g. CRISPR, PCR) will be taught in ‘just in time’ lecture style to introduce students to concepts immediately prior to their use in the lab. No prior microbiology experience is required.