Syllabus for Project in Laboratory Synthetic Biology I

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to

• contribute in planning and the implementation of a laboratory project in synthetic biology
• apply basic subject knowledge in biology, biotechnology and/or bioinformatics for applications in synthetic biology
• participate in a smaller project group with the task to carry out a laboratory subproject
• compile and present basic knowledge of importance for a successful implementation of a laboratory subproject
• compile and report the laboratory results of the completed subproject
• apply a scientific working method in planning, implementation, presentation and interpretation of completed experiments
• discuss scientific literature in the subject field
• evaluate a laboratory subproject ethically
• participate in the implementation and compilation of a risk assessment of a laboratory synthetic biology project.

Content

Advanced biotechnological methods comprising cloning, mutagenesis, PCR technology, synthesis of nucleic acids and DNA sequence determination. Experimental characterization of structural and functional properties of biomolecules. Purification and production of macromolecules. Bioinformatic analysis and categorisation of project relevant genes and biomolecules. Basic theoretical and computational modeling of replicating systems. Laboratory sessions highlighting BioBrick cloning as a methodology in synthetic biology.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of group exercises, seminars and laboratory sessions. Participation in the main part of completed group work, seminars and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Assessment

Course modules: Preparatory planning 3 credits; Laboratory work 10 credits; Presentation 2 credits The module preparatory planning requires active participation. The module laboratory work requires completed laboratory sessions presented according to, in the course, presented guidelines. The module presentation is examined through written and oral presentation.