Entry requirements

60 credits in biology, biotechnology or chemistry, including at least 15 credits in chemistry and 15 credits in molecular biology and/or microbiology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for central methods and tools in synthetic biology,
• plan and carry out basic experiments in synthetic biology using a safe and scientifically based way of working,
• present and explain experiments and methods, both planned and conducted, in writing and orally,
• participate in risk assessment of synthetic biology experiments including ethical considerations.

Content

Introduction to the toolbox and methods in synthetic biology. The expression and regulation of genes on transcription and translation level. Biosafety, bioethics and bioinformatics. Written and oral communication training. Planning and implementation of a short research project. Introduction to current research in synthetic biology.

Instruction

The course consists of lectures, seminars and experimental laboratory work. 

Assessment

Active participation in laboratory components and seminar presentation (3 credits), as well as an individual written report (2 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.