Entry requirements

Alternative 1: 120 credits including Project in Laboratory Synthetic Biology I 15 credits or Independent Project in Molecular Biotechnology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Alternative 2: Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits including 45 credits biology and biochemistry, whereof at least 30 credits in cell and molecular biology/biochemistry. Course in project management is recommended. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to

• plan a laboratory project in synthetic biology and apply subject knowledge in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology and/or bioinformatics to synthetic biology
• search for, compile, and present the information and knowledge required for the implementation of the project
• perform and compile a risk assessment of the subproject, including ethical considerations
• carry out a laboratory project in synthetic biology and apply a scientific approach to plan, implement, interpret, and present the project's experiments
• lead a small project group tasked with carrying out a subproject in synthetic biology, critically evaluate the project's results, and generate testable hypotheses based on those results
• Individually document and report the results of the experimental work conducted within the subproject.

Content

Choice and planning of a project in synthetic biology. Literature studies of relevant current scientific and technical literature in subject. Design of a technically and temporally feasible project plan. Planning and implementation of lecture around a project relevant subject. Molecular biological work (e.g. PCR, purifying of DNA/RNA and mutagenesis), including cloning with so called Bio-bricks. Expression, biochemical purifying and categorisation of biomolecules. Phenotype categorisation of genetically modified organisms. Biosafety and bioethics.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of laboratory sessions, seminars/workshops and supervision. Participation in seminars/workshops as well as in experimental work is compulsory.

Assessment

Planning and preparation 5 credits; Experimental work 10 credits.

Module Planning and preparation requires active participation. Module Experimental work requires implemented and documented experimental work performed according to course's instructions.

Other regulations

No more than two of the courses Project in Laboratory Synthetic Biology I, Project in Laboratory Synthetic Biology II and Synthetic Biology can be included in the same degree.

Course 1MB205 is offered subject to resources and provided that the student body is sufficiently large.