Entry requirements

Alternative 1: 40 credits in the Engineering programme in molecular biotechnology.

Alternative 2: 30 credits biology including Molecular biology and genetics 10 credits together with Microbiology with infection biology 5 credits or Life and Interactions of Microorganisms 5 credits, and 30 credits chemistry.

Alternative 3: 35 credits chemistry including 5 credits biochemistry.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to

• contribute to planning a laboratory project in synthetic biology and apply basic subject knowledge in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology and/or bioinformatics to synthetic biology

• search for, compile and present basic information and knowledge required for the implementation of the project

• participate in the 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 activities

• 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 purification 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.