In CBMS794 – Research Topics in Synthetic Biology – we build on fundamental concepts in molecular biology and bio-engineering to explore themes in the emerging field of synthetic biology. This course, offered for the first time in 2014, provides students with the conceptual framework of systematic molecular design in order to build new componentry and biological systems. The unit is taught extensively through the primary literature and provides students with hands on experience in cutting edge tools required to design and synthesize biological parts. Exemplars of current applications including generation of biofuels, microbial synthesis of pharmaceuticals, and design of biosensors to detect infection and environmental waste are examined. This unit also focuses on the ethical, legal and societal issues surrounding synthetic biology.
Check out the 2014 CBMS794 Digital Media Videos on DNA assembly methods:
