Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY FOR REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Synthetic biology is a mixture of engineering and biology which emphasizes applications to the real world. Whether it be using artificial, small bacteria to clean water, genetically engineering crops to resist harsh climates, or even creating medicine through the help of microorganisms, all these actions are examples of synthetic biology being put to use. How can we use synthetic biology to engineer biological specimen for the sake of fixing real world problems that affect humanity? Students will tackle this question by analyzing real world problems and evaluating how/whether synthetic biology can be used to solve such problems. Students will use their understanding of synthetic biology to pick a problem they are passionate about and go on to develop and design a solution using synthetic biology. Solutions can range from innovative mechanisms of disease detection, water filtration, material/fuel creation, and more. No prior knowledge of biology is necessary and students of all majors are welcome. Students will learn cellular processes crucial to synthetic biology, genetic circuit design, the scope of synthetic biology applications, and synthetic biology project design. In class, students will learn through activities/discussion, assigned reading/homework, and a project design stage with guidance from people of numerous biological backgrounds.