Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: College Courses

Meeting: 7:00PM - 8:00PM W (13-JAN-2020 - 24-APR-2020) 

Part of Term: Full Term - No WL Purge

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Method of Instruction: Face to Face

Credit Hours: 1

 

Section Max Enrollment: 19

Section Enrolled: 12

Enrollment data as of: 20-APR-2024 12:08AM

 

 

Final Exam: No Final Exam

 

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.