Entry requirements

30 credits (equivalent to half a year of full-time studies) from a Bachelor's programme in biotechnology, biological science, computational biology or chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits in biochemistry together with either 7.5 credits in molecular biology or 7.5 credits in microbiology.

Learning outcomes

The course gives an introduction to methods and theory in synthetic biology.

After the course, the student should be able to:

• account for central methods and tools in synthetic biology
• plan and carry out basic experiments in synthetic biology using a safe and scientifically based way of working
• in writing and orally present and explain the planned and completed experiments and methods of the course

Content

Introduction to the toolbox and methods in synthetic biology. The expression and regulation of genes on transcription and translation level. Biosafety, bioethics and bioinformatics. Written and oral communication training. Planning and implementation of a short research project. Introduction to current research in synthetic biology.

Instruction

The course consists of lectures, seminars and laboratory training.

Assessment

A Pass grade requires active participation in laboratory components, passed seminar presentation (3 credits) and a passed individual written report (2 credits). If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.