BIO751P - Principles of Synthetic Biology - 2024/25

This module aims to introduce the state-of-the-art concepts within synthetic biology. Principally, this includes informing students how to differentiate synthetic biology from related fields and to comprehend its unique interdisciplinary approach to science. We aim to introduce the design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle as the core conceptual framework for understanding and engineering through synthetic biology. This will include acquiring knowledge of the core experimental (e.g., cell-free protein synthesis, combinatorial DNA assembly) and computational tools employed in synthetic biology, including their functionalities and applications within the DBTL cycle. Finally, we will consider how synthetic biology can impact both current and potential challenges to society and the economy.