To provide students with knowledge and skills in the field of synthetic biology, focusing on the theoretical principles and technological applications of designing and constructing functional biological systems. Biological expertise will be integrated with experimental approaches from genetic engineering and synthetic biology for the manipulation of genetic circuits.
Course Prerequisites
Genetics, Molecular Biology I, Biochemistry.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (students will be provided with the lessons in PowerPoint or PDF format). Discussion and in-depth analysis of the literature. Laboratory and computational exercises.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination on the material covered during the year, including any educational seminars given by external lecturers.
Texts
Course slides.
Contents
The course introduces Synthetic Biology through its definition, history, and main fields of application, with a focus on the concepts of modularity in biological systems, gene expression regulation, and the design of genetic circuits. It covers the principal genome editing techniques (CRISPR-Cas, TALEN, DNA synthesis) as well as practical aspects related to the construction and characterization of engineered microorganisms. Ethical and biosafety issues are also addressed, together with future perspectives in the field, ranging from synthetic cells to minimal genomes and innovative biotechnologies.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Students are welcome to come and talk during the semester for clarifications. Appointments should be made by e-mail.
