Synthetic Biology
Crash Course
DAY ONE
Pre-Assessment
1:00-1:10
Who We Are
Course Schedule
Day One
-Overview of Key Biology Concepts
-Overview of Lab Protocols
Day Two
-Lab Activities: Creating a BioBrick
Day Three
-Modelling Workshop
-Ethics Workshop
Day One Schedule
1:00-1:15 - Introduction and Pre-Assessment
1:15-1:45 - General Biology Refresher
1:45-2:15 - Introduction to Synthetic Biology
2:15-2:30 - Micropipetting Exercise
What Is Synthetic Biology?
“...The design and construction of new
biological entities such as enzymes,
genetic circuits, and cells or the redesign of
existing biological systems.”
Synberc (Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center)
DNA and Genes:
The Basis of Synthetic
Biology
1:15 – 1:45
DNA and RNA
DNA at Work
Replication
Transcription
Translation
Genes
Gene Constructs
Plasmids
BioBrick
Formation
1:45-2:15
Isolating a Gene
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Restriction Enzyme Digest
Gel Electrophoresis
Ligation Reaction
Transformation Reaction
Confirmation
Activity:
Micropipetting
2:15-2:30
Homework
● Read the following selections from the
“vGEM Protocol Handbook”
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○
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Restriction Enzyme Digest
Gel Electrophoresis
Transformation and Plating
● Explore the iGEM Parts Registry:
http://parts.igem.org/Main_Page