Synthetic Biology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The Synthetic Biology course aims to provide students with an overview of the recently-developed molecular tools that are used for the in vivo monitoring of cellular events and/or perturbation of biological systems. In particular, the course will provide an in-depth overview of the state-of-the-art methodologies and techniques used for the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world, and the re-design of existing biological systems.
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be knowledgeable on the state-of-the-art methodologies/techniques used to generate and/or to engineer biological tools, and will have learned several approaches for their in vivo applications in different cellular model systems. Moreover, the student will have developed the skills to critically evaluate a scientific research article.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course syllabus
The Synthetic Biology course aims at providing students with an overview of the recently-developed molecular tools that are used for the in vivo monitoring of cellular events and/or perturbation of biological systems. Moreover, the course aims at equiping students with a detailed understanding and knowledge of the molecular principles underlying the advanced techniques currently used in the synthetic biology field. Spanning the boundary of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, Synthetic Biology is broadly defined as the construction and reconstruction of biological systems for practical applications in research and industry. Emphasis is placed on fundamental knowledge and central technologies: engineering principles in biology, domain conservation, BioBricks and standardization of biological components, parts registries, advanced molecular biology tools for DNA assembly, genome editing, high-throughput genetic manipulation methods, construction of biological pathways, strategies for transcriptional control, examples of engineered systems. The course will offer fundamental knowledge of central technologies in Synthetic Biology, advanced tools for integration of basic synthetic units into multi component devices, and modern analytical techniques for designing and testing new systems.
The objectives of the entire course will be to teach students the new areas that make up Synthetic Biology which include engineering biology, engineering principles, mathematical modeling, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemical engineering and chemistry.
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
The Synthetic Biology course aims at providing students with an overview of the recently-developed molecular tools that are used for the in vivo monitoring of cellular events and/or perturbation of biological systems. Moreover, the course aims at equiping students with a detailed understanding and knowledge of the molecular principles underlying the advanced techniques currently used in the synthetic biology field. Spanning the boundary of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, Synthetic Biology is broadly defined as the construction and reconstruction of biological systems for practical applications in research and industry. Emphasis is placed on fundamental knowledge and central technologies: engineering principles in biology, domain conservation, BioBricks and standardization of biological components, parts registries, advanced molecular biology tools for DNA assembly, genome editing, high-throughput genetic manipulation methods, construction of biological pathways, strategies for transcriptional control, examples of engineered systems. The course will offer fundamental knowledge of central technologies in Synthetic Biology, advanced tools for integration of basic synthetic units into multi component devices, and modern analytical techniques for designing and testing new systems.
The objectives of the entire course will be to teach students the new areas that make up Synthetic Biology which include engineering biology, engineering principles, mathematical modeling, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemical engineering and chemistry.
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for admission
A very good knowledge of molecular biology and genetics is required.
A very good knowledge of molecular biology and genetics is required.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods
Lessons will be based on powerpoint presentations and interactive discussions. Students will be stimulated to critically analyze experimental data from original papers and draw conclusions.
Lessons will be based on powerpoint presentations and interactive discussions. Students will be stimulated to critically analyze experimental data from original papers and draw conclusions.
Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources
Powerpoint presentations and lists of reference papers will be made available through the Ariel website.
It is important to stress that the course is mainly based on recent scientific literature in the field (relevant original papers and review articles will be listed on the Ariel webpage)
Powerpoint presentations and lists of reference papers will be made available through the Ariel website.
It is important to stress that the course is mainly based on recent scientific literature in the field (relevant original papers and review articles will be listed on the Ariel webpage)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will undergo an oral examination based on the analysis on a selected paper: the list of the papers will be given during the course.
Students will undergo an oral examination based on the analysis on a selected paper: the list of the papers will be given during the course.
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 1
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 1
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Guerrini Luisa Francesca Isotta, Saponaro Andrea Cosimo
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)