2017-2018 / GBIO0019-1

Introduction to synthetic biology

Duration

10h Th, 20h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in bio-informatics and modelling (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Frank Delvigne, Bernard Joris

Coordinator

Bernard Joris

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The first edition of this course is 2012-2013. It covers an introduction to synthetic biology.
The topics of the theoretical parts are

  • historical overview of synthetic biology
  • tools and approaches in synthetic biology
  • DNA sequencing and building of "elementary bricks"
  • mathematical modelling
  • measurements (microscopy, flow cytometry)
  • design of metabolic pathways
  • design of regulatory systems
  • security, social and ethical aspects
The theoretical part will be followed by a synthetic biology projet consisting of modelling and an implementation in E.coli.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of this course, the student will master basic concepts of synthetic biology. He or she will be able to build virtually as well as in E. coli simple synthetic systems.
This course is taught in English, with support material available in English.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

none

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is based on ex-cathedra lectures, and a laboratory project requiring the use of a computer for simulating biochemical reaction systems (Matlab or a software dedicated to simulating biological systems) as well as biological / biochemical manipulations.
This course is taught in English. Students may ask questions in French or English.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

face-to-face

Recommended or required readings

Supplementary documents for recommended reading are available on the module's myulg pages.

Assessment methods and criteria

Detailed individuel report (publication style) on the project (50%); oral examen (50%).
Participation in the project is a prerequisite for the final oral exam.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course is organised in the second quadrimestre, at dates to be arranged.

Contacts

Franck DELVIGNE
Chimie et bio-industries  /  Bio-industries  BG1 Bio-industries Passage des Déportés 2 5030 Gembloux  Te 081 622 311 F.Delvigne@ulg.ac.be
Bernard JORIS
Unité de Physiologie et Génétique bactériennes Centre d'Ingénierie des Protéines Institut de Chimie B6a Local 1.50b  Tée 04 366 2954  bjoris@ulg.ac.be  Secretary: Fabienne Julémont Tel 04 366 3341