Over deze cursus
As laymen, and as scientists, we have always pondered upon the questions, "What is life? Can we create life-like systems?". Recent years have seen a tremendous interest from diverse scientific communities to build artificial systems, using basic molecular components, that are capable of mimicking vital characteristics of living systems. Such synthetic cells are having a huge impact on deepening our knowledge about cells as well as in developing real-life applications (from chemical nano-factories to drug delivery systems).
ABC will introduce you to this new and exciting realm of synthetic biology. It will give a different perspective on living systems from the context of bioengineering and stimulate you to think about what it would take to build a cell. This interdisciplinary course will cover a broad range of interconnected cellular modules, such as compartments, growth, division, motility, metabolism, and genome editing. Using state-of-the-art examples in science and technology, we will explore building artificial biosystems.
The course will begin with a series of interactive lectures, including guest lectures from experts in their fields. This will be followed by individual student presentations on concepts/ideas that inspired you during the lectures. Lastly, you will work in groups to design your very own research project on synthetic cells. A special focus will be put on effective scientific presentations and personal feedback will be given throughout the course.
This course can be taken in combination with ORC33303 Chemical Biology: Exploring Biology with Synthetic Molecules
Leerresultaten
Recognize the broad and interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology
Interpret the prerequisites of life and the basic functional modules of living systems
Explain the fundamental aspects of key biomolecules/bio-assemblies (membranes, condensates, cytoskeleton, genomes, etc.) that make up living cells
Design biology-inspired (semi-)synthetic systems relevant for curiosity-driven fundamental research or real-life applications
Deliver a scientific presentation in an effective and engaging manner
Toetsing
- Written test with open and closed questions (30%) Failed exam will lead to reevaluation at the next re-sit.
- Assignment oral presentation (30%) Failed presentation will lead to reevaluation at the next re-sit.
- Assignment other (40%) Formulating, designing, and presenting a research question/idea in groups; 4-6 groups (3-5 students in each group) depending on enrollment. Failed group activity will lead to reevaluation at the next re-sit.
Bronnen
- Relevant scientific literature will be provided during the course.
Aanvullende informatie
- Neem contact op met een coordinator
- Niveaumaster
- Instructievormop de campus
Startdata
1 sep 2025
tot 26 okt 2025