BIO323 Synthetic Biology & Genome Engineering

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces the principles and applications of synthetic biology and genome engineering, with an emphasis on designing, modifying, and controlling biological systems. Students explore CRISPR/Cas technologies, genome-editing strategies, gene circuits, biological design principles, and engineering approaches for constructing synthetic organisms and biological platforms. The course includes a team-based design project inspired by iGEM-style challenges, through which students develop and evaluate synthetic biology solutions while considering their ethical, safety, and societal implications. Topics include genetic engineering workflows, synthetic constructs, biological parts and systems, and biosafety considerations for engineered organisms.

Pre-requisite: BIO321 Genetics