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” ○ ○ Restriction Enzyme Digest Gel Electrophoresis ○ Transformation and Plating ● Explore the iGEM Parts Registry:

http://parts.igem.org/Main_Page