Synthetic Biological Systems in Theory and Practice

A multidisciplinary laboratory, lecture, and discussion based course that combines several areas of science and engineering providing a foundation in the cutting edge field of synthetic biological engineering. The field of synthetic biology is centered around trying to make biology easier to engineer. It builds on recent work in systems biology which involves the modeling of biological systems, but goes further in that it involves the construction and standardization of biological parts that fit together making complex systems. This course will combine classes, guest lectures and discussion lab visits to give students the best possible tools for understanding and applying research in synthetic biology. Expected: at least two courses in any of the key disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, math, engineering, computer science) beyond the introductory level, and permission of the instructor.