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636-0111-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-CHAB , D-BSSE , D-BIOL
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Synthetic Biology I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Sven Panke, Prof. Dr. Jörg Stelling
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:01

Abstract

Project-based introduction into synthetic biology for students with a background in either biology OR in quantitative sciences (engineering, comp. sc., mathematics, etc). First, we will teach each of the two cohorts separately in the part which they are (most) lacking. In the second half, interdisciplinary teams will apply their knowledge to reviewing and improving biological design projects.

Objective

To provide students with different backgrounds with the complementary knowledge and experience to contribute to synthetic biology/biological engineering projects.

Content

Project-based introduction into synthetic biology for students with a background in either biology OR in quantitative sciences (engineering, comp. sc., mathematics, etc). First, we will teach each of the two cohorts separately in the part which they are (most) lacking. In the second half, interdisciplinary teams will apply their knowledge to reviewing and improving biological design projects.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides plus additional material distributed in the course.

Literature

Mark Ptashne, A Genetic Switch (3rd ed), Cold Spring Haror Laboratory Press Uri Alon, An Introduction to Systems Biology, Chapman & Hall

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Pocket calculator
Final grade: 30% project work, 70% written exam. Team projects will be assessed by a presentation at the end of the course. The written exam of 120 min will cover questions regarding the fundamentals and details of the covered material in both fields and its application in biological systems design.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Synthetic Biology I
ATTENTION: the lecture starts at exactly 08.00h. The lecture will be held either in Zurich or Basel and will be transmitted via videoconference to the second location.
  • Wed 07:45-10:30 (HCI J 3)
  • Wed 08:15-11:00 (BSS E 23)
  • Wed 08:15-11:00 (HG E 22)
3 h weekly

Offered In