VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Synthetic Biology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:51
Abstract
Theoretical and practical introduction into the design of dynamic biological systems at different levels of abstraction.
Objective
Students will be able to design genetic circuits and have acquired the fundamentals to participate in the international iGEM competition (see www.syntheticbiology.ethz.ch ).
Content
The overall goal of the course is to enable students with either an engineering or a biological background to design genetic circuits along a formalized procedure starting with an abstract design procedure and developing this until the DNA-level. The course contains a crash course on molecular biology laboratory procedures and an introduction into biological and design fundamentals. The main part of the course requires the students to design their own genetic circuit.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts during classes
Literature
Mark Ptashne, A Genetic Switch
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Synthetic Biology |
|
3 h weekly |