BIOL3051: Genome Editing and Engineering

Allowing researchers to modify genetic information in nearly any organism’s genome, genome editing, and engineering technologies have been widely used in all areas of biology. These technologies have evolved rapidly in recent years and not only hold the promise to revolutionize medical and agricultural fields, but also make profound impacts on our society. The purpose of the course is to give students a comprehensive overview of principles, development and applications of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This course will introduce concepts and history of genome engineering in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We will discuss the mechanisms and applications of both techniques using examples in bacteria and plant genome and metabolic pathway engineering. Students will also have hands-on experience to design CRISPR and modify bacterial and plant genomes. In addition, this course will contribute to students’ liberal education by discussing the consequences of these technologies for society and technological development, including the ethics of altering genomes, consequences on ecosystems, and the benefits, drawbacks, and limitations of these technologies. Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology such as Biol 1951 and 2003, Biol 1009 or BMEN 2501

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