|
 Academic Year:
| 2013/4 |
| Owning Department/School:
| Department of Biology & Biochemistry |
| Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: |
Reassessment not allowed |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: Synthetic biologists seek to apply current knowledge of biological systems to design and build biological "devices" that exhibit predictable behaviour. This unit aims to provide an understanding of major areas of synthetic biology research including making minimal genomes, designing modular components, pathway engineering, expanding the genetic pool, generation of artificial cells, and production of synthetic biomolecules. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the students should be able to: 1. Describe the principles of the deliberate design of biological molecules, biological systems and living organisms, including top-down and bottom-up approaches. 2. Discuss the potential civilian and military applications of synthetic biology, for example in biotechnology, medicine, biowarfare and bioterrorism. 3. Explain the methods adopted to ensure adequate biological control. 4. Assess the key ethical, legal and social challenges presented by synthetic biology. Skills: Learning and studying (T/F/A), information handling and retrieval (T/F/A), working independently (T/F), written communication (T/F/A) and oral communication (T/F/A). Content: Deliberate adaptation of and addition to cellular machinery, for example new biological molecules, new biological pathways and new organisms. Applications and challenges arising from this technology. |
| Programme availability: |
BB40185 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
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