VCU/Courses/Synthetic Biology Fundamentals/Schedule

Module 1 - Elementary Synthetic Biology

This module introduces the history and development of synthetic biology including core principles and concepts, enabling technologies and current research topics.

• Jan 15 - Genetic Programming
• Jan 22 - Foundational Technologies
• Jan 29 - Engineering Principles

Module 2 - Synthetic Systems Biology

This module investigates the field of systems biology, which provides a theoretical framework for designing and constructing biological systems - the practice of synthetic biology.

• Feb 05 - Biological Networks
• Feb 12 - Genetic Circuit Engineering
• Feb 19 - Online Databases

Module 3 - Computational Synthetic Biology

This module introduces useful computational tools and an approach to mathematically model biological systems, which is helpful in system design and predicting behavior.

• Feb 24 - Bioinformatics Tools
• Feb 26 - Mathematical Biology
• Mar 03 - Modeling and Simulation
• Mar 05 - Computer-Aided Design
• Mar 10 - Spring Break
• Mar 12 - Spring Break

Module 4 - Synthetic Biological Systems

This module explores various areas of synthetic biology from parts-level synthesis to whole-genome engineering with an emphasis on integrating molecular biology, systems biology and genetic engineering.

• Mar 17 - Social Implications
• Mar 19 - Synthetic Genetic Modules
• Mar 24 - Gene Expression Control
• Mar 26 - RNA Synthetic Biology
• Mar 31 - Cellular Chassis
• Apr 02 - Protocell and Genome Design

Module 5 - Biological Systems Design

This module introduces the conceptual approach of engineering biological systems with an emphasis on basic design, synthesis, analysis and characterization.

• Apr 07 - System Architecture
• Apr 09 - Codon Optimization
• Apr 14 - Device Construction
• Apr 16 - Omic Analyses
• Apr 21 - Evolutionary Engineering
• Apr 23 - Part Characterization
• Apr 28 - Project Documentation