3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1021631BNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
In this course, students will execute a project using principles from synthetic biology. Regarding the content of this project, the objective is to design and construct a genetic circuit in the model bacterium Escherichia coli thereby creating a novel functionality that responds to a societal problem (e.g. using bacteria for the production of biofuels, the synthesis of an antimicrobial compound or the degradation of a polluting substance). Students will apply previously acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fields of biology, (bio-)chemistry, genetics, microbiology and gene technology in an integrated manner and they will develop an engineering attitude to solve the problem at hand with a systematic and structured approach. Students cooperate in small groups to work out an optimal solution with a project-based approach. To this end, a variety of information sources (database of analogous projects, DNA sequences, written and videa protocols) will be at their disposition, as well as software tools and a well-equipped biotechnological laboratory. In an initial phase, students will analyze the problem and determine the context. Based on this, they will write a project proposal including a time planning, which they will present to one of the supervisors. The proposed project will then be realized in the laboratory under supervision. Students are required to organize meetings on a regular basis and to deliver intermediate reports to their supervisor. At the end of the project, students will have to present their project results in an oral presentation.
None
Students are capable of selecting the most appropriate methodologies and tools (e.g. software) and of applying these in a biotechnological project (molecular cloning in the context of synthetic biology) to address a problem statement.
Students can critically interpret results of gene-technological experiments (e.g. sequence analyses).
Students can independently search novel information and can correctly refer to this information. They approach and process this information with a critical attitude.
Students are capable of working independently. They take responsibility to execute tasks independently (e.g. planning ahead of experiments).
Students can work efficiently in a group while creating a team spirit.
Students can design a project and manage this using project management principles. They are capable of adjusting their project planning in case of unexpected problems.
Students can communicate orally and in writing in a clear and structured manner about information, ideas, problems and results of their biotechnological project. They can synthesize clearly and use discipline-specific terminology.
Students can propose innovative ideas and work them out.
Students are capable of communicating with each other in a clear and constructive manner during meetings.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
None
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biology: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Cell and Gene Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Initial track (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Biology: Molecular&Cellular LifeScience (only offered in Dutch)