BME 4980

Introduction to Systems and Synthetic Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

This class provides an overview of the emerging fields of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology. In this class, students will learn how to apply engineering concepts and tools to study and engineer biological systems. They will learn to use computational tools to analyze high-throughput biological data, to build mathematical models of biological systems, and to engineer genetic circuits in bacteria. As an example, in the first lab project, the students will learn to tune a genetic oscillator in E. coli by changing the strengths of its components and characterizing its dynamical properties using fluorescent microscopy. The students will then build a simulation model to explain their observation. The students will form multidisciplinary project teams to work on the class projects. Members of the Cornell International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team will be selected from students attending this class.

When Offered Fall.

• Ability to apply mathematical, analytical, and engineering tools to studying biological systems.
• Knowledge of how to perform research in interdisciplinary fields like systems biology and synthetic biology.
• Knowledge of how to engineer live organisms to display novel functions using engineering practices such as modular assembly and parts characterization and the related policies and ethical issues.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams (each team consists of electrical engineers, bio-engineers, other engineering disciplines (AEP, MAE) and biology majors) for both computational and wet-lab projects.

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