Genome Engineering 7.5 credits

About the course

Module 1: Theory, 3.5 credits

The lectures cover technologies used to modify genetic information in biological systems, with a focus on multicellular organisms.

The course includes classical and contemporary approaches, including transgenesis, recombinase-based systems, transposon-mediated integration, RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, base editing, prime editing, CRISPR interference and activation, epigenome editing, reporter systems, optogenetic and chemogenetic tools, degron-based protein control, and functional genetic screens. The course also introduces gene delivery technologies, including microinjection, electroporation, viral vectors, transfection, lipid nanoparticle-based delivery, and organism-specific delivery strategies.

The course will examine how genome-engineering strategies are selected, designed, validated, and interpreted in different biological systems, including plants, invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. The course also covers current opportunities and limitations in organelle genome engineering, as well as ethical, biosafety, regulatory, ecological, and societal aspects of genome engineering.

Module 2: Laboratory and design work, 3 credits

The laboratory sessions mainly focus on the application of genome engineering in genetic model organisms, primarily mouse, fly, and worm, to determine gene function.

Module 3; Paper presentation, 1 credit

Students will present key scientific papers, giving them an opportunity to understand experiments that lead to methods that are currently used.