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.

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Spring 2027
- Genome Engineering
  
  VT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  19 February 2027
  
  Ends
  24 March 2027
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On campus
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-A5107
  
  Eligibility
  
  180 credits from completed courses, including at least 60 credits in biology (covering genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and animal physiology), of which at least 7.5 credits must be in genetics; 20 credits in chemistry, of which at least 10 credits must be in biochemistry; and documented proficiency in experimental work corresponding to at least 30 credits.
  
  Selection
  
  Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
  
  Students will be admitted in the folloing priority order. 1. Candidates within the departments own agreements, 2.faculty agreements, 3.central exchange agreements, 4. other departmental agreements.
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 17 October 2026. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Exchange students only

Once your home university has submitted your nomination, you will receive application instructions and a link to the course application portal. Use that link to choose your courses and upload the required documents.

To submit a complete application, follow the instructions on the application page carefully: Application instructions

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