Synthetic Biology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The Synthetic Biology course aims to provide students with an overview of the recently-developed molecular tools that are used for the in vivo monitoring of cellular events and/or perturbation of biological systems. In particular, the course will provide an in-depth overview of the state-of-the-art methodologies and techniques used for the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world, and the re-design of existing biological systems.
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
This course focuses on two aspects of synthetic biology: i) engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic (part 1); ii) de novo synthesis and engineering of protein-based tools and their applications (part 2).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be knowledgeable on the state-of-the-art methodologies/techniques used to generate and/or to engineer biological tools, and will have learned several approaches for their in vivo applications in different cellular model systems. Moreover, the student will have developed the skills to critically evaluate a scientific research article.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
Spanning the boundary of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, Synthetic Biology is broadly defined as the construction and/or reconstruction of biological systems for applications in research and medical industry. In light of the above, the course will provide knowledge on key concepts of Synthetic Biology (e.g., domain conservation, BioBricks and standardization of biological components), on advanced tools for integration of DNA/protein units into multi component devices, and on standard and cuttingadge methodologies for designing and testing DNA/protein-based systems, including recetly developed AI methods.
The course is divided in two parts:
1) Engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic;
2) Protein engineering (with enphasis on the recently-developed AI methods) and applications of synthetic proteins in basic research and traslational science.
The course is divided in two parts:
1) Engineering of cellular regulation - transcriptional, translational, post-translational and epigenetic;
2) Protein engineering (with enphasis on the recently-developed AI methods) and applications of synthetic proteins in basic research and traslational science.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Teaching methods
Teaching activities consist of face-to-face lectures, delivered in the classroom and/or online, supported by slide presentations and other digital learning resources.
Teaching Resources
Slides and scientific articles or reviews used during the course will be made available (on the course's Ariel webpage).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be assessed through a 15 minutes oral presentation of a scientific article relevant to the subject, chosen by the student and agreed with the lecturers, on their knowledge of the topics covered during the course, their ability to think critically, and their use of appropriate language.
BIOS-02/A - Plant Physiology - University credits: 1
BIOS-07/A - Biochemistry - University credits: 1
BIOS-08/A - Molecular Biology - University credits: 2
BIOS-14/A - Genetics - University credits: 1
BIOS-15/A - Microbiology - University credits: 1
BIOS-07/A - Biochemistry - University credits: 1
BIOS-08/A - Molecular Biology - University credits: 2
BIOS-14/A - Genetics - University credits: 1
BIOS-15/A - Microbiology - University credits: 1
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Guerrini Luisa Francesca Isotta, Saponaro Andrea Cosimo
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
via Balzaretti 9, or on MS Teams