CPE6023   Synthetic Biology   (15 credits)

Description

Synthetic Biology is: a) The design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems b) The re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes The module seeks to introduce students to the field of synthetic biology, the context (technical and ethical, legal and social issues) and the industrial promise. The module demonstrates the concepts of the engineering design paradigm applied to exploitation of biology. In particular, issues related to standardisation and modularity of biological parts, devices and systems are introduced and examined in light of examples. Concepts related to `creation of life' and `deconstruction of life' are covered.

Reading List