Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G3: Introduction to Neuroscience, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G Hennequin, Dr M Lengyel, Dr T O'Leary
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Introduce students to how the brain processes sensory information, controls our actions, learns through experience and lays down memories.
- Elucidate the computational and engineering principles of brain function.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Have a basic grasp of neuroscience that can act as foundation for further study.
- Understand the basic principles of sensory processing, decision making, learning and memory and how engineering concepts can be applied to them.
Content
Perception and action (6L) (Dr G Hennequin)
- Neurons and synapses
- Perception as Bayesian inference
- Decision making
Dynamics of single neurons (2L) (Dr T O'Leary)
- Introduction to basic cell physiology and ion channels
- How do neurons communicate? The action potential and the Hodgkin-Huxley model
Learning and memory (8L) (Dr M Lengyel)
- The cellular basis of learning and memory
- Animal learning
- Memory
Coursework
Simulation of different types of neural coding of natural images. Laboratory report and/or Full Technical Report.
Efficient coding in visual cortex
Learning objectives:
- To apply basic techniques from linear algebra, optimization and statistics to understand how the primary visual cortex might efficiently encode natural scenes
- To learn (or consolidate) how to implement simple algorithms in Matlab
- To consolidate critical analysis and report-writing skills
Practical information:
- Sessions will take place in the DPO during week 2 (3 sessions: Tuesday 30/01 from 11am-1pm and from 2-4pm; Wednesday 31/01 from 2-4pm).
- This activity involves primary work (estimated 30 min duration), consisting of mathematical derivations (including some basic vector calculus) to be performed before coming to the lab.
Full Technical Report:
Students will have the option to submit a Full Technical Report. This will take the form of a unifying review of 3 papers addressing efficient coding of sensory information in the brain.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 16/01/2018 13:18
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2025-26
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J Molloy, Prof T O'Leary, Prof G Micklem
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 computational laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Prerequisites
None
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the potential of engineering living systems
- appreciate the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- understand the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- understand gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- understand what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- design synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- design synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- appreciate DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; genetic information; molecular cloning, DNA amplification; example applications
Lectures 6-12 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; circuit design, construction and characterisation; noise; cell-free systems
Lectures 13-16 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics; sequence alignment; sequencing applications; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Further notes
Normal teaching 2022-2023
We hope that this year all teaching and activities will take place as they were before the pandemic. Please be respectful of any individuals who still need to wear masks.
Labs: the lab will be held in person in a lecture room and carried out on your own laptops - please ensure they are charged.
Recordings: the terms under which the University provides recordings means that they are strictly for your personal use only and should not be distributed further in any form.
Examples papers
See the course Moodle site
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - the lab is computational and will concern the design of a COVID-19 test and vaccine.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with basic tools for viewing nucleic acid sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for a PCR-based virus test and design the necessary primer sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for generation of a fusion protein and to design the necessary sequences
Practical information:
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 17/09/2025 13:09
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2024-25
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J Molloy, Dr S Bakshi, Prof G Micklem
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 computational laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Prerequisites
None
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the potential of engineering living systems
- appreciate the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- understand the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- understand gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- understand what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- design synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- design synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- appreciate DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; genetic information; molecular cloning, DNA amplification; example applications
Lectures 6-12 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; circuit design, construction and characterisation; noise; cell-free systems
Lectures 13-16 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics; sequence alignment; sequencing applications; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Further notes
Normal teaching 2022-2023
We hope that this year all teaching and activities will take place as they were before the pandemic. Please be respectful of any individuals who still need to wear masks.
Labs: the lab will be held in person in a lecture room and carried out on your own laptops - please ensure they are charged.
Recordings: the terms under which the University provides recordings means that they are strictly for your personal use only and should not be distributed further in any form.
Examples papers
See the course Moodle site
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - the lab is computational and will concern the design of a COVID-19 test and vaccine.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with basic tools for viewing nucleic acid sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for a PCR-based virus test and design the necessary primer sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for generation of a fusion protein and to design the necessary sequences
Practical information:
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 31/05/2024 09:55
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J Molloy, Dr S Bakshi
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 computational laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Prerequisites
None
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the potential of engineering living systems
- appreciate the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- understand the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- understand gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- understand what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- design synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- design synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- appreciate DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; genetic information; molecular cloning, DNA amplification; example applications
Lectures 6-12 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; circuit design, construction and characterisation; noise; cell-free systems
Lectures 13-16 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics; sequence alignment; sequencing applications; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Further notes
Normal teaching 2022-2023
We hope that this year all teaching and activities will take place as they were before the pandemic. Please be respectful of any individuals who still need to wear masks.
Labs: the lab will be held in person in a lecture room and carried out on your own laptops - please ensure they are charged.
Recordings: the terms under which the University provides recordings means that they are strictly for your personal use only and should not be distributed further in any form.
Examples papers
See the course Moodle site
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - the lab is computational and will concern the design of a COVID-19 test and vaccine.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with basic tools for viewing nucleic acid sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for a PCR-based virus test and design the necessary primer sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for generation of a fusion protein and to design the necessary sequences
Practical information:
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 30/05/2023 15:22
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2022-23
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof. G Micklem, Dr S Bakshi
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 computational laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Prerequisites
None
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the potential of engineering living systems
- appreciate the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- understand the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- understand gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- understand what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- design synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- design synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- appreciate DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; genetic information; molecular cloning, DNA amplification; example applications
Lectures 6-12 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; circuit design, construction and characterisation; noise; cell-free systems
Lectures 13-16 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics; sequence alignment; sequencing applications; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Further notes
Normal teaching 2022-2023
We hope that this year all teaching and activities will take place as they were before the pandemic. Please be respectful of any individuals who still need to wear masks.
Labs: the lab will be held in person in a lecture room and carried out on your own laptops - please ensure they are charged.
Recordings: the terms under which the University provides recordings means that they are strictly for your personal use only and should not be distributed further in any form.
Examples papers
See the course Moodle site
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - the lab is computational and will concern the design of a COVID-19 test and vaccine.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with basic tools for viewing nucleic acid sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for a PCR-based virus test and design the necessary primer sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for generation of a fusion protein and to design the necessary sequences
Practical information:
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 05/10/2022 19:52
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof. G Micklem, Dr S Bakshi
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 virtual laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Prerequisites
None
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- To provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- To increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- To have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
- To provide the grounding for a new Part IIB course, Molecular Bioengineering II, that is expected to run for the first time in 2022-2023.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- An appreciation of the potential of engineering living systems
- An appreciation of the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- Understanding of the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- Understanding gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- To have a basic knowledge of what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- Designing synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- Designing synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- To understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- An appreciation for DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; genetic information; molecular cloning, DNA amplification; example applications
Lectures 6-12 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; circuit design, construction and characterisation; noise; cell-free systems
Lectures 13-16 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics; sequence alignment; sequencing applications; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Further notes
Pandemic adaptations 2021-2022
We need to take account of individuals who may be vulnerable or need to self-isolate in thinking about how we deliver the lectures, labs and supervisions of 3G1. While currently it is intended that all activities will be in person, please bear in mind that all arrangements are subject to change depending upon Government and University guidance. In addition, the specific needs of individuals leading teaching may result in some sessions being online. We will post such changes on Moodle and also notify the class by email.
Masks: current University Guidance is that masks are "strongly recommended" but not compulsory. We encourage you to wear them during lectures, labs and supervisions. We should all show courtesy towards others. Please bear in mind that some will have medical reasons for not wearing a mask.
Lectures: it is intended that lectures will be held in person – where possible please sit in alternate seats. Recordings of the lectures will be made available via Moodle.
Labs: it is intended to hold the (computational) lab in person in a lecture theatre on your own laptops - where possible please sit in alternate seats.
Supervisions: please follow the guidance of your supervisor regarding use of the venue they book for the supervisions.
Recordings: the terms under which the University provides recordings means that they are strictly for your personal use only and should not be distributed further in any form.
Examples papers
See the course Moodle site
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - the lab is computational and will concern the design of a COVID-19 test and vaccine.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with basic tools for viewing nucleic acid sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for a PCR-based virus test and design the necessary primer sequences
- To consider the overall workflow for generation of a fusion protein and to design the necessary sequences
Practical information:
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 11/10/2021 03:37
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Molecular Bioengineering I, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof. G Micklem, Dr S Bakshi
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 virtual laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- To provide a basic grounding in biomolecular engineering along with underpinning molecular biology.
- To increase awareness for the opportunities for bioengineering within modern biology.
- To have enough background knowledge and familiarity with the terminology to be able to play a productive role collaborating with biologists.
- To provide the grounding for a new Part IIB course, Molecular Bioengineering II, that is expected to run for the first time in 2021-2022.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- An appreciation of the potential of engineering living systems
- An appreciation of the capabilities of applying evolution in a laboratory setting
- Understanding of the fundamental molecules and processes required for gene expression and replication
- Understanding gene structure and regulation in simple organisms
- To have a basic knowledge of what is feasible with genetic engineering, and the underpinning molecular techniques
- Designing synthetic genetic circuits: understanding basic mathematical and molecular biological frameworks
- Designing synthetic genetic circuits: living systems vs cell-free systems
- To understand the latest technologies for genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods
- An appreciation for DNA as a construction material for information storage and other applications
Content
The structure of the course will be as follows.
Lectures 1-5 (GM): Evolution; storage and use of genetic information; DNA amplification; molecular cloning
Lectures 6-11 (SB): Gene expression and regulation; enzyme kinetics; synthetic control circits
Lectures 12-13 (GM): Genomes, genome sequencing and transcriptomics
Lectures 14-16 (GM): Cell-free systems; expanding the genetic code; DNA for construction and data storage; DNA dynamics
Coursework
Laboratory Practical - we regret that the wet laboratory practical cannot run this year on account of the pandemic.
An online alternative will be provided.
Learning objectives:
- To become familiar with some molecular biological data and appropriate analysis tools.
- To gain some experience in analysing and interpreting the data.
Practical information:
- More information will be available in due course. We expect that we will run the lab as an online interactive session through Zoom: sign up via the 3G1 Moodle site
- Preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab is likely to be necessary and will be worth 1 point. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 02/11/2020 19:48
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Introduction to Molecular Bioengineering, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G Micklem, Dr C Gilbert, Dr D Dikicioglu
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students. This course will be delivered through lectures and a laboratory class.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Provide a basic grounding in key aspects of molecular bioscience with an emphasis on biomolecular engineering.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- To understand the potential of engineering living systems
- To understand key common features of living systems
- To have a basic understanding of cellular metabolism and examples of metabolic engineering
- To understand the basics of gene control and expression, concentrating on systems more commonly used in biotechnology
- To have basic knowledge of what is feasible with genetic engineering, the key underlying technology and case studies
- To understand the impact of the latest methods of genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods including perturbation studies
- To have been introduced to the emerging field of synthetic biology that aims to rationally engineer biological systems
- Through the lab, to have direct experience of some basic experimental techniques
Content
This course will introduce those elements of molecular biology that are relevant to further study in bioscience and engineering applications.
- Common features of living systems
- Cellular structure and metabolism
- Metabolic engineering
- Key experimental methods
- Genetic Engineering
- Genome sequencing, genomics and key computational methods
- Synthetic Biology
The structure of the course will be as follows.
- Lectures 1-3 - Overview/introduction - why engineer living systems? Life: cells to organisms
- Lectures 4-5 - Central dogma of molecular biology, Gene regulation
- Lectures 6-7 - Genetic engineering I: basic parts, methods and terminology
- Lectures 8-9 - Genetic engineering II: further methods cases studies
- Lectures 10-12 - Cellular metabolism, catabolism/ anabolism, core molecular types, metabolic engineering, principles and case studies
- Lectures 13-15 - Genomics, genome sequencing/annotation/key computational methods, functional studies, gene expression/ regulatory networks, perturbation studies
- Lecture 16 - Synthetic biology
Coursework
Laboratory Practical
Learning objectives:
- To have had some experience of working in a biology laboratory, including consideration of safety issues.
- To have learned some basic biology laboratory techniques.
- To have gained experience in analysing and interpreting the data produced.
Practical information:
- The lab will run twice, on the Fridays following the 5th and 7th lectures, in the Department of Plant Sciences Teaching Laboratory: https://map.cam.ac.uk/Department+of+Plant+Sciences#52.202590,0.121337,18
- This activity involves preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references for this module
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 09/10/2019 00:17
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Introduction to Molecular Bioengineering, 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G Micklem, Dr J Ajioka, Dr D Dikicioglu
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students. This course will be delivered through lectures and a laboratory class.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Provide a basic grounding in key aspects of molecular bioscience with an emphasis on biomolecular engineering.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- To understand the potential of engineering living systems
- To understand key common features of living systems
- To have a basic understanding of cellular metabolism and examples of metabolic engineering
- To understand the basics of gene control and expression, concentrating on systems more commonly used in biotechnology
- To have basic knowledge of what is feasible with genetic engineering, the key underlying technology and case studies
- To understand the impact of the latest methods of genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods including perturbation studies
- To have been introduced to the emerging field of synthetic biology that aims to rationally engineer biological systems
- Through the lab, to have direct experience of some basic experimental techniques
Content
This course will introduce those elements of molecular biology that are relevant to further study in bioscience and engineering applications.
- Common features of living systems
- Cellular structure and metabolism
- Metabolic engineering
- Key experimental methods
- Genetic Engineering
- Genome sequencing, genomics and key computational methods
- Synthetic Biology
The structure of the course will be as follows.
- Lectures 1-3 - Overview/introduction - why engineer living systems? Life: cells to organisms
- Lectures 4-5 - Central dogma of molecular biology, Gene regulation
- Lectures 6-7 - Genetic engineering I: basic parts, methods and terminology
- Lectures 8-9 - Genetic engineering II: further methods cases studies
- Lectures 10-12 - Cellular metabolism, catabolism/ anabolism, core molecular types, metabolic engineering, principles and case studies
- Lectures 13-15 - Genomics, genome sequencing/annotation/key computational methods, functional studies, gene expression/ regulatory networks, perturbation studies
- Lecture 16 - Synthetic biology
Coursework
Laboratory Practical
Learning objectives:
- To have had some experience of working in a biology laboratory, including consideration of safety issues.
- To have learned some basic biology laboratory techniques.
- To have gained experience in analysing and interpreting the data produced.
Practical information:
- The lab will run twice, first on Friday 19th October and then on Friday 26th October, in the Department of Plant Sciences Teaching Laboratory: https://map.cam.ac.uk/Department+of+Plant+Sciences#52.202590,0.121337,18
- This activity involves preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references for this module
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 22/05/2018 00:15
Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3G1: Introduction to Molecular Bioengineering, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G Micklem, Dr J Ajioka, Dr D Dikicioglu
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures, 1 laboratory class. This is an intensive introductory level undergraduate course targeted at third year Engineering students. This course will be delivered through lectures and a laboratory class.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Provide a basic grounding in key aspects of molecular bioscience with an emphasis on biomolecular engineering.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- To understand the potential of engineering living systems
- To understand key common features of living systems
- To have a basic understanding of cellular metabolism and examples of metabolic engineering
- To understand the basics of gene control and expression, concentrating on systems more commonly used in biotechnology
- To have basic knowledge of what is feasible with genetic engineering, the key underlying technology and case studies
- To understand the impact of the latest methods of genome sequencing, genome analysis, and genome-scale experimental methods including perturbation studies
- To have been introduced to the emerging field of synthetic biology that aims to rationally engineer biological systems
- Through the lab, to have direct experience of some basic experimental techniques
Content
This course will introduce those elements of molecular biology that are relevant to further study in bioscience and engineering applications.
- Common features of living systems
- Cellular structure and metabolism
- Metabolic engineering
- Key experimental methods
- Genetic Engineering
- Genome sequencing, genomics and key computational methods
- Synthetic Biology
The structure of the course will be as follows.
- Lectures 1-3 - Overview/introduction - why engineer living systems? Life: cells to organisms
- Lectures 4-5 - Central dogma of molecular biology, Gene regulation
- Lectures 6-7 - Genetic engineering I: basic parts, methods and terminology
- Lectures 8-9 - Genetic engineering II: further methods cases studies
- Lectures 10-12 - Cellular metabolism, catabolism/ anabolism, core molecular types, metabolic engineering, principles and case studies
- Lectures 13-15 - Genomics, genome sequencing/annotation/key computational methods, functional studies, gene expression/ regulatory networks, perturbation studies
- Lecture 16 - Synthetic biology
Coursework
Laboratory Practical
Learning objectives:
- To have had some experience of working in a biology laboratory, including consideration of safety issues.
- To have learned some basic biology laboratory techniques.
- To have gained experience in analysing and interpreting the data produced.
Practical information:
- The lab will run twice, first on Friday 20th October and then on Friday 27th October, in the Department of Plant Sciences Teaching Laboratory: https://map.cam.ac.uk/Department+of+Plant+Sciences#52.202590,0.121337,18
- This activity involves preliminary work (~1hour) and completing an online test in advance of the lab. The test will be available through Moodle.
Full Technical Report:
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references for this module
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
Last modified: 29/09/2017 20:42
