- Intro to Synthetic Biology, Part 1 of a comprehensive Biohacker bootcampBosLab, Cambridge, MA
Must Register here on Eventbrite:
Buy a ticket now, before discounts end August 1st!
In-person 3 part class:
Friday, August 16th from 2-6 PM EDT
Saturday, August 17th from 2-6 PM EDT
Saturday, August 24th from 2-6 PM EDTDid you know that the cost of sequencing your entire genome is now less than that of purchasing an iPhone? Additionally, the removal of specific genes from an organism no longer qualifies it as a genetically modified organism (GMO).
Biotechnology is rapidly transforming various facets of our lives. Our introductory course delves into the fundamental aspects of the molecular foundation of modern biology: DNA. Explore the techniques that have propelled the biotechnology revolution, gain practical experience, and discover the trajectory of future advancements in our Introduction to Synthetic Biology course. Uncover the essential characteristics of DNA and learn how to manipulate them, enabling the cutting and pasting of DNA segments, produce numerous copies of specific sequences, or construct entirely new genetic programs.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities including DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation. Through lecture, discussion, and practical projects, attendees will purify their own DNA and design primers to conduct a PCR test to ascertain if they have a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of their choosing. Additionally, they will engineer their own genetically modified organisms (GMOs) utilizing bacteria and fluorescent proteins, such as GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein), which was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2008. Moreover, participants will use these organisms to create agar art. No prior knowledge beyond high-school biology is required for this course, and maybe not even that, making it an excellent entry point for those new to the field of Synthetic Biology.