Synthetic Biology and its Applications
On-site in Tartu 1 – 9 August 2022.
The goal of the summer course is to provide an overview of synthetic biology advances and their applications. Students will get hands-on experience in molecular cloning and genetic engineering and visit University of Tartu research centres.
Laboratory work will focus on genetically modifying yeast to produce carotenes and violacein, extracting them from yeast cells, and analysing the results via HPLC and TLC.
Carotenes and violaceins are colourful chemical compounds and have a wide range of applications. For example, carotenes are used in cosmetics and the food industry; and violaceins possess antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties that have great potential in medicine. Students will learn how society could utilise synthetic biology to decrease the production price and reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to conventional production methods.
Students will learn how to work in the molecular biology lab, safety rules, how to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, vortexes, thermostats, etc.). Students will also create artworks using yeast cells that synthesise carotenes and violaceins.
| Focus area: | Applied Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering | Coordinating unit at UT |
Institute of Technology |
| Study Field: | Science and Technology, Bioengineering | Course Leader | Ilona Faustova, Associate Professor in Molecular Biology |
| Format | Hands-on workshop | Location | Tartu, Estonia |
| Course dates: | 1 - 9 August 2022 | Apply by: | 30 June 2022 |
| ECTS: | 2 | Fee: | 500 € |
| Study group | High school students, bachelor’s students | Language | English |
Lecturers:
- Ilona Faustova, Associate Professor in Molecular Biology, Programme Director of Science & Technology and Bioengineering programmes
- Artemi Maljavin, PhD student
- Kristina Reinmets, Research Fellow in Synthetic Biology
- Amedeo Pagliotto, Junior Research Fellow in Technology
- Science & Technology students
Two weeks prior to the start of the programme an information file will be sent to all participants. This file contains the daily schedule and relevant contact information of the programme managers.
Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation and travel insurance (visa arrangements if needed) from their home country to Tartu and back to their home country. It is recommended to visit the Tartu Welcome Centre website and arrival and housing section to find accommodation opportunities.
The University of Tartu will offer 20 tuition waivers (scholarships) altogether for citizens of Ukraine for all summer courses. It will cover the course fee and cultural programme. Accommodation and daily expenses are not included.
The selection process is going to be based on the motivation letter. In order to apply for the scholarship please submit your application to the summer course and upload a motivation letter (no longer than approx 1 A4 page).
