Synthetic Biology and Its Applications
The summer school course aims to provide an overview of the advances in synthetic biology and their applications. Students will get hands-on experience in molecular cloning and genetic engineering.
This course is designed for upper secondary school students and beginner-level BSc students.
Course description
Laboratory work will focus on genetically modifying baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae) with a previously designed set of plasmid vectors. The constructed yeast strains will be used to study intricate mechanisms of gene expression regulation and to illustrate the concept of logic gates in synthetic biology. Three distinct fluorescence proteins will be used as protein expression reporters. By combining different inputs to induce gene expression, the fluorescence of different reporter proteins will be measured as output.
Students will learn how to work in the molecular biology lab, lab safety rules, and how to operate various laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, vortex mixers, thermostats, etc.). They will learn the basic principles of logic gates and their applications in synthetic biology. Students will collect and analyse the data using different research methods, including live-cell fluorescent microscope imaging, FACS, and western blotting.
General course information
| Course dates | 27 July - 6 August, 2026 (two-week course, 9 study days) |
|---|---|
| Course fee | 600 EUR |
| Course format | summer course |
| Study field | Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology |
| Language | English |
| Study group | Upper secondary school students, beginner-level BSc |
| Assessment / ECTS | Pass/Fail (2 ECTS) |
| Location | Tartu Institute of Bioengineering, Nooruse 1 |
Despite having a strong background and prior lab experience, the course challenged me in the best possible way. I gained new, practical skills in bacterial genetics and molecular cloning that significantly expanded my laboratory competence.
Course lecturers
| Course lecturer | Description |
|---|---|
| Ilona Faustova | Director, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Programme Director for Science and Technology bachelor, Programme Director for Bioengineering master |
| Artemi Maljavin | Junior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, Assistant of Programme Director |
| Juli Mukhadze | Junior Research Fellow in Molecular Biotechnology |
| Stepan Strelchenko | Specialist of Molecular Systems Biology |
Study information about the course
The course combines hands-on laboratory work with short lectures and guided analysis. Each practical session begins with a brief theoretical introduction. Evenings and weekends are usually free or include optional cultural programme activities.
Day 1: Monday, 27 July
Introduction to summer school: Schedule, goals, learning outcomes.
Introduction to safety rules and laboratory techniques
PCR amplification, estradiol transcription factor
Lecture: How synthetic biology is changing the world
Restriction of PCR product and plasmid vector
Ligation of PCR product and plasmid vector
Day 2: Tuesday, 28 July
Transformation of E. coli TURBO competent cells with Golden gate assemblies
Lecture: Logic gates and their applications in synthetic biology
Institute tour
Day 3: Wednesday, 29 July
Plasmid DNA extraction from transformed E. coli TURBO cells
Measuring DNA concentration
Restriction analysis of the extracted plasmid DNA
Preparing DNA samples for Sanger sequencing
Day 4: Thursday, 30 July
In silico cloning on Benchling
Day 5: Friday, 31 July
Analysis of Sanger sequencing results
Yeast transformation
Lecture: The basics of homologous recombination and its application in synthetic biology
Saturday, 1 August: free day
Sunday, 2 August: free day
Day 6: Monday, 3 August
- Check the S. cerevisiae colonies after transformation if the plasmid has integrated correctly into the yeast genome using PCR
- Inoculate growth media with correctly constructed strains
Day 7: Tuesday, 4 August
- Induce different scenarios of protein expressions, and collect samples for western blotting
- Prepare samples for western blotting
Day 8: Wednesday, 5 August
- Western blotting
Introduction of the Bioengineering MSc programme at the University of Tartu.
Day 9: Thursday, 6 August
- Live-cell fluorescent microscope imaging
- FACS
- Final discussion of the results
Awarding of certificates
The student completing the course will:
- know the main branches of synthetic biology;
- learn potential drawbacks and ethical issues raised by synthetic biology development;
- know different molecular cloning techniques, including Golden Gate assembly and digest/ligate cloning;
- be able to perform PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, bacterial and yeast transformations, and DNA extraction from bacterial cells;
- learn about different sequencing methods and how to analyse the results of Sanger sequencing;
- learn the fundamentals of the western blotting method and how the conduct western blot analysis;
- learn to analyse the live-cell fluorescent microscope imaging data;
- learn the basics of FACS analysis.
Course registration info
- Application period: 20 March – 20 April
- Notification of acceptance: accepted participants will be informed after the application period, by 30 April at the latest
- Deadline for paying the course fee: 31 May
- Confirmation of courses taking place: 5 June
- UniTartu Summer School in Tartu: 27 July – 7 August
Only fully completed applications, including all required annexes, received by the deadline (20 April) will be considered for selection. Applicants must submit the following:
- Online application form
(application period: 20 March–20 April 2026) - Motivation letter (maximum 1 page), explaining:
- your motivation to participate,
- your expectations for the programme,
- how the summer course relates to your studies and interests,
- how you plan to use the knowledge and experience gained in the future
- Transcript of academic records
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of the application fee payment (25 EUR)
The participants of the UniTartu Summer School courses are required to pay:
- The application fee of 25 EUR must be paid by the application deadline (20 April) at the latest.
The application fee is non-refundable. - The course fee is 600 EUR.
Includes: Study materials, academic work with lecturers, Certificate of completion, cultural events in the evenings
Not included: meals, transportation and accommodation
Please note that the course fee is payable only after you have been accepted into the course. Once accepted, you will receive a confirmation of acceptance together with an invoice. The course fee can only be paid based on the invoice issued to you.
By paying the application fee, course fee and cultural events fee, you accept the terms and conditions information document. You are required to tick the box in the credit card payment form to confirm you have read and agree to terms and conditions. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, you will be informed of the same conditions.
Please note that by paying the fees, you are considered to have accepted the Terms and Conditions.
Future study options
