UniTartu Summer School Synthetic Biology and its Applications
Author:
Andrea Margó Rotenberg
Autor:
Andrea Margó Rotenberg
Synthetic Biology and its Applications
On-site in Tartu 28 July – 8 August 2025
The summer school aims to provide an overview of synthetic biology advances and their applications. Students will get hands-on experience in molecular cloning and genetic engineering. This course is designed for high school students and beginner level BSc students.
Laboratory work will focus on genetically modifying baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae) with previously designed set of plasmid vectors. The constructed yeast strains will be used to study intricate mechanisms of regulation of gene expression and to illustrate the concept of logic gates in synthetic biology. Three distinct fluorescent 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, how to operate various laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, vortexes, 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 flourescent microscope imaging, FACS, Western Blotting.
Information about the course
Focus area: | Applied Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering | Coordinating unit: | Institute of Bioengineering |
Study Field: | Science and Technology, Bioengineering | Course Leaders: | Ilona Faustova, Associate Professor in Molecular Biology |
Format: | Summer course, hands-on workshop | Location: | Nooruse 1, Tartu |
Course dates: | 28 July - 8 August 2025 | Language: | English |
ECTS: | 2 | Study group: | High school students, beginner level BSc |
Lecturers
Ilona Faustova | Artemi Maljavin | Juli Mukhadze |
| Vice Director of the Institute of Bioengineering, Associate Professor in Molecular Biology, Programme Director of Science & Technology and Bioengineering programmes | Junior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, Assistant of Programme Director | Junior Research Fellow in Molecular Biotechnology |
Application deadline: 30 April 2025
Application period: 1 April - 30 April 2025
NB! All of the applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of EUR 25. Your application will only be processed after the University has received the fee. The application fee is required to facilitate the admissions process and will not be refunded, regardless of the admission result.
Course fee: 600EUR
Includes:
Study materials
8 days of academic work with lecturers
Certificate of completion (2 ECTS)
5 cultural events in the evenings
NB! Transportation and accommodation costs are not included. The course fee does not cover participant's lunch during the summer school.
Photo Gallery
Check out the photos from last year!
Are you wondering how to get to Tartu and where to stay? Tartu is the second biggest city in Estonia and is, therefore, quite easily reachable. Tartu is famous for its sustainable transportation methods which make moving around the city very quick, cheap and convenient. In the City of Education there are many options of accommodation. You'll get to choose between a cheap stay at the dormitory with other international students or pick a fancier option in a hotel or apartment.
While the academic course is broaden your knowledge and learning skills, the cultural programme offers a range of fun and engaging cultural activities, introducing you to Estonia and the opportunity to interact and network with other participants in a lively environment. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of day trips and events offered through the programmes and their experience in Tartu!