96036 - Synthetic Biology for Plant Molecular Engineering

Learning outcomes

The overall aim of the course is to provide theoretical and design skills concerning the iterative cycle (design-build-test-learn) and molecular engineering in plant synthetic biology. A combination of lectures and project-based research will be used to study the metabolic processes and factors involved in plant primary productivity and to develop strategies to manipulate metabolic pathways aimed at satisfying the increasing global demand for food and high-value products.

Course contents

During the course, which starting next academic year will be named "Molecular Enzymology and Metabolic Engineering, novel and recent approaches to comprehend and manipulate enzymes and metabolic pathways will be addressed. Lectures will focus on the latest and most impactful examples of protein design and metabolic engineering. Strategies to modify metabolic processes to increase the yield of natural products or introduce novel functions will be examined. The different methods and theories to engineer proteins for the purpose of improving their functional properties or creating de novo activity will be explained through case studies. Finally, the course will include seminars by course faculty and students on topics under study based on recent scientific articles. At the end of each seminar there will be space for student questions and general discussion on the topic.

Readings/Bibliography

The textbooks and bibliography (research/review articles) will be recommended during the course.

Teaching methods

Frontal teaching (seminar and lectures) and preparation and exposition of seminars by course students.

Assessment methods

The examination will consider the seminar taken by the student (during the course conduct) and an oral interview based on questions related to the course content (after completion of the course).

Teaching tools

The course will be held in classrooms with PC projection. All lectures and seminars will be carried out through power point presentations. The files of the power point presentations and the teaching materials supporting lectures and seminars (articles, reviews, bibliography, and websites) will be made available to the students at the end of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Mirko Zaffagnini

See the website of Libero Gurrieri