Synthesize your planet now - come on!

General description

Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field with roots in biology, chemistry, biotechnology and bioinformatics. By using standardized genetical parts to create a blueprint for a biological system, the synthetic biology methods can be used for various purposes. Synthetic biology is thus involved in the field of medicine, for potential future fuel, for improving crops and is interesting for solving environmental problems, etc.

Because of its broad usage and potential, it is important that the engineering fields follow in its development and find, upgrade or invent tools that make it easier to perform and accomplish projects in synthetic biology.

Your first thought when you hear that something is genetically modified is probably about genetically modified crops, but do you know how they are made? You will learn about this compared to how conventional/organic crops are developed and also get to learn about other applications of synthetic biology.

There will be lectures held by our very competent researchers in these synthetic biology fields

and there will also be labs and study visits.

If you want to be one of the new generation of pioneers when it comes to the future of synthetic biology, you should not miss the opportunity to go to Uppsala, Sweden. As a bonus to what you will learn during the course, you will also get to experience the Swedish culture – everything from eating fermented fish ("surströmming") to spending time in the middle of the ancient Swedish forest and taking a swim in a lake.

So if you are enthusiastic about synthetic biology and also want to get to know Swedish culture - apply!

We promise that it is going to be the BEST way to spend a week in August!

Together we can synthesize an amazing world!

Academic information

Fields of activity:: Applied Sciences , Biological/Biotechnical/Gene Engineering , Biology , Biomedical Engineering , Chemical Engineering , Chemistry/Chemical Technology , Computational Sciences , Environmental Engineering , Food Engineering , Industrial Engineering , Materials Engineering , Medicine/Dental Medicine , Pharmacy
Content and topics:: Synthetic biology and biosafety
Learning goals and objectives:: To learn about the different uses of synthetic biology and tackle the ethical issues related to it. The participants will learn the basic science behind synthetic biology and be able to discuss the ethics. The participants will also have accuired knowledge about methods and advancements in this field of engineering
Examination type:: Final project and presentation
ECTS credits issued:: 1.0 (It is up to the sending university to decide whether to give 1 ECTS credit or not)

Information for applicants

Selection criteria:: Based on motivation letter, topic interest and knowledge, answers to our questions and interest in Sweden and Swedish culture

Practical arrangements

All of the following are covered by the event fee:

Lodging:: Hostel and potentially a summer residence
Meals:: Three meals a day, at least one hot
Transportation:: Bus and walking. Transportation for free to all scheduled activities.