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Chris Myers

This course gives an introduction to the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits. It starts by providing an engineering viewpoint on genetic circuit design and a review of cells and their structure. The second module introduces genetic parts and the importance of standards followed by a discussion of genetic devices used within circuit design. The last two modules cover experimental techniques and construction methods and principles applied during the design process.  

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This course gives an introduction to the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits. It starts by providing an engineering viewpoint on genetic circuit design and a review of cells and their structure. The second module introduces genetic parts and the importance of standards followed by a discussion of genetic devices used within circuit design. The last two modules cover experimental techniques and construction methods and principles applied during the design process.  

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5934, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

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What's inside

Syllabus

An Engineers Guide to Genetic Circuits
This week gives a brief introduction to the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits. The material covered is only a basic overview, since it is usually the topic of whole courses. It should, however, give the grounding necessary to begin studying the modeling, analysis, and design of genetic circuits.
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Genetic Parts
This week highlights the importance of standards in synthetic biology as an engineering discipline. Furthermore, the week introduces genetic parts - the basic building used to construct genetic circuits.
Genetic Devices
This week introduces genetic devices, the aggregation of multiple genetic parts. Basic rules for composing, as well as different types of devices, are introduced, as well.
Genetic Construction
This week introduces techniques used to construct a genetic circuit. This includes commonly used methods like polymerase chain reaction for cloning and DNA assembly methods. Finally, construction methods to assemble different genetic parts are presented.
Principles of Genetic Circuit Design
This week introduces practical challenges in realizing genetic circuit designs.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in genetic circuit design and construction
Covers the basics of genetic circuits, including their design, construction, and analysis
Suitable for students with a background in biology and engineering
Provides a practical overview of genetic circuit design and implementation
Taught by instructors with expertise in the field
Requires students to have some prior knowledge in biology and engineering

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design with these activities:
Review General Biology
Review the basics of general biology to strengthen your understanding of genetic circuits.
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  • Read the assigned textbook chapters on general biology.
  • Complete any online quizzes or practice questions related to general biology.
Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 11th Edition
This book provides a comprehensive overview of genetic analysis, which will help you build a strong foundation for understanding genetic circuits.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters from the book.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terms.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter questions.
Follow Online Tutorials on Genetic Circuits
Explore online tutorials and videos to supplement your understanding of genetic circuits and gain different perspectives.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on genetic circuits.
  • Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes on important concepts.
Three other activities
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Solve Genetic Circuit Design Problems
Practice solving genetic circuit design problems to improve your understanding of how genetic circuits work and how to design them.
Browse courses on Genetic Circuit Design
Show steps
  • Find online or textbook problems related to genetic circuit design.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your solutions against the provided answer key or ask for help from the instructor or a tutor.
Join a Study Group for Genetic Circuits
Engaging with peers in a study group can enhance your understanding through discussions and shared perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group with other students taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course materials, solve problems, and share insights.
Create a Concept Map of Genetic Circuitry
By creating a concept map, you will reinforce your understanding of the relationships between different genetic circuit components and processes.
Browse courses on Genetics
Show steps
  • Identify the key concepts related to genetic circuitry.
  • Organize the concepts into a hierarchical structure.
  • Use arrows or lines to connect the concepts and show their relationships.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnologists design and develop materials, devices, and systems at the nanoscale. They use nanotechnology to create new materials with unique properties, such as strength, lightness, and conductivity. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide nanotechnologists with a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand how genetic circuits can be used to control the assembly and function of nanomaterials.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers combine engineering principles with concepts of biology and medicine. Working in this capacity, professionals can expect to research, design, develop, and evaluate biomedical equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design lays the groundwork for this role by providing a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits. The course's coverage of genetic parts, devices, and construction methods will also be useful to those seeking a career in biomedical engineering.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors provide information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. They interpret genetic test results, assess risk for genetic disorders, and develop management plans. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide genetic counselors with a deeper understanding of the science behind genetic testing and counseling.
Molecular Biologist
Molecular biologists study the structure and function of molecules, particularly those that are essential to life, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. They investigate how these molecules interact with each other and how they regulate cellular processes. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can help molecular biologists gain a better understanding of the biology and biochemistry of genetic circuits.
Virologist
Virologists study viruses, including their structure, function, and evolution. They investigate how viruses cause disease and develop vaccines and antiviral therapies. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide virologists with a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits, which are essential components of viruses.
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on humans and the environment. They investigate the mechanisms of toxicity and develop ways to prevent and treat toxic exposures. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide toxicologists with a better understanding of the role of genetics in toxicology.
Computational Biologist
Computational biologists use computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, and engineering to analyze and interpret biological data. They develop and apply computational tools and techniques to understand complex biological systems, such as the human genome. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can help computational biologists gain a better understanding of the biology and biochemistry of genetic circuits. The course also covers genetic parts and devices, which are essential components of computational biology research.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, provide drug information, and counsel patients on medication use. They also work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to manage drug therapy and ensure patient safety. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide pharmacists with a better understanding of the science behind drug development and the role of genetics in drug response.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They investigate the growth, metabolism, and genetics of microorganisms, and their role in human health and disease. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design provides a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits, which is essential knowledge for microbiologists.
Systems Biologist
Systems biologists study the complex interactions between the different components of biological systems, such as cells, tissues, and organs. They use mathematical and computational models to understand how these systems function and how they are affected by disease. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide systems biologists with a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits, which are essential components of biological systems.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide other medical care. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide physicians with a better understanding of the science behind genetic testing and the role of genetics in disease.
Biophysicist
Biophysicists study the physical principles that govern biological systems. They use techniques from physics, chemistry, and biology to investigate how molecules, cells, tissues, and organs function. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design provides a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits, which is essential knowledge for biophysicists. The course also covers genetic parts, devices, experimental techniques, and construction methods, all of which are relevant to this field.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze biological data. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide biostatisticians with a foundation in the biology and biochemistry necessary to understand genetic circuits, which are essential components of biological systems.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide epidemiologists with a better understanding of the role of genetics in disease.
Science Writer
Science writers communicate complex scientific information to a non-expert audience. They write articles, reports, and other materials for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design can provide science writers with a better understanding of the biology and biochemistry of genetic circuits.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to computational methods for analyzing biological sequences, which is valuable for understanding the design and construction of genetic circuits.
Provides a comprehensive overview of bioinformatics, including the analysis of genetic sequences, which is foundational for genetic circuit design.
Provides a broad overview of molecular biotechnology, including the use of recombinant DNA in genetic circuit design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of molecular biology, including the structure and function of cells, which is foundational for genetic circuit design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of biochemistry, including the structure and function of biomolecules, which is foundational for genetic circuit design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of genetic engineering techniques, which are essential for genetic circuit design.

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