Genome and Protein Engineering HA 2023

Less than a hundred years ago, scientists did not yet know the structure of DNA nor the mechanisms of how DNA ultimately results in proteins and other essential processes in biology. The fields of molecular biology and biochemistry have exploded in the past several decades, and now scientists are increasingly able to do the previously unimaginable: directly edit DNA sequences in living organisms & engineer new and improved proteins to help study and treat disease and foundational questions in biology. This course will review the fundamentals of genome science, protein biochemistry, and related emerging technologies and opportunities. Some of the hands-on, interactive activities will include: Building hands-on models of the building blocks of life (that you can take home!): DNA, RNA, and proteins; reading original literature about the history of DNA editing; hearing interviews from leading research scientists, and debating applications to the modern biomedical community; demonstrating how a glow-in-the dark protein (GFP) can be mutated to change its function in the environment, with a hands-on laboratory; virtually designing and editing your own protein using cutting-edge bioinformational tools, for a biotechnical problem of your choice; and engaging in a final capstone protein in small groups or individually about the ethics of genome or protein editing—helping you gain confidence in the content you learned and scientific communication. By taking this course, students will be prepared to pursue a research career in bioscience or become a better doctor with an understanding of the future of medicine.