Course Information

Microbe Hackers is the “synthetic biology” research stream. However, our experiments and research can also be broadly classified as molecular biology, genetic engineering, and microbiology. In terms of concepts covered, we deal a lot with genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology. A lot of our course material overlaps with genetics and some overlaps with introductory biology. So, if you take genetics after our stream, then you can hopefully use a lot of what you learn in this FRI stream when you take genetics. And if you are currently taking genetics, then hopefully it will make your semesters with us easier.

Our course material also attempts to cover the most recent news in the field of synthetic biology and how it affects society. This includes CRISPR, genetic engineering in humans, GMO foods, and how should cutting edge technology be communicated to the public in a way that inspires open dialogue and respect. We have discussed CRISPR babies and GMO mosquitoes, among other topics.

The progression of the Microbe Hackers research lab is as follows:

• Freshman Spring:
  • Students learn synthetic biology concepts and techniques 
  • Students practice scientific writing and communication
  • Students are assigned to projects (with their input)
• Summer
  • Students can stay and conduct research in the summer
• Sophomore Fall
  • Students return and focus on research and science communication
  • Students learn about current issues in synthetic biology
  • Emphasis on development of higher level skills: critical thinking, project management, presentations, data analysis. 

Agar plate of E. coli containing different genetic devices created by our Microbe Hackers.

We offer the following course credits:

• Spring: CH204 & NSC109
• Fall: BIO206L & MBS177 / MBS377 / CH369K

The image shows the weekly commitment in the spring semester. In the fall semester, there is more flexibility, with one hour spent in lecture and at least four hours in lab, with extra hours spent on research or lab assignments as needed.