BI3SBT1: Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering

Module code: BI3SBT1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos, email: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Slawomir Nasuto, email: s.j.nasuto@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In synthetic biology, molecular biology and genetic engineering allow us to characterise and design biochemical pathways expressed in cellular machinery, that follow logic circuit and control feedback principles to instantiate novel functions in cells not found in nature. While synthetic biology initially focused on the subcellular and individual cell level, the later emerging tissue engineering is concerned with the development of implantable devices and tissue replacement using biocompatible materials to restore lost organs and their function. Novel ways of constructing tissue could scale up synthetic biology approaches, resulting in novel tissues with desired, precisely characterised functionality. This module provides a foundation in materials science, synthetic biology and tissue engineering, and discusses how these fascinating fields could lead to novel solutions through the analysis of case studies and coursework. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles underpinning synthetic biology and the synthetic biology design cycle
2. Critically evaluate synthetic biology solutions to real life problems
3. Establish essential concepts of biophysics and regenerative medicine
4. Evaluate biomolecules, cells and biomaterials for tissue engineering

Module content

Principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering. Practical tools used to probe and manipulate molecular circuits. Overview of existing and characterised synthetic biology constructs and case studies illustrating the applications of synthetic biology, both in general and in a healthcare context. Basic systems biology methods of characterising such circuits. Elements of logic circuits and fundamentals of control theory that allow for systematic use of biological circuits as building blocks. Application of synthetic biology principles to solve a particular problem using the synthetic biology design cycle. 

Key concepts in essential materials science and technologies. Biocompatibility pathways. Development of hypotheses and methodologies to examine them. Technologies and interfaces at the forefront of biomaterials, stem cell research, and neural and cardiovascular engineering. Examples include: stem cell differentiation in hydrogel scaffolds, neuronal and glial patterning on multi-electrode arrays, neural interfaces. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Taught lectures and practical case-based self-study. Group project in developing a research proposal around an agreed hypothesis. In the last week of the module students present their funding proposal to their peers, feedback is provided and the winning team is chosen to “fund” their project proposal. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will receive formative feedback on their group grant proposals, during an oral presentation, before the end of the semester. 

Reassessment

Additional costs