Synthetic Biology Applications
General
- 20 learners; teams of 5
- 20 hours per learner
- Dates set by experience
- Learners self-assign
Preferred companies
- 4 projects wanted
- Canada
- Academic experience
- Any company type
- Agriculture, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Environment, Mining, forestry & fishery
Categories
Skills
Project timeline
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September 29, 2020Experience start
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October 1, 2020Project Meeting 1: The Initial Plan
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October 20, 2020Project Meeting 2: Presentation of Draft Report
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April 10, 2021Experience end
Timeline
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September 29, 2020Experience start
-
October 1, 2020Project Meeting 1: The Initial Plan
Meeting between students and company to consider the approach taken to the challenge, and to provide valuable feedback from the industry perspective.
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October 20, 2020Project Meeting 2: Presentation of Draft Report
Submission of draft project plan to the company for detailed feedback.
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April 10, 2021Experience end
Overview
- Details
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Graduate students in the SynBioApps program learn to use modelling, microfluidics and DNA synthesis tools including automated equipment at Concordia University's Genome Foundry. Students will work in groups of 4-5 to design or elaborate a synthetic biology solution to a goal that your company would like to implement. Using computer modelling and simulation, student teams will design a protocol for a biological construct to produce a molecule or platform that responds to your challenge.
- Learner skills
- Design thinking, Business strategy
- Deliverables
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Using synthetic biology tools, students will develop a detailed plan to provide a solution to an industry-led challenge. This will include an iterated model or biological construct that answers a need within the framework provided by an industrial partner (e.g. organism type or regulatory considerations).
Project Examples
Synthetic biology has a wide range of applications and can be used to create sustainable materials or efficient chemical production sources using engineered biological organisms. Sector applications include: pharmacological molecule production; diagnostics or therapeutics in health; biomass conversion; agriculture; metabolic modeling and engineering; sustainable production of industrial chemicals or molecules (or their precursors).
Applied projects to date:
- Biofabrics materials development
- Engineering bacterial probiotics for inflammation
- Developing materials precursors using yeast
- Diagnostics for human health/medicine
Tools:
- Bioinformatics; Modelling and simulation
- DNA Synthesis: MoClo Assembly, CRISPR-Cas9
- Microfluidics devices
Note: A second semester course will expand the project, introducing higher-level business and industry needs to the projects. These include considerations of stakeholders, IP and patents, business plans, etc. Project company/mentors may be asked to give their input and feedback during the winter semester as well (January-April), to ensure that students understand the regulatory and financial frameworks in which R&D and product development are done.
Additional company criteria
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:
Provide a dedicated contact who is available to answer periodic emails or phone calls over the duration of the project to address students' questions.
Be available for a quick phone call with the instructor to initiate your relationship and confirm your scope is an appropriate fit for the course.