Overview:

• Introduction to how CRISPR-Cas systems work, available tools and the application of these technologies.
• Students will work in teams to design and create a CRISPR-equipped bacteriophage as an alternative antimicrobial against Serratia marcescens.
• Students will communicate broad applications of CRISPR in group presentations as well as novel applications in individual poster presentations.

Course Learning Objectives:

CO 1. Compare and contrast the characteristics of native and engineered CRISPR-Cas systems.
CO 2. Design appropriate guide RNA sequences for a given gene editing scenario and justify design choices.
CO 3. Design and build a recombinant CRISPR-equipped bacteriophage for specific bacterial targeting.
CO 4. Integrate information from a wide variety of sources to construct a unified and well-supported presentation.
CO 5. Articulate the core principles and applications of CRISPR-Cas systems in a clear and compelling manner to a scientific audience.
CO 6. Analyze the ethical and scientific implications of genome editing, including potential benefits, risks, and societal concerns.
CO 7. (BIT 595 Students Only) Create and deliver a visual presentation to facilitate an in-depth class discussion that critiques the experimental design of a peer-reviewed publication and proposes novel follow-up experiments to address identified limitations.

Class Topics:

Lab Topics:

• Guide RNA Design
• Site-Directed Mutagenesis
• Golden Gate & Gibson Assembly
• Lambda Red Recombineering
• CRISPR-equipped bacteriophage