BIT 495/595 – Genome Engineering: CRISPR Technologies

Overview:

• Introduction to how CRISPR-Cas systems work, available tools and the application of these technologies.
• Students will work in teams to design and perform a gene knockout in Serratia marcescens using CRISPR-Cas12a.
• Students will communicate broad applications of CRISPR in group presentations as well as novel applications in individual poster presentations.

Class Topics:

• Native CRISPR-Cas Systems
• DNA Repair Mechanisms
• Genetic Engineering with CRISPR
• Available Tools & Applications
• Bioethics of CRISPR

Labs

• Guide RNA Design & Plasmid Mutagenesis (Weeks 1-3)
• Golden Gate Assembly (Week 4)
• Competent Cells & Bacterial Transformation (Weeks 5-6)
• Experimental Design, Hypothesis Testing & Data Analysis (Weeks 5-8)