Course

Unit 1

Principles of gene cloning: types of vectors, primer designing strategies, restriction digestion, ligation.

Unit 2

Molecular tools and techniques used in gene cloning and functional genomics: PCR, RT-PCR, electrophoresis, blotting, DNA sequencing, microarray, RNA sequencing, SAGE, qRT-PCR.

Unit 3

Introducing DNA into cells: basic cell culture and transfection methods, generation of transgenic cell lines/animals, expression systems for recombinant proteins: bacteria/ yeast/ insect/mammalian system.

Unit 4

Gene editing: homologous recombination, zinc-finger nucleases, TALENS, CRISPR-Cas9, site directed mutagenesis.

Unit 5

Advanced genetic engineering techniques: reporter gene assays, DNA finger printing, DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Genetic engineering course allows the students to learn the techniques involved in genetic manipulation or modification. The course mainly focuses on recombinant DNA technology, DNA manipulation, molecular cloning, gene editing, protein engineering, transgenic animals and ethics of genetic engineering. Students will learn to design novel products using genetic engineering for application in the different sectors of biotechnology and effectively present their ideas.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

After completing the course, students shall be able to

CO1. Describe the process of molecular cloning involving different types of vectors, primer designing strategies, restriction digestion and ligation.

CO2. Describe the application of molecular tools and techniques used in gene cloning and functional genomics: PCR, RT PCR, Electrophoresis, Blotting, DNA sequencing, Microarray, RNA sequencing, SAGE, qRT-PCR.

CO3. Distinguish between different recombinant protein expression systems. Bacteria/ Yeast/ Insect/ Mammalian system and explain the application of transgenic cell or animal models in research and medicine with an emphasis on ethical barriers.

CO4. Describe the process of gene editing using different methods like homologous recombination, zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, CRISPR-Cas9, site directed mutagenesis, identify the technical and ethical barriers of gene editing.

CO5. Explain and interpret the advanced molecular techniques including DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions, reporter gene assays and DNA finger printing

CO6. Compile and summarize current genetic engineering research to discuss the impact on research and medicine.

REFERENCES:1. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction, 6th Edition, T. A. Brown, Wiley Blackwell, 2007.2. Principles of Gene Manipulation & Genomics ? 7th Edition ? Sandy B. Primrose, Richard Twyman? Blackwell, 2001.