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Overview
On-site in Tartu 28 July – 7 August 2024
The goal of the summer school is to provide an overview of synthetic biology advances and their applications. Students will get hands-on experience in molecular cloning and genetic engineering, visit University of Tartu research centers.
Laboratory work will focus on genetically modifying yeast to produce carotenes and violacein, extracting them from yeast cells, and analyzing the results via HPLC and TLC.
Carotenes and violaceins are colorful chemical compounds and have a wide range of applications. For example, carotenes are used in cosmetics and the food industry; and violaceins possess antimicrobial and antitumor properties that have great potential in medicine. Students will learn how society could utilize synthetic biology to decrease the production price and reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to conventional production methods.
Students will learn how to work in the molecular biology lab, safety rules, how to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuges, vortexes, thermostats, etc.). Students will also create artworks using yeast cells that synthesize carotenes and violaceins.
Programme Structure
- Introduction to summer school
- Lecture: How synthetic biology is changing the world
- Introduction to safety rules and laboratory techniques
- PCR amplification of Modules’ parts (promoters, genes, terminators, degrons), Gel electrophoresis, Golden Gate assembly, bacterial transformation
- Lecture: Bioproduction of valuable compounds: benefits and potential risks
- Plasmid extraction from bacterial cells, DNA restriction analysis
- Sequencing
- Analysis of sequencing results
- PCR amplification of Modules
- Lecture: The basics of homologous recombination and its application in synthetic biology
- Yeast transformation
- Preparing yeast cells for production of carotenes and violacein
- Extraction of carotenes and violaceins from yeast cells
- Lecture: HPLC and TLC methods: benefits, restrictions, applications
- TLC analysis of the extracted carotenes and violaceins.
- Artistic work: make a drawing on the Petri dish using colourful yeast cells
- Analysis of the HPLC results
Audience
High school students, BSc
Lecturers
- Ilona Faustova, Associate Professor in Molecular Biology, Programme Director of Science & Technology and Bioengineering programmes
- Artemi Maljavin, PhD student
- Kristina Reinmets, Research Fellow in Synthetic Biology
- Amedeo Pagliotto, Junior Research Fellow in Technology
- Science & Technology students
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 11 days
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
English
Credits
2 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Disciplines
Biology Biotechnology Natural SciencesAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Tartu and/or in Estonia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
- High school students, BSc
- Online application form
- Application fee of 25 EUR
- Motivation letter (up to 1 page) that demonstrates the applicant’s motivation to participate, his/her expectations about the programme, how participation in the summer programme relates to his/her studies and interests, and how the applicant plans to use the gained experience and knowledge in the future
- Transcript of academic records
- Copy of passport
Tuition Fee
To always see correct tuition fees
-
International
600 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 600 EUR for the full programme during 11 days. -
EU/EEA
600 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 600 EUR for the full programme during 11 days.
Living costs for Tartu
300 - 600 EUR /month
Living costs
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
1. Estonian National Scholarships at StudyinEstonia.ee.
You can read more about the scholarships on the homepage of StudyinEstonia.ee.
2. ENLIGHT scholarship
More information and the application form are on the ENLIGHT scholarship page: https://ut.ee/en/content/enlight-scholarship
3. DAAD scholarship
More information and application form on the DAAD scholarship page: https://ut.ee/en/content/daad-scholarship
4. Partial tuition fee coverage scholarship
More information and the application form for the partial tuition fee coverage are on the scholarship page: https://ut.ee/en/content/scholarships-summer-programmes
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