BI3SBT1: Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering

Module code: BI3SBT1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos , email: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Slawomir Nasuto, email: s.j.nasuto@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In synthetic biology, molecular biology and genetic engineering allow us to characterise and design biochemical pathways expressed in cellular machinery, that follow logic circuit and control feedback principles to instantiate novel functions in cells not found in nature. While synthetic biology initially focused on the subcellular and individual cell level, the later emerging tissue engineering is concerned with the development of implantable devices and tissue replacement using biocompatible materials to restore lost organs and their function. Novel ways of constructing tissue could scale up synthetic biology approaches, resulting in novel tissues with desired, precisely characterised functionality. This module provides a foundation in materials science, synthetic biology and tissue engineering, and discusses how these fascinating fields could lead to novel solutions through the analysis of case studies and coursework. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles underpinning synthetic biology and the synthetic biology design cycle
2. Critically evaluate synthetic biology solutions to real life problems
3. Establish essential concepts of biophysics and regenerative medicine
4. Evaluate biomolecules, cells and biomaterials for tissue engineering

Module content

Principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering. Practical tools used to probe and manipulate molecular circuits. Overview of existing and characterised synthetic biology constructs and case studies illustrating the applications of synthetic biology, both in general and in a healthcare context. Basic systems biology methods of characterising such circuits. Elements of logic circuits and fundamentals of control theory that allow for systematic use of biological circuits as building blocks. Application of synthetic biology principles to solve a particular problem using the synthetic biology design cycle. 

Key concepts in essential materials science and technologies. Biocompatibility pathways. Development of hypotheses and methodologies to examine them. Technologies and interfaces at the forefront of biomaterials, stem cell research, and neural and cardiovascular engineering. Examples include: stem cell differentiation in hydrogel scaffolds, neuronal and glial patterning on multi-electrode arrays, neural interfaces. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Taught lectures and practical case-based self-study. Group project in developing a research proposal around an agreed hypothesis. In the last week of the module students present their funding proposal to their peers, feedback is provided and the winning team is chosen to “fund” their project proposal. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.