Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course introduces the principles of synthetic biology and its application in industry, medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. We will explore how natural biological systems can be redesigned using 'biobricks', modular arrangement of biomolecular 'parts', to construct synthetic biology 'devices' such as engineered biocatalysts, novel metabolic pathways, genetic circuits, or microbial cell factories.
Through effective in-person, multi-modal learning activities, including design-based learning scenarios, you will gain a deep understanding of how synthetic biology concepts and tools can be used to develop solutions that address complex global challenges, from sustainable biomanufacturing and advanced healthcare diagnostics to improved agricultural productivity and environmental remediation.
BIOT7050 is the defining course for the Field of Study in Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology.
The course will be presented in four modules. Each module comprises a set of lectures, workshops and other activities that will introduce the field of synthetic biology and its scientific and engineering basis, including exposing students to cutting-edge synthetic biology applications and their corresponding analysis and design tools. This will cover, but is not limited to the following topics:
- Sourcing, designing and engineering of biobricks for DNA, RNA and protein-based devices, that can be assembled to build synthetic biological systems;
- Advanced techniques for engineering and assembly and automation of these methods in Biofoundries to enable massive refactoring of biological systems;
- Techniques to visualise and quantify metabolic activities and efficiently control them to generate a specific output; and
- Consideration of techno-economical, environmental and social and ethical aspects of engineered biological systems.
This section will feature a series of (guest) lectures from research leaders at UQ and beyond, all of whom are experts in different aspects of synthetic biology.
Throughout the course, students will apply their learning in a progressive design-based exercise. In four sessions, one after each module, this assessment requires students to define, construct, and evaluate synthetic biology solutions to a real-world problem.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to have a background in (micro)biology, biotechnology or bioengineering and expected to have basic knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry. Resources are provided for students lacking a background in these areas.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Dr Giovanni Pietrogrande
Dr Helen Gunter
Dr Ian Ross
Dr Yosephine Gumulya
Dr Connie Petroeschevsky
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
BIOT7050 consists of two two-hour sessions per week, typically a lecture followed by a workshop or related activity. After each module, students complete a progressive, design-based assessment that reinforces their understanding by applying key concepts and tools to a specific case study. Details will be provided via Blackboard.
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
This course gives students of the life sciences and engineering the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of synthetic biology and how it can be used to address global challenges such as climate change, diminishing natural resources and feeding a growing population. It focuses on introducing modern synthetic biology approaches and methods and will allow students to gain practical experience in using computer-based software and web-based tools for synthetic biology.
Following successful completion of the course, students will be able to integrate their background training in the natural sciences or engineering with their understanding of synthetic biology principles to propose synthetic biology approaches to address real-life applications in industrial biotechnology and chemistry, diagnosis and management of disease, agriculture and other fields.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use ingenuity and creativity in proposing innovative Synthetic Biology approaches to solve industrial or other applied problems.
LO2.
Propose ways to source bio-bricks with relevant properties from nature by bioprospecting and metagenomic screening.
LO3.
Explain how directed evolution, gene editing and other advanced molecular methods can be used to re-engineer biological parts (e.g. proteins, promoters, receptors) and systems.
LO4.
Decide on an appropriate chassis for a given application and explain the advantages of different host organisms for recombinant expression.
LO5.
Design simple Synthetic Biology devices showing an understanding of circuit design and logic gates.
LO6.
Critically assess how various output methodologies, such as fluorescence, luminescence, and amperometric signals can be used in different contexts e.g. in bio-electronic devices, biocatalytic fermentations, intact cells and whole organisms.
LO7.
Critically analyse the complexity of metabolic systems and evaluate how these constraints impact strategies to redirect metabolic flux through desired pathways.
LO8.
Discuss factors that influence public perceptions and acceptance of novel technologies – the social license.
LO9.
Predict how economic and societal influences will determine the likely uptake of technical innovations – the triple bottom line.
LO10.
Interrogate the scientific principles and foundational technologies that enable synthetic biology applications.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Quizzes
|
10% |
29/07/2025 5/08/2025 25/08/2025 1/09/2025 9/09/2025 16/09/2025 7/10/2025 14/10/2025
A quiz will be held during the 2-hour session of the above specified days. More information will be provided by lecturers and on Blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Progressive design-based assessment
|
40% |
19/08/2025 6:00 pm 8/09/2025 6:00 pm 13/10/2025 6:00 pm 27/10/2025 6:00 pm
Assessment item is undertaken within the timetabled class. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Quizzes
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
29/07/2025
5/08/2025
25/08/2025
1/09/2025
9/09/2025
16/09/2025
7/10/2025
14/10/2025
A quiz will be held during the 2-hour session of the above specified days. More information will be provided by lecturers and on Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L10
Task description
The quizzes assess understanding of basic biological and engineering concepts and knowledge from from previous sessions of the respective module the quiz takes place in. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard. This online Blackboard assessment is taking place in-person within the timetabled class. It is the students' responsibility to bring their student ID card and a charged electronic device to access Blackboard for this assessment.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment item is undertaken within the timetabled class; submission is via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Late Submission Penalty
For submissions:
- less than 5 minutes late: 10% penalty
- between 5 minutes to less than 15 minutes late: 0% penalty
- more than 15 minutes late: 100% penalty
Progressive design-based assessment
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
19/08/2025 6:00 pm
8/09/2025 6:00 pm
13/10/2025 6:00 pm
27/10/2025 6:00 pm
Assessment item is undertaken within the timetabled class.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Students will apply their learning in four progressive, design-oriented assessments, one following each module. These assessments are designed to support the integration and application of core concepts and tools introduced throughout the course. Students will be expected to define, develop, and critically assess synthetic biology-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Each assessment will typically include both individual and structured components and may involve tasks such as designing genetic constructs, selecting appropriate tools or organisms, or proposing experimental strategies. The assessments may be conducted in-class and can include both open-resource and closed-book elements, depending on the specific learning objectives..
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your paper worksheets to the lecturer before leaving the assessment venue. Before submitting your assessment item in person, name each page of your assessment with your full name and student ID number. Unnamed assessments will not be marked. Paper worksheets submitted electronically will not be marked.
Submit supplementary electronic files through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_Assessment Name For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his Module 1 worksheet in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_Module_1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The end of semester exam will sample your knowledge of the topics covered in the lectures.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam.
2. You must complete and submit an examinable attempt* on 100% of the assessable items in the course.
* An examinable attempt is a submission that demonstrates genuine engagement with the task as evidenced by addressing the task, shows effort, meets basic requirements, is of a coherent structure and demonstrates academic integrity.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
There are no required or recommended textbooks for this course. However, students who wish to refresh their knowledge in biochemistry or molecular biology can access a list of suggested textbooks and other resources via UQ Blackboard.
Reading materials to support quiz preparation will also be provided on Blackboard.
Lecture slides will be made available prior to each session, and lecture recordings will be uploaded shortly afterwards. Individual lecturers may also suggest additional readings or publications relevant to their specific topics.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Synbio at the protein or biobrick level Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L10 |
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Course introduction Learning outcomes: L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Synbio at the pathway or device level |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Synbio at the whole cell level Learning outcomes: L01, L07, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
SynBio at the Societal Level Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.