Advances in synthetic biology have redefined the life sciences by integrating molecular biology, computational modeling, and automated engineering approaches to enable the rational design and construction of biological systems. Biological function can now be precisely controlled and modified across genetic, cellular, and multicellular scales, allowing for the creation of systems with predictable and controllable behaviors.
Within this context, living technology emerges as an application-driven paradigm in which living systems are treated as engineerable platforms. Cells, genetic circuits, and multicellular assemblies can be designed, optimized, and deployed to perform defined functions – ranging from biosensing and bioproduction to therapeutic intervention and environmental remediation.
Students participating in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) operate at this interface, applying engineering principles to biological design. This course package extends that experience by providing deeper theoretical grounding and interdisciplinary integration across computational, engineering, and translational domains.
What this package offers
The Living Technology Course Package empowers students to move beyond the subjects offered within their home institutions by providing access to complementary expertise across key domains of living technologies.
This flexible and interdisciplinary offering includes:
- Molecular and cellular engineering
- Systems and computational biology
- Bioengineering and design
- Biomedical and translational applications
- Sustainability and bio-based solutions
Students can select and combine courses that best support their International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) projects and align with their academic interests.
Who is it for?
- iGEM students seeking deeper scientific and technical grounding
- Students exploring synthetic biology and bioengineering
- Learners interested in the future of living technologies
For courses at your home institution you can register via Osiris.
To register for courses outside your own institution go to EduXchange and follow the next steps:
- Simply click on your ‘home institution’
- Copy-paste the title from the provided course list based on your interest and schedule
- Read more about the course
- Directly register (if it’s open) or set a reminder in your calendar for later. Note that you register per course, so simply repeat the last three steps, if you would like to combine multiple courses.