This hands-on First Year Seminar course explores the theory and methods behind synthetic biology, focusing on one particular technology called DNA origami, which uses folded DNA as building blocks to construct nano-scale objects via self-assembly. This class covers the theoretical underpinnings of DNA origami, then students will work in groups to design, construct, and characterize DNA origami objects. Characterization will be accomplished using modern experimental imaging techniques available in the single molecule analysis in real time (SMART) center and/or within research labs on campus. Beyond learning concepts specific to DNA origami, this course aims to expose students to theoretical and experimental methods used in a broad range of biophysics research. The course ends with discussions on how biological materials might impact the future of science and technology at the University of Michigan and beyond.

Course Requirements:

Assignments will range from traditional problem sets to larger scale group projects and presentations. The majority of the semester will focus on group projects, and groups will be asked to meet deadlines and provide reporting for the design, construction, and characterization of DNA origami objects. At the end of the semester, groups will present on their projects as a whole, and each student will be responsible for submitting a written report detailing the findings of the group.

Intended Audience:

Freshmen interested in the natural sciences.

Class Format:

The class will be highly interactive. Some in class time will be devoted to going through theoretical material and background, but the majority of class time will be spent actively working on group projects.