Admission Requirements
Open to Bachelor students interested in Synthetic Biology. The project are centered around a biological application but are multidisciplinary. Application is subject to competitive selection.
Students can only participate after successfully completing the admission procedure, see ‘Registration’ below.
Description
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition is the premier global synthetic biology challenge, where interdisciplinary student teams design, build, and test innovative biological systems using standardized genetic parts. This course offers Master’s students at Leiden University the opportunity to participate in iGEM as a credit-bearing course within the MSc Biology curriculum.
Students will engage in a comprehensive synthetic biology research experience, including project design, experimental execution, scientific communication, teamwork, and public outreach. The course culminates in presenting the project at the international iGEM Giant Jamboree in Paris.
The students independent work is at the center of the iGEM project. It is chosen, planned and executed by the team guaranteeing your ownership of the project. Supervision will be focused to advice and guidance, while the team is in charge of the project.
This course is designed as an in-depth academic project. The study load is 18 EC.
Structure
Duration: Approximately 16 weeks full-time, including experimental work, writing, and presentation phases.
Timing: Independent research of literature and open brainstorming (January and February). Writing a research proposal and presentation (March). Planning of the research and public outreach (April/May). Start of full-time lab work during the summer months, followed by writing and preparation for the Giant Jamboree in autumn.
Supervision is provided throughout by experienced synthetic biology researchers to ensure progress and quality
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Independently conduct literature research and formulate research proposals.
Design and independently execute experiments in synthetic biology and neighboring fields.
Develop and test new methods and techniques relevant to their project.
Analyze and interpret experimental data critically.
Communicate scientific results effectively through written reports, a wiki website, presentations, and videos.
Collaborate professionally within interdisciplinary teams.
Engage in public outreach and scientific dissemination.
Strictly adhere to the competition rules and safety requirements.
Timetable
See ‘Description’.
Mode of instruction
See ‘Description’.
Assessment Method
The assessment combines individual and group components to reflect both personal contributions and team outcomes:
Assessment Component: Description – Grading
Project Proposal: Literature review and experimental plan, submitted early in the project. Written and/or in oral presentation – Pass/fail
Practical Work: Assessment of individual practical research skills – Pass/fail
Professional Attitude: Evaluation of communication, responsibility, and teamwork. This includes (but is not limited to) creativity, knowledge of subject matter and project planning as well as doing research independently – Pass/fail
Team Deliverables: Wiki page and presentation video, reflecting group effort. Participation is self-reported – Pass/fail
Minimum grade
Courses require a minimum, unrounded 5.5 grade to complete.
If a course has 2 or more written partial exams, the minimum grade only applies to the weighted average of the exams.
For partial grades from components other than exams (e.g. practicals, seminars, writing assignments), the bottom grade does apply to the individual components.
Please refer to the Student Charter for an overview of regulations.
Deadlines are determined by the iGEM foundation in charge of the competition.
Final grading is completed in the academic year following the main research period (typically November/December).
Reading list
Scientific articles and reviews relevant to the project topic (self-study or provided by supervisors).
iGEM website and competition resources.
Standard synthetic biology textbooks and protocols.
Registration
Students must register in Mystudymap and simultaneously apply for admission as described below.
Additional admission procedure:
Enrolment is by application only, requiring:
Academic CV
Motivation letter
An approved study plan by the Study Advisor or Board of Examiners
Email to D.J.Foschepoth@biology.leidenuniv.nl
No automatic right of participation; participation is selective and places are limited.
Admission will be based on motivation, knowledge, skills and ability to work in a team. For this purpose, the prospective candidates will be invited for an interview with Supervisors and/or the coordinator.
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
For questions regarding the course, application procedures, or supervision, please contact:
Course Coordinator: Dr. David Foschepoth
Email: Dr. D.J. Foschepoth
Remarks
Full-time commitment is required, especially during the summer months and Giant Jamboree (minimum 8 weeks, 12 ECTS). The remaining credits (6 EC) are a part time commitment starting in January for literature research and project proposals and during the preparation phase before the jamboree. Individual planning is possible but needs to be approved by the course coordinators.
Please note: this course is offered from January to November and therefore runs over two academic years