Metabolic&cellular Engin (CHBE-0167)

Fall 2023 · CHBE 0167 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

The goal is to present a framework for quantitative analysis of cellular functions, and introduce students to metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering is a systems-oriented approach to the problem of remodeling and reconfiguring the many molecular components of the cell in order to achieve a desirable phenotype. Unlike molecule-centric approaches, which focus on only the final product-forming reaction, metabolic engineering emphasizes the metabolic pathway in its entirety. Course material analyzes cell-level processes as molecular systems. The processes to be discussed include: metabolism, protein synthesis, and regulation of gene expression. Analyses of these processes will emphasize an engineering, problem solving-oriented perspective, and will be integrated with discussions on core metabolic engineering methods: metabolic modeling, genetic engineering, and analytical biochemistry. Complementary disciplines very recently added to the metabolic engineering toolbox will also be discussed: ¿omics¿ technologies, computational systems biology, and synthetic biology. Selected metabolic engineering applications, including conversion of biomass into fuels, will be further explored through case studies and reviews of the current literature. Recommendations: Open to graduate students and seniors. Backgrounds in biochemistry, numerical methods, and chemical kinetics is highly recommended.

Course codes: CHBE-0167, CHBE 0167, CHBE0167, CHBE-167, CHBE 167, CHBE167

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