Language of instruction

中文

Current course fees

23,930

Location

Shanghai

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

Major Course X-Core

Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology

遗传和分子生物工程

COURSE INTRO

Course Introduction 01

COURSE INTRO

Course Introduction 01

From the historical cloning of the sheep Dolly, to the rescue of a type 1 diabetes patient with insulin, and to the first successful two-month survival of a pig heart transplant patient in 2022, genetic engineering technology seems like a miraculous pen that rewrites the laws of nature. With the improvement of DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies, the coding of life can be utilized by us to explore and even achieve more unknown possibilities: such as synthesizing biodegradable plastics, inhibiting tumor growth, and reducing greenhouse gases. At the same time, genetics and molecular biology, as the basis of biological experiments, are also essential skills needed to complete complex experiments.

“BioX Genetics and Molecular Biology Engineering” will cover a wide range of topics, including from basic biological macromolecules to the transmission of genetic information, and delve into the progress of work in advanced areas such as gene expression and regulation. In the experimental section, explorers will acquire basic experimental skills, personally reconfigure gene circuits, and adjust the metabolic pathways of engineered bacteria to better accomplish tasks. In addition, everyone will also learn other methods to control biological systems, such as learning how to establish mathematical models to predict system behavior.

From the historical cloning of the sheep Dolly, to the rescue of a type 1 diabetes patient with insulin, and to the first successful two-month survival of a pig heart transplant patient in 2022, genetic engineering technology seems like a miraculous pen that rewrites the laws of nature. With the improvement of DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies, the coding of life can be utilized by us to explore and even achieve more unknown possibilities: such as synthesizing biodegradable plastics, inhibiting tumor growth, and reducing greenhouse gases. At the same time, genetics and molecular biology, as the basis of biological experiments, are also essential skills needed to complete complex experiments.

“BioX Genetics and Molecular Biology Engineering” will cover a wide range of topics, including from basic biological macromolecules to the transmission of genetic information, and delve into the progress of work in advanced areas such as gene expression and regulation. In the experimental section, explorers will acquire basic experimental skills, personally reconfigure gene circuits, and adjust the metabolic pathways of engineered bacteria to better accomplish tasks. In addition, everyone will also learn other methods to control biological systems, such as learning how to establish mathematical models to predict system behavior.

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to complete a type of output, such as:

  • Conducting a full process of molecular biology research, including topic selection, experimental design, result analysis, poster production, and ultimately completing a research paper or Research Proposal to lay a foundation for future academic research by addressing real biological problems

  • A game or software solution to molecular biology problems, exploring the potential integration and application of genes and molecular bioengineering with other fields


*The type and content of the final output are based on the work of the participant in the X-Capstone project after completion

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to complete a type of output, such as:

  • Conducting a full process of molecular biology research, including topic selection, experimental design, result analysis, poster production, and ultimately completing a research paper or Research Proposal to lay a foundation for future academic research by addressing real biological problems

  • A game or software solution to molecular biology problems, exploring the potential integration and application of genes and molecular bioengineering with other fields


*The type and content of the final output are based on the work of the participant in the X-Capstone project after completion

COURSE CONTENTS

Course Contents 03

COURSE CONTENTS

Course Contents 03

01 Basic Knowledge of Biomacromolecules and Enzymes

Theory: Study the structure, function, and role of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in cellular metabolism, and understand how they collectively support the complex mechanisms of life.


02 Central Dogma

Theory: The central dogma is the pathway of information flow from DNA to RNA to protein. In this course, you will learn about the processes of genetic information replication, transcription, and translation and explore how this dogma determines the basis of cellular function and biological diversity.


03 Molecular Cloning Technology and Gene Editing Technology

Theory: Learn how to replicate and modify DNA sequences in the laboratory, understand the principles and applications of these technologies, and how they have driven innovative developments in life science research and the biopharmaceutical field.

Experiment: Gene cloning and plasmid construction


04 Microbial Hosts, Gene Regulation, Gene Cloning, and Expression

Theory: In-depth exploration of the application of microbial hosts in genetic engineering, including how to select suitable microbial hosts, implement genetic manipulation, and optimize protein production through expression system regulation, laying the foundation for research and development in the field of biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.

Experiment: Escherichia coli culture, expression, and characterization


05 Construction and Application of Cell-Free Gene Expression Systems

Theory: Explore cutting-edge research in genetic engineering - cell-free gene expression, based on the mentor's expertise. Understand the principles, construction, and extensive application of this system in biological research. Also, learn how to efficiently produce proteins using these systems.

Experiment: Gene expression and characterization in cell-free systems

01 Basic Knowledge of Biomacromolecules and Enzymes

Theory: Study the structure, function, and role of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in cellular metabolism, and understand how they collectively support the complex mechanisms of life.


02 Central Dogma

Theory: The central dogma is the pathway of information flow from DNA to RNA to protein. In this course, you will learn about the processes of genetic information replication, transcription, and translation and explore how this dogma determines the basis of cellular function and biological diversity.


03 Molecular Cloning Technology and Gene Editing Technology

Theory: Learn how to replicate and modify DNA sequences in the laboratory, understand the principles and applications of these technologies, and how they have driven innovative developments in life science research and the biopharmaceutical field.

Experiment: Gene cloning and plasmid construction


04 Microbial Hosts, Gene Regulation, Gene Cloning, and Expression

Theory: In-depth exploration of the application of microbial hosts in genetic engineering, including how to select suitable microbial hosts, implement genetic manipulation, and optimize protein production through expression system regulation, laying the foundation for research and development in the field of biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.

Experiment: Escherichia coli culture, expression, and characterization


05 Construction and Application of Cell-Free Gene Expression Systems

Theory: Explore cutting-edge research in genetic engineering - cell-free gene expression, based on the mentor's expertise. Understand the principles, construction, and extensive application of this system in biological research. Also, learn how to efficiently produce proteins using these systems.

Experiment: Gene expression and characterization in cell-free systems

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites 04

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites 04

High school biology and chemistry foundation are needed, interested in molecular biology and synthetic biology, and able to independently read English literature.


*During the preparatory stage, mentors and academic leaders will help you complete the prerequisite learning

High school biology and chemistry foundation are needed, interested in molecular biology and synthetic biology, and able to independently read English literature.


*During the preparatory stage, mentors and academic leaders will help you complete the prerequisite learning

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

MENTORS

Previous Course Mentors 05

MENTORS

Previous Course Mentors 05

Jian Li

Assistant Professor, Researcher, PhD Supervisor, ShanghaiTech University

Postdoctoral Researcher, Northwestern University; PhD, Technical University of Berlin, Germany


Main research focus on cell-free synthetic biology. Published over 50 SCI papers in internationally renowned journals such as Advanced Science, Nucleic Acids Research, ACS Catalysis, ACS Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering. Received funding from Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (Category A) in 2018, appointed as a member of the Youth Committee of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology in April 2019, and started serving as the Associate Editor of Frontiers in Natural Products in March 2022.

Jian Li

Assistant Professor, Researcher, PhD Supervisor, ShanghaiTech University

Postdoctoral Researcher, Northwestern University; PhD, Technical University of Berlin, Germany


Main research focus on cell-free synthetic biology. Published over 50 SCI papers in internationally renowned journals such as Advanced Science, Nucleic Acids Research, ACS Catalysis, ACS Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering. Received funding from Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (Category A) in 2018, appointed as a member of the Youth Committee of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology in April 2019, and started serving as the Associate Editor of Frontiers in Natural Products in March 2022.

ACADEMIC LEADS

Previous Course TAs 06

ACADEMIC LEADS

Previous Course TAs 06

Yuancheng Ding

PhD in Synthetic Biology, University of Cambridge

Research interests include protein engineering and gene circuit design, currently involved in developing cell-free systems for optimizing directed evolution libraries. Former wet lab team leader representing Imperial College at the 2022 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition 'iGEM', researching novel fungal infection control agents for preventing and treating plant fungal infections, receiving a Global Top10 Award and multiple individual award nominations. Previously involved in the development of CRISPR/Cas12a COVID-19 nucleic acid test kits.



Ao Qi

PhD in Biology, Westlake University

Research focus on single-molecule biophysics, conducting studies on DNA replication processes using various mechanical and optical methods in the Cell Biology Laboratory at Westlake University. Previously awarded the gold medal at the 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition 'iGEM', and won the championship in the 72-hour global youth talent innovation challenge. Has undertaken biophysics-related internships and research at Peking University and Tsinghua University. One paper currently submitted to Autophagy. Proficient in broadcasting and hosting arts, having won international and provincial awards in this field multiple times.

Yuancheng Ding

PhD in Synthetic Biology, University of Cambridge

Research interests include protein engineering and gene circuit design, currently involved in developing cell-free systems for optimizing directed evolution libraries. Former wet lab team leader representing Imperial College at the 2022 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition 'iGEM', researching novel fungal infection control agents for preventing and treating plant fungal infections, receiving a Global Top10 Award and multiple individual award nominations. Previously involved in the development of CRISPR/Cas12a COVID-19 nucleic acid test kits.



Ao Qi

PhD in Biology, Westlake University

Research focus on single-molecule biophysics, conducting studies on DNA replication processes using various mechanical and optical methods in the Cell Biology Laboratory at Westlake University. Previously awarded the gold medal at the 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition 'iGEM', and won the championship in the 72-hour global youth talent innovation challenge. Has undertaken biophysics-related internships and research at Peking University and Tsinghua University. One paper currently submitted to Autophagy. Proficient in broadcasting and hosting arts, having won international and provincial awards in this field multiple times.

Language of instruction

中文

Current course fees

23,930

Location

Shanghai

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

Location

Shanghai

Language of instruction

中文

Current course fees

23,930

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the student-teacher ratio in the major courses?

In each year's X ACADEMY summer program, the ratio of mentors to explorers is 1:5, with 1-2 mentors and 2-5 course assistants (academic leaders) in each course. Compared to traditional large classes, you will have more abundant opportunities for communication and learning.

I heard that the major courses of X ACADEMY are very hardcore. Will I fall behind when the course starts?

Can I only study one major course at X ACADEMY?

© 2024 | Shanghai Des Education Technology Co., Ltd. | Established in 2016. | 沪ICP备2021004001号-6

OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.

© 2024 | Shanghai Des Education Technology Co., Ltd. | Established in 2016. |

沪ICP备2021004001号-6

OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.

© 2024 | Shanghai Des Education Technology Co., Ltd. | Established in 2016. |

沪ICP备2021004001号-6

OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.