(in Polish) Use of genomic editing through CRISPR/Cas9 for the protection of species of agricultural interest - CRISPRes

biology
biotechnology

supplementary

Passing grade in 'Advanced techniques in molecular biotechnology' (first priority) or ‘Molecular genetics’(second priority) is required.

Use of spoken and written English at a level of at least good. Experience in plant breeding is an advantage.

The student has basic skills in genetic engineering, can clone, design primers, and is able to read professional literature in English.

Blended learning

International Summer School is a 5-day course, providing students with the knowledge and practical skills about plant genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9.

Learning activities: lectures, laboratory exercises, in silico exercises, virtual labs, and the final conference with a discussion of the legislative, economic, and ethical aspects of genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9.

Research tasks:

1. Identification of target genes for the protection of plants of agricultural interest

2. Planning of experiments using genome editing, including molecular biology and bioinformatics

3. Application of genome editing tools to plant-pathogen interactions

4. Analysis of sequences derived from genomic editing events

5. Plant in vitro cultures

6. Phenotyping of plant disease

Students are required to prepare a final report around 2 months after completing the course. The report should be prepared by international groups (around 4 persons). The results of the work will be presented during a remote meeting

Classes are dedicated to all students interested in genetic engineering methods and genome editing, especially plant genomes. They may be particularly useful for people planning scientific research with plant models, as well as future research and development employees in biotechnology companies.

The classes are designed to provide graduates with knowledge of molecular biology methods used to edit the plant genome, in vitro plant breeding, and identification of plant diseases. After completing the course, students will be able to plan and carry out experiments aimed at obtaining vectors for genome editing and using them to modify plant tissues from various species. Students will have the opportunity to gain the ability to critically evaluate the data analysed during workshops and laboratory classes (stationary or virtual).

The aim of the classes is also to acquire skills in the field of presenting scientific data in the form of a final report, prepared in groups, which will also positively affect the ability to communicate in a foreign language and cooperate in a team.

During 5-day classes, there are planned activities:

Day 1

Host-pathogen interaction

Greenhouse activity: phenotyping

Day 2

Introduction to CRISPR & breeding (two lectures)

Design your own CRISPR (computer lab)

Immersive videos

Day 3

Interactive lecture on CRISPR in other experimental systems

Sequencing data analysis

Interactive e-lab

Day 4

Genotyping edited plants

HRM lab off-target identification

Day 5

Discussion on CRISPRES EU, and legislation + round table

The final report prepared by the students around two months after the stationary part of the course at the end of the semester will be presented during remoted conference (2h).

REGISTRATION:

Email applications by the 1st March 2024 to the coordinator: k.labedzkadm@uw.edu.pl entitled 'CRISPRes 2024 application'. In addition to meeting the above criteria, the application for participation in the Summer School should also include a short (approx. 200 words) letter of motivation and information about your grade point average from your studies.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The cost of food, transport and accommodation during the course is funded by 4EU +, so the selected students will not be charged for participation and maintenance. The classes are planned during the summer holidays (Summer school).

• Plant Genome Editing with the CRISPR system, methods, and protocols. (2019) Y.Qi Editor, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8991-1

• The CRISPres Handbook (2023). Published by the CRISPres project

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates:

• possess knowledge in molecular biology and biotechnology, understands the importance of biotechnology progress for agriculture and development (K_W01)

• knows and is aware of novel achievements of biotechnology, can critically assess them, and use in practise (K_W03)

• possess knowledge in the field of statistics and applies mathematic tools to describe biological phenomena (K_W04)

• is aware that the experiment is basic for empirical sciences and knows methodology to propose CRISPR editing molecular tool (K_W04)

• has knowledge about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and is able to use this method independently (K_W08)

• demonstrates the ability to fluently use professional vocabulary in the field of biotechnology in English (K_W12)

SKILLS

Graduate:

• applies basic techniques specific to biotechnology, molecular biology methods, and the CRISPR genome editing method, especially for crop plant modification (K_U01)

• Demonstrates the ability to use English at the B2 + level that allows the use of scientific literature and communication with foreigners (K_U02)

• Is able to gain and use information from electronic sources, e.g. databases and bioinformatics tools available online (K_U03)

• Performs simple research experiments, eg cloning, transformation, under the supervision (K_U04)

• Applies mathematical and statistical methods to describe phenomena and analyse data (K_U05)

• Demonstrates the ability to make correct conclusions based on empirical and literature data (K_U07)

• Demonstrates the ability to work in a team (K_U10)

• Evaluates the environmental risks associated with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology used to effectively counteract them (K_U15)

• Can collect and process data using bioinformatics tools, can perform complex analytical operations using available informatic tools (K_U17)

SOCIAL COMPETENCES

Graduate:

• Demonstrates understanding of biological phenomena and processes in nature (K_K01)

• Appreciates the value of mathematical and statistical tools used in biotechnology (K_K02)

• Demonstrates responsibility for the entrusted scope of research work, for their own and others' work (K_K03)

• Has the habit of using objective sources of scientific information and critical reasoning when solving practical problems (K_K04)

The knowledge acquired by the students is evaluated through a final report based on a given format where they describe a project autonomously developed. The students have to present their project during a "knowledge challenge", i.e. a competition between the teams. The students and the teachers will "select" the best presentation based on explicit criteria.