Art of Gene Cloning

3.0 hp

2026-10-19 - 2026-11-13

Uppsala

English

Application Code: SLU-F0028

Course Code: P000182

Application deadline: 2026-09-25

Course facts

Subject: Biology
Credits: 3.0 credits
Course code: P000182
Application deadline: 2026-09-25
Study location: Uppsala
Form of instruction: Campus-based instruction
Course language: English
Responsible Department/Equivalent: Department of Plant Biology
Rate of study: 50 %

P000182, Art of Gene Cloning, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Finalized by: RS Organism Biology, Mattias Thelander chair, 2026-05-15
Valid from : Second half-year 2026 (2026-07-01)

Level

Third cycle

Subject

Biology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Prospective students should be enrolled as a PhD student in Biology or an equivalent subject. Prior theoretical knowledge of basic molecular biology or genetics is mandatory. This course is mainly intended for PhD students at SLU but postdoctoral researchers and PhD students from other universities are eligible to apply in case vacant seats are available.

Objectives

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able to

Understand principles of molecular cloning (traditional and modern).
Gain skills about plasmid restriction/ligation, Gibson assembly and Golden Gate.
Apply cloning techniques in plants, algae, or microbial systems.
Critically evaluate cloning strategies.

Content

Modern molecular biology research relies on the ability to design, construct, and modify DNA precisely and efficiently. This advanced PhD-level course provides an in-depth conceptual understanding of molecular cloning strategies for experimental research in plants, algae, and microbial systems.

Through a combination of theory, practice, design and discussion sessions, participants will learn how to plan, execute, and troubleshoot cloning workflows—from gene amplification to vector construction and expression validation.

Emphasis will be placed on method selection, experimental design for publication-quality data, and applications relevant to agricultural and environmental biotechnology.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Pass / Fail. In order to pass the course, participants will need to attend all of the group sessions as well as submitting an assignment.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Biology

Supplementary information

Other Information

The course is divided into practical work and theoretical work and invited lectures as detailed in the schedule. The course is organized by Yong Zou on behalf of the SLU graduate school Organism Biology. Maximum 15 students per course occasion. This course will require theoretical knowledge of basic molecular biology or genetics. In case students are unsure of their previous knowledge, they can contact the organizers for further clarification on the level required.

Course literature will be provided in the form of talk slides, articles, and protocol(s) for experimental design.

Contact

Course coordinator: Yong Zou