Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MBB 421 D100

Nucleic Acids and Biotechnology (3)

Class Number: 4738

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Contemporary molecular biology examining the structure and properties of DNA and RNA, and the use of nucleic acids in research, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Fundamental DNA biology and CRISPR technology and related topics will be discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description
This course will focus on recent advances in nucleic acids biochemistry and how they are translated into biotechnology applications. Students will develop a biotechnology application from a nucleic acid-related research finding of their choosing throughout the semester. Lectures will provide theoretical foundation paired with biotechnology applications of the topics listed below. Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas Cech will deliver four guest lectures in this course.

Topics
Topics are tentative and subject to change:

  1. Fundamental properties of nucleic acids (Application: DNA origami as drug delivery tool)
  2. RNA-guided interventions (Application: CRISPR gene editing and diagnostics, targeted RNA degradation)
  3. Nucleic acids as discovery tools (Application: CRISPR genetic screening to identify synthetic lethal drug targets)
  4. Disease surveillance by circulating DNA
  5. Agricultural genome editing
  6. DNA as data storage and molecular circuits
  7. Synthetic biology
  8. Gene drives

Grading

NOTES:

Weekly in-class quizzes (Best 5 out of 8) 25%

Participation (In class and in peer review) 30%

Biotech development project (Broken into 3 parts) 45%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None. Primary literature will be used as material.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.