Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MBB 721 G100

Nucleic Acids and Biotechnology (3)

Class Number: 1491

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Contemporary molecular biology examining nucleic acid structure and properties and how they are harnessed in research, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological applications.

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. Students will also evaluate and present a recent paper on a finding that can be adapted into biotechnology. Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas Cech will deliver 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. Gene drives
  8. Topics in patent law related to molecular biology

Grading

NOTES:

Paper presentation 20%

Participation (In class and in peer review) 40%

Biotech development project (Broken into 3 parts) 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None. Primary literature will be used as material.

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.