Purpose of the course

The functional analysis of microbial genomes from the characterization of virulence components to characterization of secondary metabolite modules relies heavily on genetic manipulation techniques. The purpose of the course is to present and implement state-of-the-art genetic techniques for the manipulation of bacterial genomes in research lectures and practical sessions using model organisms and multicellular microbial behavior (biofilm formation) as a model system. This course will also provide the participants with the theoretical knowledge to develop genetic manipulation techniques in novel bacterial organisms and in the context of novel model systems.

Content of the course

Lectures on genetic tools, their original underlying biological impact and molecular mechanisms of action. As such, the lectures will cover, for example, strategies to develop manipulation strategies for organisms, cloning strategies, CRISPR/Cas for microbial and eukaryotic genome manipulation, recombinases and recombination, transposases, DNA replication, DNA repair mechanisms and restriction-modification systems.
Hands-on work from in vivo cloning, single nucleotide exchange strategies to random transposon mutagenesis will be covered.

Teaching and learning activities

Lectures, laboratory work, documentation, seminars and home work

Time frame: 26th of August to 6th of September 2019

International students can apply until the 15th of May 2019.