Since its much heralded inception in the early 2000’s, Synthetic Biology (SynBio) has gained significant attention and sizeable funding from public and private sectors around the world. From its emergence as a boldly stated intention to engineer biology, through to an increasingly mature and diverse discipline, the field continues to promise solutions to the global challenges we face today. It is becoming increasingly possible to engineer living cells in the same way as digital technology, complete with dedicated program languages and assembly tools to quickly and modularly combine biological “parts” for a tailored purpose. Proponents promise clean energy, sustainable biomanufacturing, food security and effective disease intervention that will transform our society, alter the way we interact with our environment, and allow us to sustainably provide goods and services across all economic sectors.

 

This course will form the basis of the ANU entry into the Australian SynBio Challenge, launched in 2020 to contribute to a vision of a strong, innovative and responsible Synthetic Biology sector in Australia. Students will be expected to work cohesively in a team of up to 10 people, designing, building and testing a synthetic biology solution to a significant problem. Students will be expected to learn about Synthetic Biology and its potential applications in the process, with a particular emphasis on developing entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of the commercialisation process. The course will be framed by two main events, a “design review” and a “final showcase”, at the start and end of the semester, that aim to bring students, academics and industry together to realise visions for a sustainable future.

 

This is an Honours Pathway Course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain fundamental principles of Synthetic Biology, including modularity and abstraction.
2. Critically analyse published Synthetic Biology literature to identify strategies leading to the design of an innovative solution to a significant environmental, industrial or medical problem.
3. Apply experimental techniques and relevant software to Synthetic Biology.
4. Demonstrate ability to apply different writing styles for different purposes, such as how grant proposals differ from research reports and journal articles.
5. Discuss and reflect on the ethical and social implications of their project.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of commercialisation pathways between industry and university research.
7. Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to meet the design challenge.

Research-Led Teaching

This is primarily a research led course, in which you will work collaboratively in a team of approximately 10 students to independently design and build a synthetic biology concept with appropriate mentoring from academics and the local Synthetic Biology community via participation in the Australasian Synthetic Biology Challenge (https://www.aussynbiochallenge.org/). The team will have a cash budget and scientific resources available from our industrial sponsors (such as DNA synthesis) in order to achieve their objectives.

Field Trips

BIOL3188 would normally include travel to attend the Final showcase. Due to COVID however, this event will be held virtually in 2021.

Additional Course Costs

The 2021 ANU team has a cash budget of $4k provided by RSB and RSC (ARC CoE in Synthetic Biology) to cover any expenses not covered by the in-kind contributions of the Challenge industrial sponsors.

Examination Material or equipment

All assessment will be open book.

Required Resources

Safety glasses and enclosed shoes are required for any lab work. A compliant face mask may also be required due to COVID restrictions.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	The Aus SynBio Challenge encourages teams to adhere to the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) paradigm by structuring the challenge around four main phases. The teams will be loosely synchronised as they move through the phases of the cycle, coinciding with two major events, the Design Review and Final Showcase. Due to the annual timetable of the challenge not corresponding to the duration of a single course, the Design Phase and Design Review will be conducted on a volunteer basis during the 1st semester. The proposed structure will look like as follows: a. Design phase - In the first phase, Teams will be asked to select their Challenge topic and develop possible prototype solutions through genetic design. It is intended this phase of the competition will be aided by a series of seminars with mentors that have extensive knowledge of engineering design approaches, genetic design frameworks and the software tools available. These resources will be provided by the challenge organisers. b. Design Review - Designs will be critiqued by an expert panel, concluding in direct feedback at a virtual workshop at the end of semester 1. c. Build phase - following the review, teams will be asked to submit genetic sequences for DNA synthesis at the start of semester 2. Teams will spend the next few weeks assembling their constructs (e.g., plasmids, strains, cellular consortia). They will be provided with resources that will help them with their assembly strategies (enzymes, purification columns) by industrial sponsors and under supervision from experienced mentors from ANU faculty.	Before the mid-semester break (6th - 20th of September, 2021) students will receive feedback from their skill development assignment. This will be in the form an online assessment of ability to use online synthetic biology software to design a genetic assembly. (Assessment Task 2)
2	d. Test phase - A significant focus of the competition will be placed in experimental testing and characterisation of their genetic designs and prototype solutions. Teams will test their constructs using analytical equipment provided by their institution. They will be coached on how to obtain reliable and reproducible results so that they can be compared with other teams and the literature, while being encouraged to develop and follow Challenge-wide standards for part characterisation. e. Learn phase - Teams will be expected to assess their results in the context of their original proposed design. They will preview and present the project outcomes at a national showcase event.	The Final Showcase is the main event of the Australasian SynBio Challenge (https://www.aussynbiochallenge.org/) associated with this course. Participation in preparing the teams' presentation, and attendance (currently via video link due to COVID restrictions) at the event is mandatory (Assessment Task 3) unless an exemption has been granted by the course convenor (requires evidence of a timetable clash with compulsory practical or exam for another ANU course, medical certificate, etc). The final showcase is scheduled for the 14th-15th of October.
3	Grant proposal assessment	If you were to continue your project in the following year in order to obtain more preliminary results and develop its commercialisation potential, what extra experiments / tests would you perform, and what resources and equipment would you need to achieve this? Your assessment is to write a convincing grant proposal in order to obtain the necessary funding from a prospective funding body (Assessment Task 1). The proposal should be no more than ten double-spaced pages in 12 point Times. Figure and table captions should be single-spaced in 12 point Times. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures and tables but excludes the reference list, research timetable and budget table. Numbered or non-numbered citation styles may be used.

Tutorial Registration

Timing of tutorials prior to opening of the Skill development and Grant proposal assessments will be organised via an online poll with class and advertised on wattle. Attendance will not be compulsory but strongly encouraged.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Grant proposal	80 %	29/10/2021	12/11/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6
Skill development assignment	20 %	27/08/2021	03/09/2021	1,2,3,7
Contribution to Final Showcase	0 %	14/10/2021	15/10/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The COVID pandemic has presented signifcant challenges for research led courses such as BIOL3188. The course has been adapted to accomodate by the main events being held virtually, and adhering to ANU and ACT government COVID regulations while during lab work (using QR check-in codes, wearing masks if necessary). Students unable to attend physically due to quarantine or travel restrictions can participate in team meetings via zoom, and contribute to the project progression via online software tools (for e.g., Benchling).

BIOL3188 seeks to be an inclusive course. Juliey Beckman (Juliey.Beckman@anu.edu.au) is the Science, Health & Medicine Disability contact. She can provide advice and assistance to students with a disability, particularly with respect to selecting courses, suggesting possible adjustments and helping students discuss adjustments with course conveners. Students with a disability (including illness, mental health) can also register with Access & Inclusion to receive assistance.

Examination(s)

There is no exam for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Grant proposal

If you were to continue your project in the following year in order to obtain more preliminary results and develop its commercialisation potential, what extra experiments / tests would you perform, and what resources and equipment would you need to achieve this? Your assessment is to write a convincing grant proposal in order to obtain the necessary funding from a prospective funding body.

The proposal should be no more than ten double-spaced pages in 12 point Times. Figure and table captions should be single-spaced in 12 point Times. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures and tables but excludes the reference list, research timetable and budget table. Numbered or non-numbered citation styles may be used.

Assessment Task 2

Skill development assignment

The ANU team uses the online software tool Benchling to design their biological devices and keep an accurate record of results. This assignment will test your ability to utilise the full functionality of this software (for e.g, creating a golden assembly or design gRNA for CRISPR editing).

Assessment Task 3

Contribution to Final Showcase

The Final Showcase is the main event of the Australasian SynBio Challenge (https://www.aussynbiochallenge.org/) associated with this course. Participation in preparing the teams' presentation, and attendance (currently via video link due to COVID restrictions) at the event is mandatory unless an exemption has been granted by the course convenor (requires evidence of a timetable clash with compulsory practical or exam for another ANU course, medical certificate, etc). Final showcase with be two half-day sessions on the 14th and 15th of October, 2021.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded. This applies for skill development Assessment Task 2.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations. This applies for grant proposal Assessment Task 1.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

All assessment must be submitted via email to the course convenor (joseph.brock@anu.edu.au).

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students