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Editing life: genetic engineering and synthetic biology

When you'll study it
Semester 1
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 5
Module lead
George Attard
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

Genetic engineering has led to a ‘paradigm’ shift in the way we can produce organisms with tailored attributes, Stemming from progress in genetic engineering, synthetic biology is heralded as the next technological revolution. By drawing from biology, chemistry, engineering and computing, synthetic biology allows biological systems to be redesigned and new ‘life' to be designed and constructed. The technology promises dramatic environmental and medical benefits, but at the same time raises major ethical issues and ultimately challenges our definition of ‘life'.