Genetic Engineering and CRISPR Internship Program
in BIOTECHNOLOGYAbout this course
Genetic Engineering & CRISPR Internship Program: 6-Week Structured Learning and Experience
Introduction
Genetic Engineering and CRISPR technology are revolutionizing medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology by enabling precise modifications to DNA. This internship program introduces students to the fundamentals of genetic manipulation, including DNA structure, gene editing tools, ethical implications, and real-world applications of CRISPR-Cas systems.
This hands-on learning experience is ideal for students and enthusiasts interested in biotechnology, genetics, and biomedical research. The internship concludes with a comprehensive final presentation reflecting the student's journey across various cutting-edge genetic technologies.
Program Highlights
Week 1: Foundations of Genetic Engineering
· Introduction to Genetic Engineering
• Task: Research and write a report on the evolution of genetic engineering.
• Outcome: A 500-word report highlighting major milestones and breakthroughs.
· Basics of DNA and Genes
• Task: Create an infographic explaining DNA structure, gene function, and genetic coding.
• Outcome: A visually appealing infographic summarizing core genetic concepts.
· CRISPR Overview
• Task: Write a beginner-friendly guide on what CRISPR is and how it works.
• Outcome: A 700-word article with illustrations explaining CRISPR-Cas9.
Week 2: Applications and Ethics
· Applications in Agriculture
• Task: Research how genetic engineering has improved crop yield and resistance.
• Outcome: A case study document with at least 3 examples of GE crops.
· Medical Applications of CRISPR
• Task: Identify and summarize 3 diseases being targeted with CRISPR therapy.
• Outcome: A 600-word report detailing the diseases and CRISPR strategies.
· Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering
• Task: Write a debate-style article presenting pros and cons of genetic modification.
• Outcome: A balanced 500-word article exploring key ethical concerns.
Week 3: Techniques and Tools
· Gene Cloning Techniques
• Task: Create a step-by-step flowchart of a standard gene cloning procedure.
• Outcome: A visual flowchart illustrating the cloning process.
· CRISPR vs Traditional Tools
• Task: Compare CRISPR with ZFN and TALEN in table format.
• Outcome: A comparative table showcasing benefits and limitations.
· CRISPR in Cancer Research
• Task: Summarize recent studies using CRISPR in oncology.
• Outcome: A 700-word research summary citing at least 2 studies.
Week 4: Future, Safety, and Informatics
· Future of Genetic Engineering
• Task: Predict future trends and write a short paper on emerging technologies.
• Outcome: A 600-word foresight report.
· Laboratory Safety in Genetic Engineering
• Task: Develop a safety checklist for genetic engineering lab work.
• Outcome: A downloadable lab safety checklist in PDF format.
· Genetic Databases and Bioinformatics
• Task: Explore how bioinformatics supports gene editing research.
• Outcome: A report on tools like BLAST, GenBank, and CRISPR databases.
Week 5: CRISPR Variants, Society & Law
· CRISPR-Cas Variants
• Task: Explain the differences between Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 systems.
• Outcome: A comparative report with visuals or diagrams.
· GMOs and Public Perception
• Task: Conduct or analyze a survey on public acceptance of GMOs.
• Outcome: A research paper with visualized survey findings.
· Patent & Legal Issues
• Task: Research and summarize landmark CRISPR patent cases.
• Outcome: A 500-word legal brief outlining key IP disputes.
Week 6: Real-World Use & Final Presentation
· Gene Therapy Case Study
• Task: Choose a successful gene therapy case and analyze it.
• Outcome: A 1-page case study with outcome and technical details.
· DIY CRISPR Kits & Biohacking
• Task: Investigate the rise of DIY gene editing and its implications.
• Outcome: A 600-word report on biohacking opportunities and risks.
· AI in Genetic Engineering
• Task: Explore how AI is used in gene prediction and editing.
• Outcome: A technical article with real AI tools and applications.
· CRISPR in Animal Breeding
• Task: Research gene editing in livestock and pet breeding programs.
• Outcome: A 700-word essay with real-world breeding examples.
· Final Presentation & Reflection
• Task: Prepare a presentation summarizing your learning from all tasks.
• Outcome: A 10-slide PowerPoint with speaker notes and personal reflections.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this internship, participants will:
· Understand DNA structure, gene functions, and core genetic engineering concepts.
· Demonstrate knowledge of CRISPR tools and their applications in medicine and agriculture.
· Assess ethical, societal, and legal implications of genetic modification.
· Gain awareness of safety practices, bioinformatics tools, and variant CRISPR systems.
· Analyze real-world applications, case studies, and technological advancements.
· Deliver a final presentation summarizing key takeaways and reflections on learning.
Requirements
Laptop
Internet Connection
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To understand the historical development of genetic engineering by exploring its key milestones, technologies, and ethical shifts over time.
To understand the structure and function of DNA and genes through visual representation, aiding comprehension of genetic coding fundamentals.
To develop a foundational understanding of CRISPR-Cas9, including its mechanism, benefits, and significance in gene editing.
To explore how genetic engineering has enhanced crop traits and improved global food security.
To understand how CRISPR technology is being applied in treating genetic and acquired diseases through gene editing.
To develop critical thinking by exploring the ethical, societal, and legal implications of genetic modification from both supportive and opposing viewpoints.
To visualize and understand the process of gene cloning by illustrating each stage in a structured flowchart.
To compare CRISPR with earlier gene-editing technologies and understand the technological progression in genome editing.
To explore how CRISPR is being used in cancer therapy, drug development, and tumor biology research.
To encourage foresight and innovation by predicting how emerging technologies will shape the future of genetic engineering.
To understand essential safety protocols in genetic engineering laboratories and create a usable safety checklist.
To explore how computational tools support gene editing by aiding sequence analysis, design, and annotation.
To understand the diversity of CRISPR systems and the different functions of Cas proteins.
To explore how the public perceives genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and analyze survey or secondary data.
To explore the legal landscape surrounding genetic technologies, especially patent disputes involving CRISPR.
To explore a real-world application of gene therapy and understand its clinical, technical, and ethical implications.
To critically assess the emergence of DIY gene editing kits and the biohacking community’s influence on science and ethics.
To understand how artificial intelligence is accelerating progress in genetic research and editing.
To explore how CRISPR is being applied in animal genetics for productivity, health, and companionship.
To consolidate and reflect on the knowledge gained through the internship by creating a visual presentation.
