2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Life Science and Technology Undergraduate major in Life Science and Technology

Genetic Engineering

Academic unit or major: Undergraduate major in Life Science and Technology
Instructor(s): Rie Yatsunami / Masayasu Mie / Yasuka Toda
Class Format: Lecture (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 5-6 Mon (M-278(H121)) / 5-6 Thu (M-278(H121))
Class: -
Course Code: LST.A336
Number of credits: 200
Course offered: 2026
Offered quarter: 1Q
Syllabus updated: Mar 24, 2026
Language: Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

The topics covered in this course will include the following: (i) basics of genetic engineering such as enzymes used in genetic engineering (restriction enzymes, DNA ligases, DNA polymerases, etc.), cloning vectors (plasmid vectors, phage vectors, etc.), genotypes and gene transfer methodologies (transformation and transfection), methodologies of gene cloning (genome cloning, cDNA cloning, PCR, chemical synthesis of DNA, etc.), and analyses of gene (hybridization analyses, blotting analyses, etc.); (ii) applications of genetic engineering such as gene diagnosis and DNA test, gene therapy, geome editing, metagenome, genetically-modified plants, clone animals, stem cells, and regenerative medicine.
This course has two aims. The first is to teach students the basics of genetic engineering that are required during laboratory work. The second is to introduce the hot topics on applications of genetic engineering, and to realize the contribution of genetic engineering to human welfare.

Course description and aims

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Have an understanding of basics of genetic engineering such as restriction enzyme, cloning vector, host, gene cloning, DNA sequencing.
2) Have an understanding of applications of genetic engineering such as gene diagnosis and DNA test, gene therapy, clone animal, stem cell, genome editing.

Keywords

Restriction enzyme, Cloning vector, Host, Gene cloning, DNA sequencing, Gene diagnosis and DNA test, Gene therapy, Clone animal, Stem cell, genome editing

Competencies

Specialist skills
Intercultural skills
Communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Students are required to read the related section of text book before coming to class. Every class will be given by using PowerPoint slides, board writing, handouts, etc. Students are given exercise problems and reports during class as necessary (less than 20%).

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Enzymes used in genetic engineering (I): restriction enzymes and DNA ligases	Explain the reaction and classification of restriction enzymes, and the reaction of DNA ligases.
Class 2	Enzymes used in genetic engineering (II): DNA polymerases, etc.	Explain the reaction of DNA polymerases and other enzymes.
Class 3	Plasmid vectors (I): plasmid vectors, methodologies of transformation	Explain the structure of plasmid vectors and the methodologies of transformation.
Class 4	Plasmid vectors (II): applications of plasmid vectors, preparation of plasmd	Explain how to use plasmid vectors and how to prepare plasmid DNA.
Class 5	Methodologies of gene cloning: genome cloning, cDNA cloning and cloning of PCR products Midterm examination	Explain the methodologies of genome cloning, cDNA cloning and how to clone PCR products.
Class 6	Protein Production Regulatory Systems	Understand protein production and its regulation through genetic engineering.
Class 7	Handling and Detection of Nucleic Acids	Understand the properties of nucleic acids and the methods for their handling and detection.
Class 8	DNA Sequencing and Genome Analysis	Explain the methodologies of DNA sequencing.
Class 9	Midterm examination	Acquire fundamental knowledge ranging from protein production regulation to nucleic acid handling.
Class 10	Analysis of Gene Expression and Gene Products: Analysis of Expressed Proteins (Western Blotting, ELISA)	Explain analytical methods for expressed proteins.
Class 11	Epigenome and Its Analysis: Analysis of Chromatin and the Epigenome (DNA Methylation Analysis, ChIP Assay)	Explain analytical techniques for the epigenome.
Class 12	Genome Engineering and Related Technologies (I): Transgenic Animals, ES Cells	Explain transgenic animals and ES cells.
Class 13	Genome Engineering and Related Technologies (II): Gene Targeting, Genome Editing	Explain gene targeting and genome editing.
Class 14	Genetic Engineering in Medicine: Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine	Explain gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Takaaki Tamura, 『Kiso kara manabu idenshi kogaku』[Genetic Engineering from the Basics].　3rd ed, Tokyo: Yodosha; ISBN 978-4-7581-2124-8

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Handouts will be distributed at the beginning of class when necessary.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Students will be assessed on their understanding of basics and applications of genetic engineering.
Students’course scores are based on exercise problems, reports and so on.

Related courses

LST.A345 ： Microbiology
LST.A352 ： Cell Engineering
LST.A364 ： Enzyme Engineering
LST.A363 ： Environmental Bioengineering
LST.A354 ： Bioethics and Law

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed Biochemistry I (LST.A203), Biochemistry II (LST.A218), Molecular Biology I (LST.A208) and Molecular Biology II (LST.A213), or have equivalent knowledge.

Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).

Masayasu Mie: mmie[at]life.isct.ac.jp
Rie Yatsunami: yatsunami.r.dfe1[at]m.isct.ac.jp
Yasuka Toda: toda.y.e867[at]m.isct.ac.jp

Office hours

Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.