3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course examines the design principles underlying the organizations and dynamics of biological networks with an emphasis on genetic/molecular circuits. Topics include the structure and tuning of network motifs and relationship to performance parameters such as robustness to internal noise, temporal response, noise filtering, bi-stability, pattern generation and temporal programs. Examples are presented from the study of natural systems and the design of new synthetic systems.
Learning Outcomes1Understand, describe, and calculate quantitative features of biological networks.
2Create simple, mechanistic models of gene expression.
3Identify different types of networks motifs in biological networks.
4Describe when particular motifs would be useful for specific types of biological functions.
5Ananlyze the dynamics and steady state behavior of simple transcriptional motifs or gene circuits.
6Tune the parameters of a genetic circuit to design a particular behavior such as a temporal program, an asymmetric, or a bistable switch.
7Design and characterize a transcriptional motif or genetic to result in a particular function, behavior of feature such as robustness, noise filtering, or patterning.
8Understand the importance of and describe the basic requirements for generating oscillations in cells.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.