Harvard VPAL

CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications

Understand the potential of CRISPR technology within the biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.

Start date

12 March 2025

Price

$1,848 USD

Installment Plan

Request a call

Course duration

8 weeks

Excluding orientation

Language

English

Access resources from start date

Effort

7–10 hours per week

Self-paced learning online

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Course overview

26.9%

The forecasted compound annual growth rate of the global CRISPR market by 2030.

Research and Markets (Jan, 2021).

2020

The year that CRISPR technology pioneers Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The Wall Street Journal (Oct, 2020).

Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)

CRISPR has been among the most groundbreaking technological innovations in recent years, along with blockchain and IoT payments. This gene-editing tool has already disrupted various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and biofuel, and its market potential is exponentially expanding.

Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX, presents the comprehensive CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications online short course, which provides a detailed understanding of the CRISPR Cas9 gene-editing technology, its extensive applications, and the market opportunities of genetic engineering. The course offers a specific industry focus and incorporates real-world case studies. Through this, you’ll explore the potential of CRISPR in biotechnology, including developing disease-resistant cultivars, improving food yields, and enabling biofuels to become sustainable alternative energy sources. This CRISPR course will also explore the possibilities of treating inherited genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and advancing cancer research. In addition, you’ll gain valuable industry insights into the ethical implications of gene-editing, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the CRISPR landscape and its future potential.

Is this course for you?

This CRISPR online course is open to individuals without technical expertise or laboratory skills in genetic engineering. It aims to provide a complete introduction to the CRISPR DNA editing field for investors and entrepreneurs seeking information necessary for strategic decision-making in relation to this innovative technology. The content of the course also has relevance for biotechnology or pharmaceutical professionals involved in product development, sales, or manufacturing, as it explores future applications of CRISPR across the broader economy. Additionally, professionals involved in policy and law can benefit from the course by building an understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR and genetic modification.

Course overview

Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)

What will set you apart

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

The ability to understand CRISPR technology and its potential application in the biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare industries.

The knowledge to identify market opportunities and consider the ethical implications of genetic modification.

The industry insight and technological understanding to better communicate your company’s potential biotech initiative to business decision makers.

Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.

Course curriculum

Embark on a journey of exploration into the possibilities of CRISPR genetic engineering as you follow your learning path through the weekly modules of this online short course.

Orientation module

Welcome to your Online Campus

Module 1

Basic principles of molecular biology

Module 2

CRISPR and genetic engineering

Module 3

Treating genetic diseases

Module 4

Promoting resistance to infectious diseases

Module 5

Combating cancer through research and treatment

Module 6

Optimizing and fighting microorganisms: The food, health, and energy industries

Module 7

Improving agriculture: Optimizing crops

Module 8

The ethics of using CRISPR

Course Convener

The design of this online short course is guided by Harvard VPAL faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.

Alain Viel

Senior Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Director of Northwest Undergraduate Laboratories, Harvard University

About the certificate

Learn about CRISPR Cas9 gene-editing technology and earn an official premier certificate from Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX.

Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.

Your digital certificate will be issued in your legal name and couriered to you upon successful completion of the course, as per the stipulated requirements.

Harvard VPAL CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications online short course certificate

YOUR INFORMATION

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FAQ

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The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.

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