Harvard VPAL
CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications
Understand the potential of CRISPR technology within the biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.
Starting soon
Start date
11 September 2024
Enroll by 03 September 2024
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The forecasted compound annual growth rate of the global CRISPR market by 2030.
Research and Markets (Jan, 2021).
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
Introduction
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.
What will set you apart
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 2U’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
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
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Course Convener
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.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
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At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
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How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
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.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
