Harvard VPAL
CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications
Understand the potential of CRISPR technology in the biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare industries.
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 shares the same space as blockchain and IoT payments as one of the most disruptive innovations of recent years. This gene-editing tool has already impacted industries such as biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare, with its global market potential growing exponentially.
This online short course from Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX, provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the CRISPR Cas9 gene-editing technology, its vast applications, and the market opportunities that genetic engineering presents. With a specific industry focus and through real-world case studies, you’ll explore the applications of CRISPR in biotechnology and how it will assist the development of disease-resistant cultivars, improve food yields, and allow biofuels to become a viable alternative energy source. You’ll analyze the possibilities of curing inherited genetic disorders, treating infectious diseases, and advancing the fight against cancer. Equipped with industry insight into the ethical implications of gene-editing, this course will give you a holistic understanding of the CRISPR landscape and its future potential.
Is this course for you?
This is not a technical course and no lab skills or prior knowledge of genetic engineering is required to participate. This course gives a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR DNA editing landscape for investors or entrepreneurs looking for the knowledge needed to make strategic business decisions about this disruptive technology. Those working in biotechnology or pharmaceutical product development, sales, or manufacturing will also find value as the content explores the future applications of CRISPR across the economy. Professionals involved in policy and law can also benefit from building a greater understanding of the ethical considerations regarding CRISPR and genetic modification.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
CRISPR shares the same space as blockchain and IoT payments as one of the most disruptive innovations of recent years. This gene-editing tool has already impacted industries such as biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare, with its global market potential growing exponentially.
This online short course from Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX, provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the CRISPR Cas9 gene-editing technology, its vast applications, and the market opportunities that genetic engineering presents. With a specific industry focus and through real-world case studies, you’ll explore the applications of CRISPR in biotechnology and how it will assist the development of disease-resistant cultivars, improve food yields, and allow biofuels to become a viable alternative energy source. You’ll analyze the possibilities of curing inherited genetic disorders, treating infectious diseases, and advancing the fight against cancer. Equipped with industry insight into the ethical implications of gene-editing, this course will give you a holistic understanding of the CRISPR landscape and its future potential.
Is this course for you?
This is not a technical course and no lab skills or prior knowledge of genetic engineering is required to participate. This course gives a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR DNA editing landscape for investors or entrepreneurs looking for the knowledge needed to make strategic business decisions about this disruptive technology. Those working in biotechnology or pharmaceutical product development, sales, or manufacturing will also find value as the content explores the future applications of CRISPR across the economy. Professionals involved in policy and law can also benefit from building a greater understanding of the ethical considerations regarding 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
Get more information
Course Convener
Alain Viel
Senior Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Director of Northwest Undergraduate Laboratories, Harvard University
About the certificate
Study 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.
.png)
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
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.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
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.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
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.
