Professional and Lifelong Learning

Course description

CRISPR technology has the power to create change in essential industries, revolutionize food security, and treat genetic diseases. In fact, it’s already impacting industries such as biofuel, agriculture, and healthcare, with its global market growing continuously.

The CRISPR: Gene-editing Application online short course from Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) provides you with in-depth insight into what CRISPR is, and the possibilities it brings to genetic engineering. Through exploring real-world case studies, you’ll discover the applications of CRISPR in biotechnology and how it can assist the development of disease-resistant cultivars, improve food yields, and allow biofuels to become a viable alternative energy source. Over eight weeks, you’ll investigate the possibilities of curing inherited genetic disorders, treating infectious diseases, and advancing the fight against cancer. Walk away with industry knowledge about the ethical implications of gene-editing and a holistic understanding of CRISPR’s future. This is not a technical course and no lab skills or prior knowledge of genetic engineering is required to participate.