Algae Biotechnology

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Algae Biotechnology

Instructors: Dr. Stephen Mayfield

20,700 already enrolled

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

627 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

7 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

627 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

7 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

For decades, researchers have been studying microalgae to understand their biological functions and how we can use technology to harness algae’s power to create a wide range of commercial products.

In this course, we will cover how synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering is used in algae biotechnology, and also examine the current state of algae biotechnology research and tools. We’ll also explore some of the common bio-products we can make from algae, and take a look at some real-world algae companies that are using algae biotechnology to create products consumers can buy today. This course is part of a series of courses produced by the Algae Technology Educational Consortium and UC San Diego with funding from the Algae Foundation, National Renewable Energy Lab, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

What's included

5 videos5 readings1 assignment

5 videosTotal 45 minutes

An Intro to Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, and Genetic Engineering9 minutes
Developing Algae for Commercial Production6 minutes
Genetic Engineering of Cyanobacteria11 minutes
Engineering Algae Chloroplast8 minutes
Genetic Engineering of Green Algae - Nuclear10 minutes

5 readingsTotal 5 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 35 minutes

Assessment35 minutes

What's included

3 videos3 readings1 assignment

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 52 minutes

Algae Products Overview8 minutes
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids15 minutes
Outdoor Algae GMO Field Trial at UCSD14 minutes
Regulatory Approval for New Algae Food Products15 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 34 minutes

Assessment34 minutes

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 30 minutes

Algae Commercial Production - Triton Algae Innovations8 minutes
Materials Polymers From Algae - Algenesis8 minutes
Algae Agriculture - Qualitas Health7 minutes
Harnessing the Power of Algae - Corbion8 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 26 minutes

Assessment26 minutes

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 37 minutes

Algae Solutions for Global Dilemmas - Global Algae Innovations5 minutes
Spirulina Production at Earthrise11 minutes
Seaweed Biorefinery at Matis10 minutes
Product R&D at Algenol11 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 26 minutes

Assessment26 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(253 ratings)

Dr. Stephen Mayfield

University of California San Diego

3 Courses115,934 learners

Ira "Ike" Levine

University of California San Diego

4 Courses50,295 learners

Offered by

University of California San Diego

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Reviewed on Feb 21, 2021

Extremely relevant course, suitable for students from a broad range of backgrounds, and very well presented!

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

Very informative and engaging. Highly recommend to folks interested in Biotechnology and Sustainability.

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

holistic course to provide introductory knowledge of algae biotechnology. Like the inclusion of real-life companies.

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