Essentials of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
This is a toolbox course where 80% of the seats are reserved for PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of SCIENCE at UCPH and 20% of the seats are reserved for PhD students from other Danish Universities/faculties (except CBS). Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules.
Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student at a Danish university (except CBS), you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.
Aim and Content
To provide a comprehensive theoretical understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its applications in biological systems. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will develop a solid conceptual understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. The course will cover the following key topics:
• Fundamental principles of CRISPR-Cas9
• Guide RNA (gRNA) design strategies
• Delivery methods (RNPs, plasmids, vectors)
• Analyzing and mitigating off-target effects
• Applications in yeast, stem cells, plants, and polyploid organisms
• Ethical and safety considerations
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
• Explain the fundamental mechanisms and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
• Apply the principles of guide RNA (gRNA) design for various experimental goals.
• Describe advanced strategies such as base editing, prime editing, and gene-drive.
• Recognize the ethical considerations and challenges of genome editing in different biological systems.
Skills:
• Design and plan CRISPR experiments for gene knockout and knock-in.
• Analyze experimental data to identify and mitigate off-target effects.
• Plan effective CRISPR delivery strategies using RNPs, plasmids, or vectors.
• Discuss CRISPR research findings and concepts effectively.
Competences:
• Design and execute CRISPR experiments, addressing complex genetic landscapes such as those found in polyploid organisms.
• Collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, upholding high standards of scientific integrity and ethical considerations in genome editing.
• Foster the ability to launch independent research initiatives that explore innovative applications of CRISPR technology.
Target Group
Ph.D. students in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields with a basic understanding of molecular biology who are interested in or planning to utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology in their research.
Recommended Academic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields.
- Fundamental knowledge of cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology.
Research Area
Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, case studies, theoretical exercises, group activities, interactive discussions.
Type of Assessment
Active participation, completion of exercises, and group presentations.
Literature
Selected academic articles and review papers
Course coordinator
Mirna Perez-Moreno, Ph.D. (BIO KU, mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk)
Hans Thordal-Christensen, Ph.D. (PLEN KU, htc@plen.ku.dk)
Hans Thordal-Christensen will cover genome editing technologies, with a focus on CRISPR-Cas9, including transgene-free editing, improving specificity, base and prime editing, and gene-drive applications in populations such as mosquitoes.
Mirna Perez-Moreno will discuss CRISPR-Cas9 delivery methods (RNPs, plasmids, episomal vectors) and challenges in stem cells (iPSCs, HSCs), including ethical and safety aspects, providing practical insights into effective delivery strategies.
Guest Lecturers
Vibe H. Oestergaard, Ph.D. (BIO KU. vibe@bio.ku.dk) will cover genome editing challenges in unstable regions and genomic instability, showing how CRISPR can be used to study and manipulate these elements. Participants will gain insights into designing precise CRISPR experiments considering target region biology.
Michael Lisby, Ph.D. (BIO KU. mlisby@bio.ku.dk) will cover homologous recombination (HR) and its role in DNA repair and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, focusing on Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Michael Broberg Palmgren, Ph.D. (PLEN KU. palmgren@plen.ku.dk) will provide students with a unique perspective on the real-world applications and implications of CRISPR technology, especially in the context of plant sciences. His participation would be instrumental in bridging the gap between basic CRISPR mechanisms and their applications in addressing global challenges.
Bent Larsen Petersen, Ph.D. (PLEN KU. blp@plen.ku.dk) will provide a detailed exploration of the challenges of using CRISPR-Cas9 in polyploid plants, leading a hands-on exercise on gRNA selection for potatoes. This will offer practical experience designing CRISPR experiments for complex genomes.
Ph.D. students/postdocs from BIO/PLEN will contribute to teaching through guided theoretical exercises.
Dates
Start date: Monday 16 November 2026
End date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026
All days: 9:00 - 16:00
Expected frequency
Annually
Course location
BIO/PLEN
Registration
Deadline for registration
Monday 26 October 2026
Requirements for signing up
- Fundamental knowledge of cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology.
- No prior CRISPR experience required.
- Students must bring their own laptops.
Course fee and participant fee
PhD courses offered at the Faculty of SCIENCE have course fees corresponding to different participant types.
In addition to the course fee, there might also be a participant fee.
If the course has a participant fee, this will apply to all participants regardless of participant
type - and in addition to the course fee.
Course fee
• Participant fee: DKK 500
• PhD student enrolled at SCIENCE: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school Open market: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school not Open market: DKK 0
• PhD student from foreign university: 2.400
• Master's student from Danish university: DKK 0
• Master's student from foreign university: DKK 2.400
• Non-PhD student employed at a university (e.g., postdocs): DKK 2.400
• Non-PhD student not employed at a university (e.g., from a private company): DKK 6.720
Cancellation policy
Cancellations made up to two weeks before the course starts are free of charge.
Cancellations made less than two weeks before the course starts will be charged a fee of DKK 3.000
Participants with less than 80% attendance cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
No-show will result in a fee of DKK 5.000
Participants who fail to hand in any mandatory exams or assignments cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000