Department of Computer Science: MSc Thesis Presentations

InGENEous: Teaching Synthetic Biology through a Video Game 

Author: Aarni Aspi
Supervisor: Juho Rousu
Advisor: Merja Penttilä
Time: Wednesday 18 December at 13:00-13:30
Place: CS building meeting room B337

Abstract: Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field of science, which combines principles of biology, engineering and computer science to sustainably solve global challenges in various fields, such as agriculture or biomedicine. This is achieved using standardized DNA sequences known as BioBricks to genetically modify organisms with advanced beneficial behaviors.

The purposeful use of video games in science and education has grown due to their accessible, engaging, and feedback-driven nature, allowing players to enter a highly focused and motivated flow state. So far video games on synthetic biology have provided in-depth knowledge of specific aspects of the field, but none so far has provided the player with a comprehensive understanding of the whole field.

InGENEous, an educational game on synthetic biology, aims to provide a holistic understanding of synthetic biology to its players regardless of their background. This knowledge is then tested in the form of fun projects, where the players must solve a variety of real-world problems for clients by designing, building, testing and learning with various BioBricks.

InGENEous offers further promise as a semi-automated synthetic biology design tool, allowing the players to export their designs as standardized, scientifically accurate data. This facilitates both research and using the game for crowd-sourced citizen science projects.