Course

Basics of CRISPR/Cas9

Self-paced

Sorry! The enrollment period is currently closed. Please check back soon.

Full course description

Return to the MiniCourse Catalog

MiniCourse Overview

This MiniCourse is self-paced and takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. At the end of the MiniCourse, you will be able define the unique advantages of using mice in genetic and genomic research. You will receive a certificate and digital badge for completing the MiniCourse. In order to claim a certificate or badge for this MiniCourse, you must go through the Core Content module and take the self-review quiz (scoring at least 70%).

The following topics will be discussed:
  • brief historical outline of targeted nucleases that lead to DNA cuts
  • somatic cell and germline gene editing
  • basic mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering technology
  • dead Cas9 protein
  • CRISPR/Cas9 strategies to create a better mouse model
  • CRISPR/Cas9 complications, including off-target events and founder mosaicism.
  • practical applications in the clinic

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the MiniCourse, you will be able to:

  1. Discover the promise of CRISPR in genome engineering.
  2. Distinguish 4 types of targeted nucleases available to precisely cut DNA.
  3. Compare somatic cell and germline gene editing techniques.
  4. Describe the basic mechanism that underlies the CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering technology.
  5. Define biological uses for a dead Cas9 (dCas9) protein.
  6. Formulate a complete strategy for performing fundamental genetic engineering experiments.
  7. Evaluate CRISPR/Cas9 strategies for generating better mouse models.
  8. Analyze CRISPR/Cas9 complications, including off-target events and founder mosaicism.
  9. Examine the process of making a precisely-defined, genetically modified mouse in six to eight months.
  10. Appraise current, relevant research about using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Target Audience

This MiniCourse is designed to meet the needs of graduate and postdoctoral students, research assistants, scientists, lab technicians, and advanced undergraduates.

About our Education Offerings

Founded in 1929, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees who are passionate about our mission: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and to empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

While we are not an accredited higher education institution, we offer a variety of education programs — including our non-credit bearing MiniCourses — designed to educate current and future scientists and to provide critical resources, data, tools and services to researchers worldwide.

MiniCourses are created and reviewed by multiple JAX faculty, scientists, educators and other experts, and include interactive content based on the live lectures delivered in our on-campus Courses, Conferences and Workshops.

MiniCourses are available to learners individually and in topical program collections, which are organized around both foundational content and the research areas in which The Jackson Laboratory has earned a reputation for scientific leadership and excellence.

Hardware and Software Requirements

  • Audio speakers or headphones
  • Screen resolution of 800X600 or higher
  • Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher
  • JavaScript enabled
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 2GHz processor


Check the basic computer specifications and supported browsers.  Internet Explorer is not supported.

Should you have questions regarding the content of the MiniCourse or if you need technical support, please email Online and Digital Education at The Jackson Laboratory.