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Stem Cells

Vak
2017-2018

Period

March 5 - March 30, 2018.

Admission requirements

  • This course requires discipline and a solid knowledge of the basics of molecular and cell biology (Molecular Biology of the Cell. Fifth Edition. Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Garland Science Publishers, 2007; ISBN 978-0-8153-4106-2).

  • Relevant documentation/literature will be put onto blackboard one month prior to the start of the course.

Description

This four-week (8 hours/day) course focuses on tissue specific stem and progenitor cells (for example hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells) and pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Key fundamental features of these cells, such as cell fate and maintenance, will be discussed using experimental examples. In addition, the potential of these cells for regenerative medicine purposes will be discussed.
The course comprises:

  • seminars by experts in the field

  • dialogues with these experts

  • forum discussion using presentations by the students

  • hands-on culture (differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells, and genetic modification)

  • self study of key/state-of-the-art publications on the biology and applications of stem cells

  • a written exam

Research competences:

  • Deduce the most important information from stem cell literature and/or lectures;

  • Getting acquainted with techniques important for stem cell reserearch

  • Gaining some insight into the interplay between basic and more applied research;

Professional competences:
Identifying, and formulating problems; critical reading; creative thinking; motivation; commitment

Course main objectives

  • To educate a solid basic knowledge about stem cells

  • To improve the students’ insight into available techniques and how these can be exploited to address specific stem cell questions

  • To get familiar with specific ‘stem cell’ tissue culture techniques

Mode of instruction

Seminars, practical classes, interactive presentations, expert meetings, self study assignments.

Assessment method

Written exam, designing questions, presentations, and student behaviour (motivation, participation in panel and expert discussions, scientific input).