Admission requirements
This course requires discipline and a solid knowledge of the basics of molecular and cell biology (By example: Molecular Biology of the Cell. Sixth Edition. Bruce Alberts. Garland Science Publishers, 2014; ISBN 978-0-8153-4464-3).
Relevant documentation/literature will be available on Brightspace one month prior to the start of the course.
Description
Period: 4 March 7 2024 - 29 March 2024
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 (i.e., embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells). Key fundamental features of these cells, such as cell fate and maintenance, and how to tackle important stem cell questions will be tutored. This will be done using highly interactive invited lectures by experts in the stem cell field, literature discussions, and hands-on training. Although it is not its primary goal, the course will also touch upon the potential of these cells for regenerative medicine purposes.
The course entails:
seminars by experts in the field
dialogues with these experts
forum discussions using presentations by the students as starting points
hands-on cell culture experimentation (i.e. differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells, and introduction to genetic modification principles and technologies)
large self-study component for learning about the biology and applications of stem cells using key publications
design of a research pre-proposal
final written exam
Research competences:
Ability to deduce the most important information from the stem cell literature and/or lectures
Curiosity to become acquainted with techniques important for stem cell research
Open to discuss science with experts and colleagues
Professional competences:
Identifying, and formulating research questions; critical reading; creative thinking; motivation; commitment and discipline.
Course 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-related research questions
To become familiar with specific ‘stem cell’ tissue culture techniques
To be able to discuss science with peers
Timetable
All course and group schedules are published on MyTimeTable.
The exam dates have been determined by the Education Board and are published in MyTimeTable.
It will be announced in MyTimeTable and/or Brightspace when and how the post-exam feedback will be organized.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, practical classes, interactive presentations, expert meetings, self-study assignments.
Assessment method
Written exam, design of a research pre-proposal, presentations, and student behavior (i.e. motivation, proactive participation in panel and expert discussions, scientific input).
Reading list
Will follow.
Registration
Registration for FOS courses, H2W, Scientific Conduct, Course on Lab Animal Sciences and CRiP takes place in lottery rounds in the beginning of July. After the lottery rounds: if you want to register for a course you are kindly asked to contact the student administration at masterbms-courses@lumc.nl.