6 ECTS credits
168 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1009838CNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (C) Bachelor - specialised level.
Part III of the course Experimental Cellular and Molecular Biology builds on the basis of part I and II and combines
(i) Seminars on recent developments in experimental cellular and molecular biology with
(ii) an introduction on how to apply these insights on development of a state-of-the-art scientific project,
(iii) interactive presentations of scientific papers reporting breakthroughs in research and
(iv) development of a research plan for a virtual project.
Content of the course:
(i) Content of the seminars (teacher HH) on recent developments in experimental cellular and molecular biology:
- Advanced biology of transcription factors and epigenetics: detailed composition and activity of the general transcription factor machine and the interactions with and between specific transcription factors, regulation of epigenetic modifications, regulation of gene expression to induce and maintain cellular phenotypes
- Cell lineage tracing and reporter technology
- Transgene technology
- Comparison of experimental model systems
(ii) Introduction on how to apply these insights to the development of a state-of-the-art scientific project
Students receive detailed information on how to select and evaluate research questions, how to design a research proposal on the basis of current literature, how to plan preliminary experiments, the importance of feasibility, originality, social and economical value of a project. Introductory information is provided about funding agences, grant writing and the process of grant evaluation.
(iii) Interactive presentations of breakthrough scientific papers (problem oriented thinking):
The students receive scientific papers published in high impact factor journals to dissect the content for presentation for presentation to their colleagues. Together with the teacher, the students in the audience critically evaluate the presentation and the paper. Questions prepared in advance are the basis for critical discussion.
(iv) Development of a research plan to a virtual project (problem oriented thinking):
The final part of the course is an exercise that stimulates the students to apply their knowledge assembled during ECMB lectures I, II and III. Small groups of students (3-6) develop an original experimental approach for a specific research question under the guidance of the teachers (HH and KV) during regular contact sessions and by e-mail. They have access to the internet and to laboratory manuals and are guided by the lecturers during contact sessions and by e-mail. The final aim is to write a virtual project with detailed protocols for experiments that can solve the specific research question. The final project is presented to and critically evaluated by the class and lecturers. Project preparation and presentation are evaluated.
One visit to the bioindustry per year is organized and guided by KV to get the students in touch with job possibilities outside the academic world. We try to get alumni involved in this activity. Attendance is required.
Course: Powerpoint presentations.
Extra study material:
Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish et al.
Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Sambrook and Russell (WPO)
Papers presented and discussed during HOC and WPO
The student is able to dissect and critically evaluate complex biomedical scientific publications and to independently approach a simple biomedical research question by designing the necessary experiments and write a protocol that should provide a reasonable answer. This knowledge allows a needless progress towards lab work.
OLR (opleidingsgebonden leerresultaten:
De bachelor BMW kent
- de disciplines uit het biomedische domein met aandacht voor hun ontwikkeling, de structuur en functie van cellen, weefsels, organen en het menselijk lichaam als geheel en de moleculaire processen die aan de basis liggen, in gezonde en in ziekteomstandigheden,
- de basistechnieken en -methodologie van het biomedisch onderzoek met aandacht voor hun ontwikkeling,
- de beginselen van het werken met proefdieren met voortdurende aandacht voor het ethische aspect,
- de principes van veilig werken in een wetenschappelijk laboratorium.
De bachelor BMW kan
- analytisch en probleemoplossend denken,
- binnen een team functioneren en constructief bijdragen tot het bereiken van het beoogde eindresultaat,
- vlot en kritisch Engelstalige wetenschappelijke literatuur en relevante databases raadplegen, en daaruit gegevens verzamelen en interpreteren,
- onder begeleiding een eenvoudige onderzoeksvraag formuleren en een eenvoudig onderzoeksproject ontwerpen,
- met oog voor alle aspecten die daarbij een rol spelen, en dit ook rapporteren, presenteren en verdedigen,
- gebruikelijke biomedische laboratoriumtechnieken zelfstandig, correct en veilig uitvoeren,
- duidelijk communiceren en rapporteren over eigen en teamresultaten en over literatuurstudies en dit zowel mondeling als schriftelijk,
- het biomedisch onderzoek plaatsen in een ruime maatschappelijke context met oog voor ethische, sociale en economische aspecten.
De bachelor BMW heeft
- een voortdurende open en kritische houding tegenover zichzelf en de wetenschappelijke omgeving, oog voor het belang van internationale samenwerking binnen het biomedische domein,
- een houding van levenslang leren verworven en houdt zich dan ook op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen in het domein van de wetenschappen in het algemeen en het biomedisch domein in het bijzonder.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 65% of the final mark.
PRAC Presentation determines 20% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 15% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Presentation category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Written exam (combination of open questions and multiple choice). Presentation and discussion of scientific papers. Oral reports and presentation of a virtual scientific project.
Final score = 60% HOC + 15% paper discussion + 25% WPO.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Abridged (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Abridged BMLT (only offered in Dutch)