Prospectus

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Stem Cells

Course
2023-2024

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.

Contact

masterbms-courses@lumc.nl

Remarks