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Course module: UCSCIBIO31
UCSCIBIO31
Advanced Molecular Cell Biology
Course info
Course codeUCSCIBIO31
EC7.5
Course goals
After completing this course students are able to:
  • explain the main processes of cell biology,
  • evaluate recent primary research papers, judging the validity of these papers’ arguments and conclusions,
  • formulate a research project and identify the integration of different cell biological aspects within a specific theme of interest.
Content
Molecular cell biology is a highly dynamic area of research and is fundamental for the broad field of all biological sciences, including medicine and biotechnology. In this course, the focus lies on reading primary scientific research articles and writing a research project in a specific area of cell biology. The themes of high relevance introduced in class are selected either for developments in biomedicine and society, or for fundamental insights into the main process in cell biology (e.g. fundamental basis of aging). Topics to later be analyzed by the students may include disturbed signal transduction, damaged DNA (protein or membranes) and their repair processes, and cellular stress response.

 
Format
The course covers 200 hours and is sub-divided in three parts:
  • An introduction to the theme,
  • Analysis, discussion, and presentation of primary articles leading to the presentation of a working hypothesis,
  • Formulation and presentation of a full research project.
During the semester, meetings of two hours are held twice a week. This time is either used for introductions, presentations, and discussions with the whole group or for consultations with the teacher on specific problems or issues.
In addition to the plenary classes, students work in small groups of 3-4 persons analyzing a specific cell biological aspect for the formulation of a research project. The aim of each group of students is to generate a working hypothesis based on the primary literature available. The primary research paper(s) and main working hypotheses are then presented to the group. Next, each group of students formulates a research project (including materials and methods) to test their hypothesis. During this process, the students may consult specialists in the field. In a final session, students present and defend their research project to the rest of the group.
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Kies de Nederlandse taal