NWI-MOL104
Medical Biotechnology
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-MOL104
Credits (ECTS)6
CategoryBA (Bachelor)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; Moleculaire Wetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator		dr. W.J.A.J. Hendriks
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course		dr. W.J.A.J. Hendriks
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer		dr. W.J.A.J. Hendriks
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer		dr. D.G. Wansink
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2017
Period
KW1  (04/09/2017 to 12/11/2017)
Starting block
KW1
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listYes
Placement procedureAfter an intake interview
ExplanationAfter an intake interview
Aims
At the end of the course you are able to:
  • describe general molecular and cellular principles of biotechnology
  • describe the application of biotechnology to prevent, diagnose or treat human disease
  • identify recent developments in medical biotechnology
  • design new strategies to use medical biotechnology in clinical practice
  • recognize and evaluate ethical, regulatory and societal aspects of biotechnology in medicine
  • work and collaborate effectively in a group
  • effectively communicate scientific information orally and in writing
Content
Medical biotechnology is the application of living cells or cell material in the development or generation of products to prevent, diagnose or treat human disease. Historical examples of biotechnology in support of medicine are the development of vaccines against smallpox and the production of antibiotics or human insulin by bacteria or yeast. Exciting 21st century developments are genetic engineering, gene therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Medical biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field integrating knowledge obtained in molecular, cell biological, genetic and immunological scientific areas.

Through this course, you will obtain an overview of how interdisciplinary efforts help shaping modern healthcare by developing biotechnological diagnostics and therapeutics for precision medicine. Principles and concepts of medical biotechnology will be discussed in a scientific and societal context, including ethical and legal considerations. Together with fellow-students you will use this knowledge and write a medical biotechnological research proposal and present this during a mini-symposium. Medical Biotechnology towards Clinical Practice presents an excellent foundation for students interested in molecular life sciences in relation to modern clinical practice.

Key words
Recombinant therapeutics, genetic engineering, gene therapy, vaccines, molecular diagnostics, biologics, stem cells, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, immunotherapy, medical ethics
Literature
This course builds on background information in:
• Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 7th ed.
• Griffiths et al., Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10th ed.
• Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 7th ed.
Links to additional study material (reviews, primary research papers) will be provided via Blackboard.

Teaching formats
• 22 hours Lectures
• 10 hours Interactive Lectures / question sessions
• 06 hours Computer practicals
• 48 hours Group project work without guidance
• 06 hours Tutor sessions
• 04 hours Student Presentations
• 60 hours individual self study

Additional comments
NWI-MOL104 is identical to the first half of the (Radboudumc) minor MED-MIN13 for Biomedical Sciences students. Hence, the course will take place on Radboudumc premises. Maximally 24 BMS students will be admitted, leaving at least 24 (and maximally 48) slots available for Molecular Life Sciences and (Medical) Biology students. Application deadline is July 31, 2017.
In case the number of applications exceeds the available positions, a selection will be made by the coordinators in August 2017. Selection will be based on motivation and commitment.
Therefore, to increase chance for admission, FNWI students are invited to send a letter of motivation and commitment to the coordinators before August 1, 2017.

Topics
• Advanced cloning, engineering and genetic modification
• Antibodies, vaccines, immunotherapy
• Gene therapy and genetic therapy
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine
• Ethical, legal, economical and societal perspectives

Test information
Assessment consists of four parts (each must be graded at least 5.5 to pass the course):

• Written exam (individual; total weight 40%)
• Written mini-review and research proposal (group; weight 40%)
• Oral presentation of research proposal (group; weight 10%)
• Performance, initiative, input and participation during the course (individual; weight 10%)

Prerequisites
Knowledge obtained in the courses “Celbiologie der Dieren” and “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology II” is required.

In view of the maximal number of students that can be dealt with in the course, a selection procedure may be conducted (see "Additional comments" above).

Contact information
Dr. Wiljan Hendriks (wiljanjaj.hendriks@radboudumc.nl) and Dr. Rick Wansink (rick.wansink@radboudumc.nl), Department of Cell Biology (283), Radboudumc

Required materials
Blackboard
Literature and additional material provided via Blackboard

Recommended materials
Book
Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 7th ed., McMillan Higher Education/ W.H.Freeman & Company
Book
Griffiths et al., Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10th ed
ISBN:9781429276344
Book
Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 7th ed
ISBN:9781437715286

Instructional modes
Interactive Lecture

General
Based on the lecture, background literature and assignments (to be found in the Course Manual), discussions on the subject will be held and clarifications will be given.

Preparation of meetings
Prepare by answering the accompanying questions (listed in the Course Manual)

Lecture

General
Please note that the lectures most likely will NOT be recorded. Handouts of the lectures will be published on Blackboard, and accompanying articles are listed in the Course Manual.

Practical computer training
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
By means of computer-assisted educational means (E-learning modules) you will learn more about i) Biochemical and Cell Biological Techniques, ii) Rec-DNA and Recombinant Proteins, and iii) Genetically Modified Organisms.

Presentations / Minisymposium
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
During this afternoon all student teams will present their research proposal. At the end of the symposium your peers will elect the best project.

Project
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
As a team (3-5 students) you design, write down and present a PhD research proposal.
Guidance via tutor meetings will be provided.

Remark
In total: 48 h, 2880 min

Self study

Remark
In total: 3600 min, 60 h

Tutor group meeting
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
During six meetings with the Tutor, the team will discuss in-depth items relating to the writing of the Research Proposal.

Preparation of meetings
Tutors need to be provided, well in advance, with meeting agenda and relevant teamwork products.

Tests
Tentamen
Test weight1
OpportunitiesBlock KW1, Block KW3