Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Section of Molecular Medicine
Contents
This course provides an introduction to the processes that regulate tissue, organ and body development and how defects in these processes can affect human health and disease. In addition to the theoretical content of the course it has a strong practical focus. Many of the techniques and methods that are used in a developmental or disease-related biomedical research laboratory is a part of the laboratory course.
The course also include information on how mapping of adult tissues and organ systems are posted at key stages of embryonic development and how defects in these steps can sometimes lead to diseases. Knowledge of stem cells, their biology and how they can and cannot be used in modern laboratory techniques are also included.
Module 1. Introduction to various model systems used in medical research, C.elegans, zebra fish, chicken and mouse as well as fertilization and early development.
Module 2. Mechanisms and molecules that control gastrulation, organization and development of early structures of the body axis and its continued development, organ development with focus on specific organs and their disorders.
Module 3. Stem cell biology, ethics, technology and application.
The course includes a laboratory and litterature seminar part with mandatory assignments. The course is given in English.
Expected learning outcomes
After completion of the course the student shall be able to:
- Describe how fertilization, early embryonic development, gastrulation and organization of the
body axis occur.
- Distinguish between the embryonic stages of zebrafish, chicken and mouse.
- Have knowledge about different types of stem cells and how they are used and give
an account of successful research techniques.
- Describe organ development and describe diseases that may result from defective development.
- Make use of research and analysis techniques routinely used in modern research laboratories.
Required Knowledge
Special requirements: For those not being native English speakers, an internationally recognized test of English proficiency is required: an IELTS of at least 6.0, no score below 5.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 PB/213 CB/79 iBT (equivalent to English B in Sweden) is required. Applicants who have at least two years of university studies in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, or the USA fulfil the requirement for English B. Alternatively, if the medium of instruction in the Bachelor education has been English, an attested copy certifying that would be sufficient. Additional requirements are: Thirty ECTS-credits in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS-credits in Biochemistry; 45 ECTS-credits in Life Sciences, including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS-credits in Genetics and in total a minimum of 22.5 ECTS-credits in Microbiology, Plant- and Animal Physiology, and Cell- and Molecular Biology; and practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS-credits.
Form of instruction
The course includes lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars and demonstrations.
Examination modes
Laboratoriedel: The mandatory assignments is graded Fail, Pass and Distinction. Re-submission of failed assignment results in maximum Pass. Re-submission is continuous.
The course ends with a written or oral examination. Rating given will fail, pass or distinction. Students have, under the Education Ordinance Chapter 7, § 6 the right to resit the exam to get a passing grade. Furthermore, students who twice failed an examination in a course or part of a course, are entitled to request that a different teacher be appointed to determine the score for him / her from the Board of Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine. Students who have passed an examination may not retake the examination to receive higher marks.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
