Stem Cell Fate and Cortical Genesis

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

• Lectures in mechanisms in cortical development
• Practical course: molecular mechanisms of FoxO transcription factors
• Expert guest speaker(s)
• Meet the expert technology workshops
• Guided tours through our facilities

Subjects the student will master at the end of the course:

• Which are the molecular mechanisms underlying cortical development and neuronal stem cell maintenance?
• What are the molecular cascades underlying cortical development and neuronal stem cell maintenance?
• How to design strategies in order to study gene function using state of the art technology?

Study materials

Syllabus

• Study material and information will be provided at the course and will consist of a selection of scientific papers published in international high-impact journals.

Objectives

• distinguish and interpret processes underlying stem cell fate and cortical genesis.
• criticize and evaluate scientific literature.
• independently design and execute an experiment in a laboratory.
• evaluate experimental results (from a self designed experiment).
• design, analyse and criticize an experiment (using bio-informatic tools).
• interpret experimental results and present these in an oral presentation to a scientifically oriented public.
• formulate a relevant research question about a neurological disease, using current literature and technology.
• design an innovative and state-of-art research strategy.
• to present a self designed research strategy, both in a written report and in an oral presentation, to a scientifically oriented public.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
• Supervision/feedback meeting

The courses will be both of theoretical and practical in nature. The student will attend lectures, perform experiments, critically evaluate literature, and give presentations covering the practical work and literature discussed during the course. In addition an assignment covering all three courses will be completed.

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

1. Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Assessment

the assessment of this course will comprise exam (1/2), practical work (1/6) and course overlapping assignment (1/3)

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

A course in molecular biology and/or neurobiology is advised.

The maximum number of students is 20.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. M.F.M. Hoekman