Shaping a Human

6 EC

Semester 1, period 1

5234SHAH6Y

Owner Master Biomedical Sciences
Coordinator prof. dr. R.J. Oostra
Part of Master Biomedical Sciences, track Developmental and Therapeutic Biology,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

In this first track specific course, you will be introduced to the science behind human embryonic development and reproductive medicine. Recaps on gametogenesis and embryology will bring your knowledge up to speed. Topics that will be covered during this course, through lectures, working groups, journal clubs and practicals, include fertility preservation and treatments, stem cell biology, signaling pathways in (mal)development and (3D) imaging of the developing human body. Genetic modification techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, and their ethical implications will be explored in working groups and a debating session.

Study materials

Literature

  • Various topic-related scientific papers, available through the UvA library.

Objectives

  • Explain and discuss how stem cell biology can be used in the study of, and therapeutical approaches for, human fertility.
  • Reflect on ethical aspect of stem cell research.
  • Explain and discuss the role of the major molecular pathways in (human) embryology and their contribution to congenital malformations.
  • Describe anatomical variations and anomalies i.p. those of the heart and of the reproductive organs, by using knowledge of human embryology.
  • Describe state of the art (imaging) techniques used to screen for inborn malformations.
  • Explain and discuss the role of organoids in understanding and analyzing the mechanisms of signaling and patterning in organogensis

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Fieldwork/excursion
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Self-study
  • Supervision/feedback meeting

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Self study

168

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    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

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1    
    2    
    3    
    4    
    5    
    6    
    7    
    8    

    Additional information

    A Canvas site will be available for this course.

    The course program includes hands-on demonstrations on predissected human anatomical specimens.

    Note: in principle, this course is not accessible to guest students due to limited capacity.
    Please contact vakaanmelding-fnwi@uva.nl first.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. R.J. Oostra

    Staff

    • dr. Renée van Amerongen
    • dr. B.S. de Bakker
    • dr. Thijs van Boxtel
    • prof. dr. V.M. Christoffels
    • dr. Caitrín Crudden PhD
    • A.H.A. Derijck
    • J. Hagoort
    • G. Hamer
    • prof. dr. Ronald Koes
    • dr. Callista Mulder
    • A.M.M. van Pelt
    • M. Zuijderland