From Genome to Physiome

3 EC

Semester 2, period 6

5354GETP3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. N.T.P. Bakker
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Physics of Life and Health, year 1Master Computational Science (Joint Degree), year 2

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

In this course, a theoretical background on cell biology will be given by the book (Essential Cell Biology). The students will apply textbook knowledge to blood vessel research. The students will discover which cells are present in a small artery, what functions these have and how these can be studied. While doing experiments, the students will see how physical forces such as blood pressure and blood flow lead to responses from the artery. These include passive mechanical responses, acute cellular responses and genetic responses, when DNA is translated to RNA and results in proteins synthesis.

Study materials

Literature

  • Alberts et al, 'Essential Cell Biology'; 3rd edition.

Other

  • Assignments; handed out during the course.

Objectives

  • Acquire basic knowledge on cell biology: cell structure and function, ranging from the genetic information (genome) to the integration of various cell types into tissues and the whole organism (physiome).
  • To get hands-on experience with several laboratory techniques, such as light microscopy, cell culture, tissue dissection, confocal microscopy, western blot, RT-PCR, wire myograph, pressurized blood vessels, etc.
  • Designing, performing and analyzing biomedical experiments, using databases such as Pubmed and data obtained from the students own measurements.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Presentation/symposium
  • practical work

Theoretical: book chapters; and practical assignments (lab experiments).

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Practicum

21

Zelfstudie

63

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article 1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen

    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

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Additional information

    Max. participants: the maximal number of students is 8, due to the use of labspace and equipment.

    Recommended prior knowledge: High school level biology is required.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. N.T.P. Bakker