Modules

Prerequisites

Contents

The practical course is integrated into actual research projects of the group and thus contents will vary during time. Generally, the following practical paths will be followed: • Culturing of cell lines and primary cells • Working with genetically engineered mammalian cells, especially with hepatocytes and cancer cells • Analsis of gene expressions by e.g. immunofluorescence, Western blotting, flow cytometry and / or PCR • If working on hepatocytes, liver markers such as CYP450 will be analyzed • If working on hepatocytes, conversions with drugs into metabolites and metabolite detection will be performed • Investigation of drug effects on liver and / or cancer cells by means of toxicology analysis with XTT, ATP, membrane integrity tests, apoptosis tests, proliferation analysis etc • Differentiation of multipotent and/or pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes and / or hepatocytes and testing of specific differentiation protocols

Learning outcomes

Based on practical work in the lab, the overall aim is to deepen the understanding how molecular processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated and connected, and how they can be manipulated experimentally. Practical Course: Connected to actual scientific research projects of the group, the students work on genetically manipulated mammalian cells. The students learn to analyze consequences of recombinant gene expressions on various cellular responses, being dependent on the research project into which they are integrated. Furthermore, students learn strategies to obtain specific cell types from multipotent and/or pluripotent stem cells. Seminar: The students present and discuss “classical” as well as actual literature on selected topics of the practical course. Competences acquired after successful completion of the course: In the practical course, students have to work on sophisticated projects which need competences such as teamwork, organized project planning (project management) and analytical abilities. In addition, the students learn to perform standardized data documentation by using electronic protocols.

Assessment

• Lab work-preparation of experiment, performance, discussion, time management (30%) • SPresentation and discussion in the seminar, duration depends on the topic (20%) • Presentation of results (20%) • Oral Test, duration: 15 min (15%) • Electronic protocols (15%)

Remarks

"Recommended Placement in the Study Plan" • Biotechnology (Master of Science, 3 Semester Version): Master 1st year course • Biotechnology (Master of Science, 4 Semester Version): Master 2nd year course The module takes place as a 6 week block course.