Biological Sciences

This course analyzes the different steps of nervous system development during prenatal, postnatal, and adult life, and the pathological consequences of its alterations. Examples of key molecular and cellular processes are studied in several models (invertebrate, vertebrate, in vitro and organoids).

This course explores the concept of physical activity and the importance of encouraging people to move more and sit less as part of health promotion efforts. Students examine measuring movement behaviors to equip students with the ability to judge data based on how it was obtained. Students identify and analyze various factors that impact how much or little people move. This includes looking into the psychology of physical activity, environmental assessments, and policy enquiries. Insights allow students to design an intervention that can improve movement behaviors. Students can gain tangible knowledge and skills for assessing, understanding, and changing movement behaviors across diverse populations.

This course covers the underlying principles and wide-ranging industrial, environmental, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications of microbiology. The objectives are (a) to gain an understanding of the role of microorganisms for biotechnology applications in the fields of medicine, agriculture, organic chemistry, synthetic biology, public health, biomass conversion, bioremediation, and biomining; and (b) to review advances in genetics and molecular biology of industrial microorganisms, enzyme engineering, environmental microbiology, food microbiology, and molecular biotechnology. A particular focus will be on the meaning and impact of microbiology on human health and the development of new therapeutic approaches. The course requires students to take prerequisites.

This course focuses on key events that take place in different stages of vertebrate nervous system development including neural induction, neurogenesis, glial biology, neuronal growth and polarity, axonal guidance, synapse formation, and regeneration. Pathological states such as muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases are examined, both in terms of understanding the deficits as well as examining potential solutions to improve the outcomes of these neuronal diseases. Latest findings are discussed, allowing students to learn the current state of research in developmental neurobiology. The course requires students to take prerequisites.

This course provides the skills needed to critically evaluate brain-related information from diverse sources and engage in evidence-based discussions. This knowledge and ability to analyze complex neuroscientific concepts can be highly valuable for you as a future leader, enabling you to make informed decisions, understand human behavior, and effectively communicate with others in areas related to neuroscience and its implications.

This course presents the cellular basis of plant growth and development for undergraduate students in the major of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology. The course provides students with an up-to-date understanding of the plant cell cycle, cell enlargement and cell differentiation processes, which is fundamental for improving plant growth and the production of special plant products. Thorough descriptions on the plant cellular compartments, cell division, dynamic growth and specialization are presented alongside the principles of advanced molecular techniques in genetics and visualization of the plant cell. 

Topics include Molecules and membranes, Nucleus, Protein sorting and transport, Cytoskeleton and cell movement, Plasma membrane, Cell wall, Cell cycle and cytokinesis, Regulation, Stem cells and meristems, Cell differentiation, Cell death.  

This course provides students with a solid understanding of the key aspects in energy metabolism, and the effects of nutrients on (muscle) metabolism during exercise of different types. The course requires prior knowledge on some basic biochemical concepts (e.g. the structure and function of macromolecules, common forms of chemical reactions, basic cell structure, and metabolism of macromolecules). The course builds around a practical case study. With a group of students, develop a cohesive and evidence-based recommendation regarding nutrition and exercise for a client sports team. The first part of the course provides a theoretical foundation on the basics of exercise physiology and biochemistry. In the form of tutorial groups, discuss the physiology of muscles, the metabolism of macronutrients, the hormonal regulation of metabolism, the biochemical and physiological role of macro- and micronutrients in relation to exercise and fatigue, and adaptations of the body to endurance, and resistance training. You are expected to conduct a further search of the literature, as the theoretical foundation covers only part of the concepts important for developing a cohesive recommendation regarding nutrition and exercise. Prerequisite SCI2035 Biochemistry. Recommended SCI2009 Human Physiology and/or, SCI2037 Cell Biology.

Human immunity plays an important role in biological defense and the control of various diseases, and this course covers the specific role and function of immune cells. In addition, this course covers the application principles of vaccine development, cancer treatment, and organ transplantation using immunomodulation. In addition, various experimental techniques that are essential in immunology are introduced to promote a broad understanding of applied immunology. 

Topics include Immunological strategies against various infections, Infectious diseases: pathological response and therapeutic options, Vaccine development and practical applications, Immunodeficiency diseases, Hypersensitive responses/allergy, Atopic diseases and practical application, Transplantation and adaptive immunity, Technical advancement in transplantation, Tumor immunology, Immunotherapy for cancer, Autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases.  

This course introduces the general technical/methodological requirements, problems/challenges, and application possibilities of brain-computer interfacing. Besides attending lectures, in which course participants are provided with basic relevant knowledge by local BCI researchers, students study seminal papers of recent BCI work. Further, discuss the pros and cons of different functional brain imaging methods employed for BCIs as well as ethical implications and future directions. The practical part of this course includes a demonstration of an fNIRS-BCI experiment. At a later stage of the course, students perform an fNIRS-BCI experiment themselves.

This course covers the principles of neuroscience with a focus on neural circuits and systems. It begins with the structure and function of neurons, including action potential propagation and synaptic communication, followed by sensory systems such as olfaction, hearing, and vision, exploring how external signals are converted into neural activity and processed in the brain. The course then examines motor control and memory systems. Emphasis is placed on modern research techniques, including functional imaging, optogenetics, and connectomics. Through group projects, participants develop skills in reading, evaluating, and presenting scientific literature, preparing them for research careers or applications in public health and technology.