Duration
40h Th, 10h AUTR
Number of credits
| Master in biomedicine (120 ECTS) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Alain Chariot, Pierre Francotte, Christian Grandfils, Julien Hanson, Géraldine Piel
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course is composed of 4 modules: Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - We will describe at the molecular level a variety of signaling pathways. We will also describe how these signaling pathways are deregulated in clinical cases of solid tumors of inflammatory disorders. We will identify several therapeutic targets of these diseases and will describe ongoing clinical trials in which new proteins are targeted. We will describe at the molecular level the key mechanisms by which any cancerous or inflammatory diseases are progressing. The goal would be for any student to have a good knowledge of theses molecular mechanisms. Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - This module browses the different approaches explored to develop new drugs. Students are expected to become familiar with the different problems encountered during the design of new drugs. Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - It's just impossible to imagine any clinical activities without all medical devices supporting the daily life of the physician (catheters, prosthesis, pace-maker, lens, artificial teeth, dressing, suture, dialysis membrane, ...) The optimisation of all these multifunctional biomaterials requires to have a in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular events which will occur at the interphase between the implants and the surrounding biological medium. This short and long-term interplay will indeed determine the biocompatibility of all these devices. Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - After a brief history and some definitions, the modules is focused on the administration routes of medicines, the future of the medicine in the body (notions of bioavailability, bioequivalence, pharmacokinetics), the pharmaceutical forms and the modulation of the in vivo future of a medicine. The students may thus understand the strategies followed to control the release kinetics of the active principle, to improve the bioavailability, to control the distribution of the active principle in the body - the vectors, to control the site and the moment of liberation of the active principle.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - To understand at the molecular level a variety of inflammatory disorders and malignant diseases by concentrating on intestinal cancers and on the Crohn disease for example. Identification of key cellular and molecular actors involved in the development of these human diseases. Get a better undertanding of the mechanisms by which a variety of drugs currently used in the clinics or in ongoing clinical trials are acting Identification of new therapeutic targets based on the most recent findings published in the litterature Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - At the end of the cursus, students are expected to understand the different concepts used to discover and develop new drugs. Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Medical devices and implants : clinical importance, nature, functions, evolution, regulatory aspect / Biocompatibility : definitions, actual limits/Interfaces and biocompatibility of implants/Principal polymers adopted in medical and pharmaceutical sectors/Specificities of polymers for biomedical applications. Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - The objective of this course is to give a global outline of the Pharmaceutical Technology, to present the possibilities that offers this discipline to modify the pharmacokinetic of an active substance, describe the current tendencies in the point of view of the biopharmacy as from the point of view of the technology.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - A basic knowledge of the tools used in molecular biology is required (PCR, Southern blots, restriction enzymes, etc...) even if I will quickly describe again the main techiques used in the laboratories at the first course.
A basic knowledge of the DNA, RNA and protein structures is required (gene transcription, the genetic code, ..etc.).
Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - Basic notions in pharmacology and in physio(patho)logy
Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and cell biology
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - 5 courses will be given and all slides are already available. Ongoing research projects will also be described in order for the students to get familiar with the research community and to have access to the latest findings in our field of research. All students will have the opportunity to visit the laboratories at the GIGA. They will also have the opportunity to talk with PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.
Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - The course is given according to the 'flipped classroom' concept. After a first part through reading book chapters, cases studies are browsed using eCampus/collaborate.
Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - If sanitary conditions allowed it, a visit of a pharmaceutical company is organized so as to illustrate the notions approached in theoretical lessons.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - online with podcasts.
Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - Online using Collaborate for welcoming and introducing the course as well as for final part (case studies).
Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Normally in the classroom. Given the COVID context, the course will be delivered via eCampus/Collaborate.. Below is the link to the first course that will be given on Tuesday October 6th starting at 9:00 am.
https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/8c240482319a4d789baca00bba00d188
To avoid any problems, make sure to :
- preferably use the Chrome Browser
- do not activate your microphone
- do not record the course (recording that I will make and make available to you afterwards
Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - Mixed face-to-face classroom for welcoming and introducing the course, then online sessions via Collaborate (ecampus)
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
The oral examinations will occur on line.
Recommended or required readings
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - Recently published research articles will be available to the students as well as all slides. Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research - A selection of reference books will be available through the online platform. Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Book references are given at the first lecture Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - Slides are available via ecampus Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - Slides are available via ecampus
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - Oral examination Methodology of Pharmaceutical Research -oral examination Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Oral examination (20 min) after 10 minutes of preparation. A particular attention is paid to the integration of knowledge between disciplines. Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Technology - Oral or in line examination depending on sanitary conditions
Work placement(s)
Medical and pharmaceutical applications in molecular biology - Any student who would be interested to start a career in science will have the opportunity to come in the laboratory anytime.
Biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials - Not foreseen (but possible if special interest)
Organizational remarks
Opening of the course with a minimum of 3 registrants
Contacts
Alain.Chariot@uliege.be - Pierre.Francotte@uliege.be - C.Grandfils@uliege.be - Geraldine.Piel@uliege.be