Courses specific to the professional focus (Part I)

Quality in research and development

In this course, we will address various topics related to quality in research and development, such as the importance of scientific quality, the rigorous design of a study, the appropriate acquisition, analysis, and management of data, as well as good practices to improve the quality of research work.

The ultimate objective is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out high-quality research and ensure its valorization.

The course content will include:

• Introduction to quality in research
• Electronic laboratory notebook
• Introduction to data management according to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable)
• Validation of analytical procedures
• Introduction to design of experiments (DoE)

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

This course presents the main strategies for discovering bioactive molecules, from natural sources and synthetic chemistry to modern experimental and virtual screening approaches. It addresses methods for identifying and optimizing hits into leads. Historical and contemporary examples illustrate the major developments of the discipline, from 'traditional' pharmacognosy and medicinal chemistry to approaches integrating artificial intelligence, green chemistry, and polypharmacology.

Cell and tissue culture techniques

The course is subdivided in the following way:


- cellular lines
- techniques of aseptie
- environment of the culture
- primary cultures
- techniques of observation in optical microscopy
- contaminations
- instability, variation and conservation
- measurement of viability and cytotoxicity
- three-dimensional culture

Quality in research and development

The objective of the course is to train future researchers capable of producing reliable and valuable results within both academic and professional contexts.

This objective is reflected in the following learning outcomes:
 
Pharmaceutical expertise 

• Explain the importance of analytical method validation and its impact on the reliability of results.
• Evaluate the role of quality assurance in the valorization of research work.

• Apply concepts related to design of experiments (DoE) in a research context.
• Implement the FAIR principles to organize and manage experimental data.

• Explain the importance of a Data Management Plan, integrating ethical and legal dimensions. 

• Use an electronic laboratory notebook and justify its contribution to data traceability and research valorization.
• Understand the importance of qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Recognize the importance of staff training.
• Determine the expected performance of an instrument/method and monitor these performances (control charts)

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the main sources of bioactive molecules (natural, synthetic, biotechnological).
• Explain and compare different experimental and virtual screening approaches used in drug discovery.
• Describe the key steps from hit discovery to lead optimization.
• Analyze historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the evolution of strategies in medicinal chemistry.
• Integrate cross-cutting concepts (structure-activity relationships, physicochemical parameters, ADME/Tox) in the evaluation of a bioactive compound.
• Discuss emerging approaches such as green chemistry, artificial intelligence, and polypharmacology in the context of drug discovery.

Cell and tissue culture techniques

The philosophy of the course of culture of cells is to communicate to the students the basic techniques used for the culture of animal or human cells in vitro

The objective continued are:
- maintenance and propagation of the viable isolated cells apart from the organism
- application of good laboratory practices in a cell culture laboratory

Quality in research and development

Prerequisites or co-requisites:

• Chimie analytique pharmaceutique (CHIM0330-3)
• Biostatistique I (STAT1001-1)
• Analyse des médicaments (PHAR0344-3)
• Technologie pharmaceutique et biopharmacie (PHAR0343-3 & PHAR0003-1)

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy & General Pharmacology

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Good knowledge in cellular biology, including cell morphology and physiology.

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Course requiring active student participation.

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Analysis of scientific publications related to issues in in vitro cell culture.

Quality in research and development

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The lectures are delivered in an ex-cathedra format. Short video sequences and demonstrations will be used to illustrate the theoretical concepts covered, and their assimilation will be directly assessed through the interactive Wooclap platform.

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Face-to-face course

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Second semester

Quality in research and development

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

All lecture notes will be available on the eCampus platform.

General references (recommended reading): "Quantification, Validation and Uncertainty in Analytical Sciences: An Analyst's Companion", M. Feinberg & S. Rudaz, Wiley, 2024. "Optimal Design of Experiments: A Case Study Approach", P. Goos & B. Jones, Wiley, 2011.

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

The course materials will be made available online progressively.

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège


Further information:

Platform(s) used for course materials: MyULiège

Dias (slideshow) on line

A reference book for in-depth study: Culture of animal cells: a manual of basic technique and specialized applications. R. Ian Freshney - 7th edition - Wiley Editions (available at the library of Sciences de la Vie - CHU)

Quality in research and development

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )


Further information:

In-class assessment in the form of a written exam with open-ended questions

or

Distance assessment imposed by the health situation: distance written exam with open-ended questions

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

Information on internship opportunities within the laboratory will be provided to interested students.

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

n.a.

Quality in research and development

Ir. Joëlle Widart, Maître de conférence (jwidart@uliege)

Dr Pierre-Yves Sacré, Prof. Associé (pysacre@uliege.be)

Dr. Eric Ziemons, Chargé de cours, Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique Pharmaceutique, CIRM, Département de Pharmacie, CHU Bât. B36 (+2), Quartier Hôpital, avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège
Tel. : 04/366.43.16
e-mail : eziemons@uliege.be

Strategies for discovering bioactive molecules

The course is taught by three lecturers: Allison Ledoux, Julien Hanson, and Pierre Francotte.

For any organizational matters, please contact Pierre Francotte.

For content-related questions, students should contact the relevant lecturer directly by email.

• allison.ledoux@uliege.be
• J.Hanson@ulg.ac.be
• Pierre.Francotte@uliege.be

Cell and tissue culture techniques

Dr. Erik Maquoi

Laboratoire de Biologie des Tumeurs et du Développement

Tour de Pathologie, B23 (+4), route 688

Avenue Hippocrate, 13
Sart - Tilman
B 4000 Liège
Tél: 04/366.25.31
E-mail: Erik.Maquoi@uliege.be