Course Description
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Course Name
From molecules to cells: a translational path towards novel therapeutics
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Host University
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome Campus
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Location
Rome, Italy
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Area of Study
Global Health, Health Science
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
Students attending this school should have already gained basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, general biology, including ground knowledge in human genetics.
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ECTS Credits
6 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course will delve into innovative strategies for drug design, smart delivery, and biological testing exploited in modern medicine for the treatment of different conditions. Rooting on cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in human diseases, a detailed emphasis will be devoted to explaining state-of-the-art biotechnologies, including, AI-based computational tools, biochemical assembly of nanocarriers, stem cells and advanced cellular models.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this school the students will have gained knowledge on:
- General disease mechanisms affecting cellular organelles and compartments
- Molecular cascades and signal transduction pathways enabling the identification of key molecular players
- Workflow for in silico protein modeling and drug design
- Drug delivery systems
- Stem cells and cell-based disease modeling
- Main functional assays exploited for in vitro drug testing
Students will have the opportunity to delve into practical activities during simulated laboratory sessions, on paradigm disease models, aimed at acquiring technical competences for conducting an experimental path.
TEACHING METHODS
The teaching methods implement active learning activities, such as problem-based learning, self-learning, case studies and experimental activities both in simulated laboratory environments using online platforms for virtual laboratory scenarios (Labster, JoVE).
EVALUATION
- Class participation (25%) (Pass/Fail)
- Home and class assignments (25%)
- Final written exam (50%)