NBIK22000U Advanced Topics in Physiology - Lifestyle Related Diseases
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
In the postgenomic era, there is a renewed focus on physiology, the discipline that studies functions and activities of living organisms. Today physiology bridges and combines genetics, biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology with organ and whole body function, the functions of which change with life events. By integrating several disciplines, physiology aims to understand and elucidate the molecular mechanism underpinnings basic functionality as well as disease development. Although some of the basic concepts in physiology are in place, there are still many unresolved problems and dilemmas, which are hot topics of current research. The aim of this course is to use existing knowledge of integrative physiology to reflect on current and seminal publications, develop testable hypotheses, and understand methodologies, data interpretations and limitations of these. In the course, we will cover topics particularly relevant to the research programs led by the course teachers. These will cover basic and unresolved processes in the tissue and organs of interest, such as pancreas, adipose tissue, gut, liver, skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system. The student will gain insight into novel inter-cellular and inter-organ signaling, such as purinergic signaling, control of metabolism and regulation of hormone secretion. We will cover physiology of real-life events and diseases, such as exercise, nutrient metabolism, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
The student will obtain up to date knowledge within “hot topics”
in physiology that have application in health and pharmaceutical
sector. The focus will be on reading, understanding, presenting and
discussion of current physiological topics and literature. The
student will learn to interpret a variety of data from literature
or from handouts. Furthermore, the student will learn how to
formulate a hypothesis, to explain relevant methodologies and to
use the gained understanding to suggest solutions and experiments
that can answer relevant research questions. Through presentations,
discussions, and writing of short scientific texts (e.g. summary
and interpretation of scientific literature), the student will
learn to communicate the above gained understanding of scientific
problems. The student should present one paper and one scientific
text.
Knowledge:
The student will gain up-to date knowledge within selected areas of
physiology and understand scientific design and commonly used
methods in physiology. The student will gain knowledge required for
interpreting and evaluating new datasets and
methods.
Skills:
The student will be able to understand, interpret and integrate the
complexity of physiological problems related to normal and abnormal
functions. The student will gain experience in hypothesis-driven
experimental design that is applied to solve existing and relevant
physiological problems.
Competences:
Based on physiological discipline, the student will be able to
understand, analyze and discuss complex and integrated systems and
detailed driving mechanisms in health and disease.
See Absalon.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 25
- Preparation
- 155,5
- Exercises
- 25
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutes, no preparation
- Exam registration requirements
Presentation of at least one research paper and writing of a short research report is compulsive.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
The same as the ordinary exam.
If the exam requirements are not fulfilled, the student must take the course again next year.
Criteria for exam assesment
In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NBIK22000U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- 80
The number of seats may be reduced in the late registration period
Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Biology
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Ivana Novak (inovak@bio.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Ivana Novak, Henriette Pilegaard, Jacob B. Hansen, Jakob G. Knudsen, Kristian A. Haanes and Karsten Kristiansen