Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, the students:

- will be familiar with the latest advances in the field of in vitro cell models

- will be able to assess critically the advantages and limitations of classical and newly developed cell models for scientific researches

- will be able to orientate the choice of a cell model to investigate biological questions

 

Goals

The choice of a cell model is crucial to conduct basic, translational and even applied researches. Each investigator must understand the advantages and limitations of available cell models in order select which one is most adapted to study a specific research question (e.g. investigate specific intracellular processes, characterize communication pathways between cells, uncover how molecular dysfunctions lead to diseases, test drugs during pre-clinical phases,...).

The objectives of this course are

- to provide information relative to cell models currently used in biomedical research

- to develop the reasoning skills that will allow students to make an informed decision regarding the choice of a cell model in a research project, and to critically interpret discoveries made with a given cell models, knowing its advantages and limitations.

 

Content

In this course, a selection of cell models (mono-cellular or multi-cellular models, primary or immortal cells, 2D or 3D culture system,…) will be presented and discussed, pointing out how they can help to reach a given research objective. Advantages and limitations will be discussed as well as new advances in cell model engineering.

 

Assessment method

Evaluation:

- Assessment of the student’s work on a given assignment and evaluation of the student's understanding of the course material (written report + oral presentation). 

P.S. The evaluation method may be modified if practical considerations have to be taken into account by the administration during exam scheduling, if adaptations must be made in regard to the COVID-19 crisis, or if a student cannot be present the day of the examination (for example, due to an illness).   

 

Language of instruction

Français