Technologies and life sciences

For J Messiaen: Powerpoint presentations available on webcampus The course begins with the presentation of the main tools used in molecular biology and essential to the manipulation of DNA molecules. The notions of recombinant DNA and molecular cloning will be widely illustrated. In the second part, genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches are described and illustrated both through historical examples and through recent developments that have a direct impact on our modern societies. In a third part, "green" biotechnologies will be addressed through the production and use of genetically modified plant organisms (GMOs) which can have a positive and/or negative impact on our way of life, ethics and the environment.

For JM Dogné: The course will be given in 3 main parts: The first part will be devoted to the introduction of the drug and its place in health care as well as the facts and figures of the drug at the Belgian, European and global level. The second part will be devoted to the analysis of the development of a drug, from its conception to its marketing and its post-marketing follow-up. The notions of development of particular drugs such as orphan drugs will also be considered. The third part will be devoted to the roles of the regulatory agencies and a brief description of the reimbursement of medicines in Belgium. A presentation of a contract research organisation will be given by an external speaker.

For F Chainiaux : The course is organised in different modules to address the following topics • Introduction, history and presentation of the different types of biotechnologies • Presentation and classification of different biopharmaceuticals • Presentation of the production process of a biopharmaceutical product • Main techniques used in biotechnology • Challenges of mass cell production • Valuation and protection of intellectual property Various external speakers will be invited to share their expertise in the field.