Ferdinand von Meyenn: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2023

Name Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn
Name variantsFerdinand von Meyenn
FieldNutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics
Address
Ernährung u. Metabol. Epigenetik
ETH Zürich, SLA C 6
Schorenstrasse 16
8603 Schwerzenbach
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 655 74 05
E-mailferdinand.vonmeyenn@hest.ethz.ch
URLhttp://www.epigenetics.ethz.ch
DepartmentHealth Sciences and Technology
RelationshipAssistant Professor (Tenure Track)

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
376-0006-02LLaboratory Course in Molecular Biology Restricted registration - show details
This lab course takes place in the 6th semester as standard - please do not take it until then.

Exception: Students who are on exchange in the 6th semester can complete the lab in the 4th semester; please contact the departmental exchange coordinator if you wish to do so.
3 credits3PK. De Bock, O. Bar-Nur, F. von Meyenn, C. Wolfrum
AbstractIntroduction to experimental molecular biology using physiological examples.
Learning objectivePractical experience of molecular biology. Learning of fundamental research methods.
ContentProtein analysis , cell culture, quantification of RNA.
Lecture notesEin Skript zum Praktikum wird abgegeben.
Prerequisites / NoticeCell Biology
376-0304-00LColloquium in Translational Science (Spring Semester)1 credit1KN. Cesarovic, A. Alimonti, C. Ewald, V. Falk, J. Goldhahn, K. Maniura, R. M. Rossi, S. Schürle-Finke, G. Shivashankar, E. Vayena, V. Vogel, F. von Meyenn, further lecturers
AbstractCurrent topics in translational medicine presented by speakers from academia and industry.
Learning objectiveGetting insight into actual areas and problems of translational medicine.
ContentTimely and concise presentations of postgraduate students, post-docs, senior scientists, professors, as well as external guests from both academics and industry will present topics of their interest related to translational medicine.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo compulsory prerequisites, but student should have basic knowledge about biomedical research.
395-0305-00LPersonalised Nutrition Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
3 credits2GF. von Meyenn
Abstract
Learning objective
551-0140-00LEpigenetics4 credits2VA. Wutz, U. Grossniklaus, R. Santoro, F. von Meyenn
AbstractEpigenetics studies the inheritance of traits that cannot be attributed to changes in the DNA sequence. The lecture will present an overview of different epigenetic phenomena and provide detailed insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. The role of epigenetic processes in the development of cancer and other disorders will be discussed.
Learning objectiveThe aim of the course is to gain an understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and their impact on the development of organisms, regenerative processes or manifestation of disease.
ContentTopics
- historical overview, concepts and comparison Genetics vs. Epigenetics
- Biology of chromatin: structure and function, organization in the nucleus and the role of histone modifications in processes like transcription and replication
- DNA methylation as an epigenetic modification
- Inheritance of epigenetic modifications during cell division: cellular memory
- Stability and reversibility of epigenetic modifications: cellular plasticity and stem cells
- Genomic imprinting in plants and mammals
- X chromosome inactivation and dosis compensation
- position effects, paramutations and transvection
- RNA-induced gene silencing
- The role of epigenetic processes in cancer development or cell aging
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
752-6001-AALIntroduction to Nutritional Science Information
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement.

Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
3 credits6RC. Wolfrum, F. von Meyenn
AbstractThis course introduces basic concepts of micro- and macronutrient nutrition. Micronutrients studied include fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Macronutrients include proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Special attention is given to nutrient digestion, bioavailability, metabolism and excretion with some focus on energy metabolism.
Learning objectiveTo introduce the students to the both macro- and micronutrients in relation to food and metabolism.
ContentThe course is devided into two parts. The lectutres on micronutrients are given by Prof. Zimmermann and the lectures on macronutrients are given by Prof. Wolfrum. Prof. Zimmermann discusses the micronutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Prof. Wolfrum introduces basic nutritional aspects of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and energy metabolism. The nutrients are described in relation to digestion, absorption and metabolism. Special aspects of homeostasis and homeorhesis are emphasized.
LiteraturePresent Knowledge in Nutrition, 10th Edition
John W. Erdman Jr. (Editor), Ian A. MacDonald (Editor), Steven H. Zeisel (Editor)
ISBN: 978-0-470-95917-6 September 2012 Wiley-Blackwell 1328 Pages
752-6002-00LAdvanced Topics in Nutritional Science3 credits2VJ. Rigutto, J. M. Sych, F. von Meyenn
AbstractThe course gives an introduction to selected topics relevant to human nutrition science.
Topics covered include dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements for adults, under- and overnutrition, special dietary patterns including throughout the life stages, the microbiome, fatty acids in nutrition, and nutri-(epi)genomics.
Learning objectiveThe course gives a brief introduction into different specialities within human nutrition. The learning objectives of this course are to improve student understanding of:

1) dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements at different stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy and lactation, childhood and adolescence, adults and elderly, and for sports persons;
2) the influence of undernutrition and overnutrition, as well as specific dietary patterns (e.g. vegetarianism, veganism, fasting, weight loss diets) on health;
3) the metabolism of specific nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fatty acids) and their effect on health;
4) nutri-(epi)genomics and the interactions between genes and the environment with respect to nutrition and health;
5) the microbiome and its modulation by nutritional factors.
Lecture notesThe teaching slides used in the lectures will be made available each week on Moodle.
LiteratureAny reading recommendations will be given per lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course builds upon the knowledge gained in the module Introduction to Nutritional Science, given in the Autumn Semester (752-6001-00 L). Prior attendance of Introduction to Nutritional Science is not a prerequisite for this module, but students are expected to have fundamental knowledge of basic nutrition and physiology.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingfostered