Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Science, Technology, and Policy Master Information
Minor in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Life Science and Health
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
376-0021-00LMaterials and Mechanics in Medicine Restricted registration - show details W4 credits3GM. Zenobi-Wong, J. G. Snedeker
AbstractUnderstanding of physical and technical principles in biomechanics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering as well as a historical perspective. Mathematical description and problem solving. Knowledge of biomedical engineering applications in research and clinical practice.
Learning objectiveUnderstanding of physical and technical principles in biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering. Mathematical description and problem solving. Knowledge of biomedical engineering applications in research and clinical practice.
ContentBiomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Tissue Biomechanics, Implants.
Lecture notescourse website on Moodle
LiteratureIntroduction to Biomedical Engineering, 3rd Edition 2011,
Autor: John Enderle, Joseph Bronzino, ISBN 9780123749796
Academic Press
376-1103-00LFrontiers in NanotechnologyW4 credits4VV. Vogel, further lecturers
AbstractMany disciplines are meeting at the nanoscale, from physics, chemistry to engineering, from the life sciences to medicine. The course will prepare students to communicate more effectively across disciplinary boundaries, and will provide them with deep insights into the various frontiers.
Learning objectiveBuilding upon advanced technologies to create, visualize, analyze and manipulate nano-structures, as well as to probe their nano-chemistry, nano-mechanics and other properties within manmade and living systems, many exciting discoveries are currently made. They change the way we do science and result in so many new technologies.

The goal of the course is to give Master and Graduate students from all interested departments an overview of what nanotechnology is all about, from analytical techniques to nanosystems, from physics to biology. Students will start to appreciate the extent to which scientific communities are meeting at the nanoscale. They will learn about the specific challenges and what is currently “sizzling” in the respective fields, and learn the vocabulary that is necessary to communicate effectively across departmental boundaries.

Each lecturer will first give an overview of the state-of-the art in his/her field, and then describe the research highlights in his/her own research group. While preparing their Final Projects and discussing them in front of the class, the students will deepen their understanding of how to apply a range of new technologies to solve specific scientific problems and technical challenges. Exposure to the different frontiers will also improve their ability to conduct effective nanoscale research, recognize the broader significance of their work and to start collaborations.
ContentStarting with the fabrication and analysis of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials that enable a variety of scientific and technical applications, we will transition to discussing biological nanosystems, how they work and what bioinspired engineering principles can be derived, to finally discussing biomedical applications and potential health risk issues. Scientific aspects as well as the many of the emerging technologies will be covered that start impacting so many aspects of our lives. This includes new phenomena in physics, advanced materials, novel technologies and new methods to address major medical challenges.
Lecture notesAll the enrolled students will get access to a password protected website where they can find pdf files of the lecture notes, and typically 1-2 journal articles per lecture that cover selected topics.
376-1714-00LBiocompatible MaterialsW4 credits3VK. Maniura, M. Rottmar, M. Zenobi-Wong
AbstractIntroduction to molecules used for biomaterials, molecular interactions between different materials and biological systems (molecules, cells, tissues). The concept of biocompatibility is discussed and important techniques from biomaterials research and development are introduced.
Learning objectiveThe course covers the follwing topics:
1. Introdcution into molecular characteristics of molecules involved in the materials-to-biology interface. Molecular design of biomaterials.
2. The concept of biocompatibility.
3. Introduction into methodology used in biomaterials research and application.
4. Introduction to different material classes in use for medical applications.
ContentIntroduction into natural and polymeric biomaterials used for medical applications. The concepts of biocompatibility, biodegradation and the consequences of degradation products are discussed on the molecular level. Different classes of materials with respect to potential applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery and for medical devices are introduced. Strong focus lies on the molecular interactions between materials having very different bulk and/or surface chemistry with living cells, tissues and organs. In particular the interface between the materials surfaces and the eukaryotic cell surface and possible reactions of the cells with an implant material are elucidated. Techniques to design, produce and characterize materials in vitro as well as in vivo analysis of implanted and explanted materials are discussed.
A link between academic research and industrial entrepreneurship is demonstrated by external guest speakers, who present their current research topics.
Lecture notesHandouts are deposited online (moodle).
LiteratureLiterature:
- Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Ratner B.D. et al, 3rd Edition, 2013
- Comprehensive Biomaterials, Ducheyne P. et al., 1st Edition, 2011

(available online via ETH library)

Handouts and references therin.
376-0300-00LTranslational Science for Health and Medicine Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2GJ. Goldhahn, C. Wolfrum
AbstractTranslational science is a cross disciplinary scientific research that is motivated by the need for practical applications that help people. The course should help to clarify basics of translational science, illustrate successful applications and should enable students to integrate key features into their future projects.
Learning objectiveAfter completing this course, students will be able to understand:
Principles of translational science (including project planning, ethics application, basics of resource management and interdisciplinary communication)
ContentWhat is translational science and what is it not?
How to identify need?
- Disease concepts and consequences for research
- Basics about incidence, prevalence etc., and orphan indications
How to choose the appropriate research type and methodology
- Ethical considerations including ethics application
- Pros and cons of different types of research
- Coordination of complex approaches incl. timing and resources
How to measure success?
- Outcome variables
- Improving the translational process
Challenges of communication?
How independent is translational science?
- Academic boundary conditions vs. industrial influences
Positive and negative examples will be illustrated by distinguished guest speakers.
752-6105-00LEpidemiology and PreventionW3 credits2VM. Puhan, R. Heusser
AbstractThe module „Epidemiology and prevention“ describes the process of scientific discovery from the detection of a disease and its causes, to the development and evaluation of preventive and treatment interventions and to improved population health.
Learning objectiveThe overall goal of the course is to introduce students to epidemiological thinking and methods, which are criticial pillars for medical and public health research. Students will also become aware on how epidemiological facts are used in prevention, practice and politics.
ContentThe module „Epidemiology and prevention“ follows an overall framework that describes the course of scientific discovery from the detection of a disease to the development of prevention and treatment interventions and their evaluation in clinical trials and real world settings. We will discuss study designs in the context of existing knowledge and the type of evidence needed to advance knowledge. Examples from nutrition, chronic and infectious diseases will be used in order to show the underlying concepts and methods.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingfostered
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingassessed
752-6151-00LPublic Health ConceptsW3 credits2VR. Heusser
AbstractThe module "public health concepts" offers an introduction to key principles of public health. Students get acquainted with the concepts and methods of epidemiology. Students also learn to use epidemiological data for prevention and health promotion purposes. Public health concepts and intervention strategies are presented, using examples from infectious and chronic diseases.
Learning objectiveAt the end of this module students are able:
- to interpret the results of epidemiological studies
- to critically assess scientific literature
- to know the definition, dimensions and determinants of health
- to plan public health interventions and health promotion projects
- to draw a bridge from evidence to policies and politics
ContentConcepts of descriptive and analytical epidemiology, study designs, measures of effect, confounding and bias, screening, surveilllance, definition of health and health promotion, health dimensions and health determinants, prevention strategies, public health interventions, public health action cycle, epidemiology and prevention of infectious and chronic diseases (HIV, COVID-19, Obesity, Iodine/PH nutrition).
Lecture notesHandouts are provided to students in the classroom.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
636-0109-00LStem Cells: Biology and Therapeutic Manipulation
Does not take place this semester.
W4 credits3GT. Schroeder
AbstractStem cells are central in tissue regeneration and repair, and hold great potential for therapy. We will discuss the role of stem cells in health and disease, and possibilities to manipulate their behavior for therapeutic application. Basic molecular and cell biology, engineering and novel technologies relevant for stem cell research and therapy will be discussed.
Learning objectiveUnderstanding of current knowledge, and lack thereof, in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine and required technologies. Theoretical preparation for practical laboratory experimentation with stem cells.
ContentWe will use different diseases to discuss how to potentially model, diagnose or heal them by stem cell based therapies. This will be used as a guiding framework to discuss relevant concepts and technologies in cell and molecular biology, engineering, imaging, bioinformatics, tissue engineering, that are required to manipulate stem cells for therapeutic application.

Topics will include:
- Embryonic and adult stem cells and their niches
- Induced stem cells by directed reprogramming
- Relevant basic cell biology and developmental biology
- Relevant molecular biology
- Cell culture systems
- Cell fates and their molecular control by transcription factors and signalling pathways
- Cell reprogramming
- Disease modelling
- Tissue engineering
- Bioimaging, Bioinformatics
- Single cell technologies
376-0225-00LPhysical Activities and Health Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2VR. Knols, E. de Bruin, further speakers
AbstractThis course introduces/explores the complex relationship between physical activity, sedentary behavior and health. It will discuss the evolution of current physical activity recommendations. It will examine the current evidence base that has informed physical activity recommendations and that identified physical activity as a key modifiable lifestyle behavior contributing to disease and mortality.
Learning objectiveOn completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate:
1. knowledge of and critical awareness of the role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the maintenance of health and the aetiology, prevention and treatment of disease.
2. thorough knowledge and critical awareness of current recommendations for physical activity, and current prevalence and trends of physical activity and associated diseases
3. awareness of current national and international physical activity policies and how these impact on global challenges
ContentIntroduction to Physical Activity for Health, including sedentary behavior
Physical activity epidemiology; concepts principles and approaches
Physical activity and all cause morbidity and mortality
Physical activity and chronic disease; Coronary heart disease, diabetes, bone health, cancer and obesity
Physical activity and brain health
Physical activity and sedentary behavior recommendations
Population prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior
Physical activity policies
Physical activity assessment
LiteratureCore texts for this course are:
Hardman, A. and Stensel, D. Physical activity and health : the evidence explained. 2nd edition. (2009) UK, Routledge.

Bouchard, C., Blair, S. N., & Haskell, W. L. (Eds.). (2012). Physical activity and health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Selective journal articles from relevant journals such as Journal of Physical Activity and Health and Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Prerequisites / NoticeFrom the BSc-course the following book is recommended: 'Essentials of strength training and conditioning' T. Baechle, R. Earle (3rd Edition)
  •  Page  1  of  1