The student gets insight in and knowledge about the molecular processes underlying cell death and ageing with reference to the structure - function relation of molecules. The student learns the meaning of cell death within the functional context of development, homeostasis and pathology and becomes acquainted with functional genomic research based on model organisms and the research methodology.

Role of cell death in development, homeostasis and pathology. Molecular mechanisms of cell death in model organisms (C. elegans, D. melanogaster). Function and structure of proteins on a cellular and subcellular level involved in cell death. Function and structure of proteins involved in homeostasis and pathology. Evolution of cell death in plants and eukaryotes. Ageing theories. Genetic, cellular and biochemical aspects of ageing. Molecular mechanisms of ageing in model organisms (unicellular organisms, C. elegans, D. melanogaster, mice). Molecular mechanisms in pathologies with aberrant ageing processes.

Having successfully completed the courses Immunology, General biochemistry, Biochemistry II, Cytology and general histology, Cell biology, Molecular biology I, Molecular biology II, Human genetics and Human pathogenesis from the bachelor program biomedical sciences, or having acquired the relevant ending objectives by other means.

Profound insight in molecular aspects of signal transduction, translation of the knowledge in concepts of identification of molecular targets, research directed questions and attitude; attention for medical applicability of knowledge in signal transduction.

Dutch syllabus, powerpoint slides, review articles (english) (15 euro).

• Reviews en representatieve research papers.

Classroom lectures

Evaluation during examination period

During examination period: written closed-book exam complemented with oral examination