Curriculum

Brief description of the Program’s structure:

In the first semester, two basic theoretical courses are offered: Methods of Biochemical Analysis (AEC-101) and Methods of Molecular Biology and Genomics (AEC-102). During the second semester, students are taught Topics in Computational Genomics and Systems Biology (AEC-201) and take Advanced Laboratory Exercises (AEC-202), i.e., small rotations in different research laboratories. At the same time, during these two semesters, the students critically present original scientific articles (AEC-103 and AEC-203). In the third and fourth semesters, the students prepare an original dissertation (AEC-301 and AEC-401), while in the last semester, they also write a research proposal (AEC-402), which may be the preamble of their doctoral dissertation.

In summary, the courses offered and the corresponding credits / ECTS are defined as follows:

1st Semester

Advanced Biochemical Analysis Methods

AEC-101
ECTS:13

This module focuses on state-of-the-art experimental approaches in the fields of biomolecules analysis in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems, with applications in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology.

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Methods in Molecular Biology and Genomics

AEC-102
ECTS:13

This module provides cutting edge approaches in the fields of Molecular Biology and Genomics. It focuses on advanced next-generation sequencing applications and functional genomics.

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Journal Club I

AEC-103
ECTS:4

Journal Club I and II are regular gatherings of the entire group of students to present and critically evaluate recent articles in the scientific literature. In addition, these Journal Clubs help improve the students’ skills in critical appraisal of scientific literature, an essential part of being a competent researcher.

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2nd Semester

Topics in Computational Genomics and Systems Biology

AEC-201
ECTS:13

This module familiarizes students with necessary tools in computational genomics and systems biology and focuses on applications in genome and transcriptome assembly, phylogenomics and single-cell genomics.

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Advanced Laboratory Exercises

AEC-202
ECTS:13

Two hands-on laboratory rotations are planned in the second half of the second semester during which students will participate in ongoing projects of various research laboratories. The scope of this module is to introduce students to research project design, develop students’ laboratory skills and familiarize students with research activities of the participating laboratories.

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Journal Club II

AEC-203
ECTS:4

Journal Club I and II are regular gatherings of the entire group of students to present and critically evaluate recent articles in the scientific literature. In addition, these Journal Clubs help improve the students’ skills in critical appraisal of scientific literature, an essential part of being a competent researcher.

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3rd & 4th Semester

Research Thesis

AEC-301
ECTS:40

Students are required to complete a mini research program addressing a novel question, in the framework of a Master’s thesis. A Masters’ project gives the student the opportunity to independently address important scientific questions through the development of a research pipeline that is supervised by a collaborating faculty member and guided by a three member thesis committee.

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4th Semester

Research Proposal

AEC-402
ECTS:20

Successful research is not only based on great ideas. It is also based on substantial funding. Much of the researcher’s life is spent on fundraising through proposal writing. In that regard, a research proposal constitutes a request for sponsorship of the researcher’s great ideas. Toward the end of the 4th-semester students are asked to write a Research Proposal on a topic that is co-decided between the student and his/her Thesis Committee and could constitute the preamble of a PhD thesis.

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