course-details-portlet

MOL8001

Molecular Physiology: Mechanisms and Methods

Credits 4.5
Level Doctoral degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Oral examination

About

About the course

Course content

The course is arranged for PhD students and MD research-line students (Forskerlinjestudenter). MSc students can also join it. PhD is abbreviation of "Philosophiae doctor" in Latin or "Doctor of Philosophy" in English. "Phylosophia" is "love of wisdom" in Greek. MSc is "Magister" in Latin or "Master degree" in English, which is originally a degree giving one authority to teach at university. Good research is anchored on sound research question(s) and follows appropriate research methodology with state-of-the-art methods to ensure that thesis will make an original contribution to knowledge within the academic discipline. The goal of this course is to help students in connection with their projects. During the course, the students will have opportunities to learn the basic of "Science" as a method of knowing in general and the "state-of-the-art" laboratory methods on molecular physiology in particular.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Upon completion and passing of the course, the student should...

  • have an overview of research methodology in understanding molecular mechanisms.
  • understand systems biology and applications in molecular physiology.

Skills:

Upon completion and passing of the course, the student should...

  • know about single cells approaches to study physiology.
  • know about organoid technology to study physiology and personalized medicine.
  • know about proteomics in general and mass spectrometry in particular.
  • know about tissue microarray and multi-omics to study physiology.
  • know about basics of AI and ML and potential tools.

General competence:

Upon completion and passing of the course, the student should...

  • be able to formulate research question(s) on molecular physiology.
  • be able to select an appropriate methodological approach in systems biology.
  • be able to use the knowledge and skills, particularly in connection with the student’s own project.
  • be able to communicate and present the student’s own project.

Learning methods and activities

Lecturing will be a dominant teaching method. In addition, there will be opportunities for discussions with tutors on how to apply the methods in student’s own research. The course can be flexible and have individual activities depending on number of signed-up students. Final exam will be an oral presentation of what the student has learned, particularly in connection with the individual research project.

Compulsory assignments

  • Lectures
  • Exercise (in group)

Further on evaluation

Compulsory assignments

Participation in all lectures and exercises (including group discussions).

The student must have completed the compulsory assignments to take the exam.

Compulsory activities from previous semester may be approved by the department.

Required previous knowledge

Admission requirements: MSc degree or similar. Candidates with a lower degree will be assessed individually. (Compare with recommended previous knowledge)

Course materials

Lecture notes and literature.

Subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Medicine

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Oral examination
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Oral examination
Weighting 100/100

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

Oral examination
Weighting 100/100