autumn 2014
FAR-8043 Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology - 15 ECTS

Application deadline

20.10.2014

Type of course

PhD course. This course is available as a singular course.

Admission requirements

To take PhD courses you need at a minimum a master’s degree or equivalent, or admission to a Medical Student Research Program.

For information about how to apply for admission, go to:

http://uit.no/helsefak/forskning/phd/emner

Recommended preparatory course: Far-2042, FAR-3043 or Biomedical background.


Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

FAR-3043 Advanced Drug Delivery Systems in Nanomedicine 10 stp

Course content

Nanotechnology has emerged as distinct discipline with integrated, multidisciplinary and specialized scientific topics. This course focuses on recent developments in the field of nanomedicine from physical basics, biological aspects, medical applications and concerns related to manufacturing, reliability and safety of nano-scale medicines.

The course structure is as follows:
1) Nanotechnology:concept, current status
2) Nanomedicine:concept, current status
3) Nanotechnology in medicinal imaging:smarter diagnostic modalities
a) microfluidics and nanoarrays
b) fluorescent labels and imaging
c) local probes and high-resolution imaging
d) targeted imaging
4) Nanoscale technology:technological platforms used in manufacturing of nano-sized systems
5) Polymers and materials used in micro- and nano-fabrication:nanocoatings and nanostructured surfaces for medical application
6) Nanosized drug delivery systems
a) lipid vesicles
b) polymer-based delivery
c) nanocrystals
d) nanoshells
e) non-injectable nanovectors
7) Intelligent therapeutics: concept of "smart drugs"
a) intelligent biomaterials (responsive hydrogels and configurationally imprinted biomimetic polymers)
b) nano-fabrication techniques for intelligent therapeutics
c) diagnostic-sensing systems
d) tissue engineering
e) recognitive systems
8) Limitations and perspectives
9) Nanotechnology and human future: policy, ethics and safety issues Parts 3,4,5,7 and 8 will be taught only in FAR-8043.


Objectives of the course

Upon the completion of the course, the student will be able to

  • understand and evaluate various delivery systems used in the field of nanomedicine.
  • critically evaluate the advantages and disadvatages of various nanodelivery systems.
  • understand basic nanotechnological principles and characterization methods used in nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
  • follow the newest findings in the area of nanomedicine and implement the perspectives in own research.


Language of instruction and examination

English

Teaching methods

The course will be taught as a combination of lectures, seminars, oral and written essay presentations. Completion of the course will be in form an in-depth scientific evaluation. Part of the course covers the same scientific topics as FAR-3043. FAR-8043 is based on individual work by each PhD student and does not contain preparation for oral exam form. The focus is on student ability to combine and process newest scientific findings and provide personal comment on relevant topics.

Assessment

Work requirements:
The student is expected to attend all lectures, seminars and kollokvia. Seminars with active participation and group presentation (oral) are obligatory and bulid up to the final assignement.

 

Exam:
Exam in a form of an essay (maximum 15 pages), involving deeper understanding of literature, critical evaluation of published literature with personal commentary. Marking as pass/not pass.

Continuation exam early in following semester. Application deadline for continuation exam is August 15th.


Recommended reading/syllabus

Recommended books:

Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology by

G.L. Hornyak, H.F. Tibbals, J, Dutta, John J. Moore; Taylor and Francis, 2008

Nanoparticulates as Drug Carriers by

V. P. Torchilin; Imperial College Press, 2006

Biomedical Nanotechnology by

N. H. Malsch; CRC Taylor and Frances, 2005

Biomimetic, Bioresponsive and Bioactive Materials by

M. Santin, G. J. Phillips, Wiley, 2012

 

Specialized journals such as:

Journal of Nanomedicine,

Nanomedicine

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,

Journal of Nanoparticle Research,

Nano Letters,

International Journal of Nanomedicine

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  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 15
  • Course code: FAR-8043
  • Tidligere år og semester for dette emnet