FAR-8043 Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology - 15 stp

Nanotechnology has emerged as a 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.

PhD students and students at the Student Research Program at UiT The Arctic University of Norway register for class and exam in Studentweb by September 1st for autumn semester and February 1st for spring semester.

Other applicants apply for the right to study by June 1st for courses that are taught in the fall semester and December 1st for courses that are taught in the spring semester. Application is sent through Søknadsweb. Please use the appliction code “9301 – Singular courses at the PhD level”. 

PhD students and students at the Student Research Programme, or holders of a Norwegian master´s degree of five years or 3+ 2 years (or equivalent) may be admitted. External PhD students and students at other student research programmes, must upload a document from their university stating that they are registered students. This group of applicants does not have to prove English proficiency and are exempt from semester fee.

Holders of a Master´s degree must upload their Master´s Diploma with Diploma Supplement / English translation of the diploma. Applicants from the below list of countries must document proficiency in English. To find out if this applies to you see the following list:https://www.nokut.no/en/surveys-and-databases/nokuts-country-database/GSU-list/https://www.nokut.no/en/surveys-and-databases/nokuts-country-database/GSU-list/

Proficiency in English must be documented - list of countries

For more information on accepted English proficiency tests and scores, as well as exemptions from the English proficiency tests, please see the following document:https://uit.no/Content/254419/PhD_EnglishProficiency_100913.pdfhttps://uit.no/Content/254419/PhD_EnglishProficiency_100913.pdf

Proficiency in English - PhD level studies  

Mandatory prerequisites:

Students are expected to have skills equivalent to a Master's degree in pharmacy.

By completion of the course, attendants will have the following learning outcomes

Knowledge

-on how to design, develop and characterize drug delivery system based on nanotechnology (nanomedicine)

-on how to optimize the selected nanomedicine in regard to the therapeutic outcome as well as toxicity issues

-on how to adjust the nanomedicine to the site of drug administration and achieve drug targeting

-on how to critically evaluate the marketed products and the potentials of novel nanomedciine

-on how to involve and actively participate in discussions on limitations and promises of nanotechnology and nanomedicine

Skills

-be able to participate in designing nanomedicine with superior properties

-be able to select most appropriate methods to fully characterize the nanomedicine

-be able to evaluate the marketed products and novel delivery systems

General competence

-understand the relevant literature, with emphasis on newest advancements

-be able to critically evaluate interplay between therapeutic benefits and toxicity issues of nanomedicine

-be able to apply theoretical knowledge in design of novel nanomedicine for targeted therapy

Work requirements:

Mandatory participation in course activities

• Mandatory lectures and seminars as one week-intensive course
• The course attendants will have to prepare an assignment prior to written exam on a given topic. The assignment should include presentation of research question(s), hypothesis, newest literature survey and critical interpretation of findings. Ethical aspects and own perspectives on the topic will be included.

Examination:

Completion of the course will be in form of an in-depth scientific evaluation.

Grading scale:

Passed / Failed

Re-sit examination:

Students who get the grade "Failed" on the examination may register for a re-sit exam. The re-sit exam is given in the beginning of the following semester. Registration deadline for the re-sit exam is January 15th.