Master Program Stem Cell Medicine - Master en Medicina con Células Madre

The Stem Cell Medicine Master program offered by Ruhr University Bochum is a highly interdisciplinary Master’s program that is oriented towards cutting-edge biomedical research and current markets (e.g. biotechnology, biomedicine). Our program combines classical disciplines from the fields of medicine, cell biology, histology, biochemistry and pathology with current topics in molecular biology and developmental biology to offer students the broadest possible understanding of the innovative approaches of translational medicine.

The program consists of a total of ten modules spread over three semesters and a total number of 90 credit points will be awarded. The program language is English. The modules are designed consecutively with no elective modules. However, individual arrangements allow you a high degree of flexibility and mobility. At the end of your studies, you will receive a final degree of Master of Science in Stem Cell Medicine.

Provide evidence of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent bachelor’s degree outside of this area of validity in one of the subjects (Molecular Medicine, Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and comparable specialized courses. The examination board decides on related subjects.)

Have a completed Bachelor’s degree with a scope of 210 ECTS. In the case of admission with a bachelor’s degree of 180 to 209 ECTS, admission is subject to conditions. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with less than 180 ECTS cannot be admitted.

Be able to demonstrate the best knowledge of cell biology as well as knowledge of molecular biology in theory and practice.

Have sufficient knowledge of the English language C1. This must be proven by TOEFL 95 (internet-based) or IELTS 6.5. The examination board decides on equivalent performance.

Have first professional work experience of at least 1 year.

Module I Stem Cell Medicine

The module “Stem Cell Medicine” provides a molecular, cytological and developmental basis by which students will acquire a deep insight into the physiology, derivation and characteristics of well-known types of stem cells and their clinical application.
Principles of vertebrate development
Early development: ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm and their derivatives
Stem cell classification: adult, embryonic, induced

Module II Stem Cell Biochemisty

The module “Stem Cell Biochemistry” provides a molecular, cytological and biochemical basis by which students will acquire a deep insight into the physiology, derivation and characteristics of well-known types of stem cells. This is a basis to modulate stem cell function by small molecules.
The stem cell niche
Neural stem cells as a paradigm for stem cell physiology
Signal transduction pathways in stem cells

Module III Regenerative Medicine

In the module “Regenerative Medicine” the students will obtain an overview of current approaches of tissue engineering and reconstruction. By complementing topics of module I students will become familiar with the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy and function of the main organ systems including their regenerative capacities.
Morphogenesis and tissue engineering
Biomaterials in tissue engineering
Tissue engineering using adult (HSC/MSC/NSC) and pluripotent stem cells (ES/iPS)
Bone, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neural and hematopoietic cell engineering
Organoids

Module IV Stem Cell Engineering

In the module “Stem Cell Engineering” students will acquire up to date background of molecular biology, genetic engineering, genes in medicine and disease in context with stem cells, tissues and laboratory animals.
Cloning in prokaryotic vector systems
State of the art sequencing techniques / Epigenetic genome analysis
Gene transfer and expression (Eukaryotic vector systems, viral, non-viral, episomal expression vectors)
Gene targeting / RNA interference (HR, shRNAs, nucleases) and Genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9)
Transgenic animals (Constitutive, conditional, inducible mice)

Module V Stem Cell Lecture Series

Within the two-semester “Stem Cell Lecture Series” students will get in contact with stem cell researchers from Ruhr University Bochum and the extended Stem Cell Network NRW (North-Rhine Westphalia). The students will develop an awareness of specific scientific questions related to stem cells and their medical application.
Research and publication ethics
Cancer stem cells
Gene therapy of hematopoietic stem cells
Neural stem cells
Mesenchymal stem cells and Extracellular vesicles
Cellular reprogramming

Module VI Biomedical Ethics / Legal Aspects

The module “Scientific Responsibility in Biomedicine” gives a general survey of legal aspects and the role of professional biomedical scientists. Students are expected to have developed a sense of responsibility for their practical work at the end of this module.
The moral status of human embryos and fetuses
Ethical problems of reproductive medicine
Stem cell research and therapeutic cloning
Patents and the protection of intellectual property
The ethics of clinical trials
Legal aspects of the German Gene Technology Act (GenTG) and Stem Cell Act (StZG)

Module VII Scientific Writing

Scientific Writing is accompanying the module “Laboratory Techniques” (VIII) and the seminar of “Stem Cell Medicine” (I). Students will learn how to describe lab experiments as wells as how to give presentations of their work using technical terms and appropriate scientific language and style. They will also be able to design a research proposal for a suitable funding source.
Scientific language
Standards of documentation
Designing appropriate scientific positive and negative controls in experiments
Structure of research proposals
Funding agencies
Graphs and figures
Literature search and referencing

Module VIII Laboratory Techniques

In the practical module “Laboratory Techniques” students are expected to acquire specific techniques related to stem cell biology and medicine and to develop the competence to apply them and to interpret them as required. A two-week part will introduce in basic cell culture techniques relevant for stem cell research (I). The topics and techniques of the second six-week part will depend on the choice of host labs (II).

Module IX Laboratory Project and Master Thesis Planning

In the module “Laboratory Project and Master Thesis Planning” students are expected to acquire specific techniques related to stem cell biology and medicine and to develop the competence to apply them and to interpret them as required. The students will be enabled to plan, perform and interpret lab experiments choosing from a range of particular methods to solve a particular scientific question. They will also be able to design a research proposal for a suitable funding source. The ”Master Thesis Planning” is a part of this module with several weeks of planning the actual master thesis, while acquiring materials, performing initial experiments and designing an experimental plan for the thesis together with the supervisor.

Module X Master Thesis

In the module “Master Thesis” the students will be enabled to plan, perform lab experiments choosing from a range of particular methods to solve particular questions and to interpret their results in context with the relevant literature. They will be enabled to act under regular supervision independently. They will master the task to take over scientific responsibility. The topic of research project can be worked out together with the supervisor of the host laboratory.

The Stem Cell Medicine master’s program is research-oriented. It will prepare you as a graduate for subsequent doctoral studies or for research-related professional activities. The program is designed to enable you to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to new contexts and to quickly acquire the new or more in-depth knowledge required for this purpose. As a graduate you are able to contribute to the scientific and technical development in the field of stem cell research independently and to meet the changing requirements of profession and society also in an international context.

The understanding of scientific theories and their limitations,

The ability to plan experiments, to apply appropriate experimental techniques and to assess the validity of different approaches,

The ability to obtain information on a subject quickly, reliably and completely with the help of suitable sources and procedures and, above all, to be able to critically evaluate their respective informative value (information competence)

The competence to give presentations in English on complex subjects and to be able to defend them in discussions,

The competence to write independent factual texts in scientific terminology and to cite sources correctly,
strengthen the ability to work and deal with a team and groups

The ability to understand ethical, social, economic and legal aspects of our society.