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Archives: Courses

Free radicals in biology and biomedicine (KBF / FRB)

Course contents:

1. ROS characterization. ROS definition, characterization of molecular oxygen, characterization of ROS, classification according to electron configuration and formation. ROS formation, excited form of molecular oxygen, type II reaction, decomposition of peroxides (dioxetane and tetroxide), reduced form of molecular oxygen, reduction of molecular oxygen (one-electron and two-electron reduction), oxidation of water (one-electron and two-electron oxidation). ROS scavenging, scavenging of excited form of molecular oxygen (physical and chemical), scavenging of reduced form of molecular oxygen (non-enzymatic and enzymatic scavenging). ROS reaction, characterization of biomacromolecule oxidation, radical-induced oxidation of biomacromolecule, radical-induced oxidation of amino acid and lipids, radical-induced oxidation of bases, non-radical-induced oxidation of biomacromolecule, non-radical-induced oxidation of amino acid and lipids, non-radical-induced oxidation of bases.

2. ROS formation. ROS formation by energy transfer, type II reaction (skin photosensitizers and chlorophylls), decomposition of peroxides (dioxetane and tetroxide), ROS formation by electron transport, superoxide anion radical in mitochondria, chloroplasts, plasma membranes, microbodies and endoplasmic reticulum, hydrogen peroxide in mitochondria, chloroplasts, plasma membranes, hydroxyl radical (free and bound metals).

3. Antioxidant defense system. Non-enzymatic antioxidant, bilirubin, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, uric acid, melanin, glutathione, ascorbate, alfa-tocopherol, carotenoids. Enzymatic antioxidant, Superoxide dismutase, types of SOD, peroxidases, types of peroxidases.

4. Oxidative damage of biomolecules. Radical-induced oxidative damage to biomolecules, oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids by hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical, non-radical-induced oxidative damage of biomolecules, oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids by singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

5. Oxidative damage to biomolecules and cells. Oxidative damage to biomolecules, oxidative damage to nuclei acid, lipid peroxidation, oxidative damage to proteins, cellular responds to oxidative stress (proliferation, adaptation, cell damage, cell death).

6. Molecular mechanisms of free radical production in disease. Arteriosclerosis, diabetes, ischaemia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, cancer (cell cycle and free radicals, carcinogens, oxidative stress and chemotherapy).

7. Spectroscopic ROS detection. EPR spin-trapping spectroscopy (superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen). Detection of ROS by absorption and emission methods (superoxide anion radical, singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide).

Pragmatics in (Online) Health Communication

This course offers pragmatic approaches to health communication and puts theory into practice by applying knowledge to real-world data and discussing existing studies from a variety of health-related contexts.

By exploring written, spoken, digital, multimodal, and interactional forms of health communication, you will delve into different avenues of this field of study such as patient-provider conversations, health campaigns, dissemination of accurate medical information, self-help groups and more. In addition to the weekly seminar in weeks 1-10, this course includes a unique interactive workshop with our international expert guest Prof. Dr. Shumin Lin, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan who will visit us this term. Workshop Tuesday, July 9, 10-16h. Lecture Wednesday, July 10, 14-16h Content Note: When selecting this course please be aware that we will discuss sensitive topics through a linguistic lens, among them various stages of illness and death. To secure your spot, attendance at the first session is mandatory. A high degree of active participation, preparation, and attendance is expected.

Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning

Do you want to dig into important real-world topics like clean energy, better food systems, mental health, and inclusive communities for your Master’s research or internship? Ready to step outside your usual study and break free from the typical university limits? If you’re aiming to be super prepared for life after graduation and want to make a positive impact on society even before you get your degree, join us in the Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning course. Let’s broaden our horizons together!