Life-long learning is the opportunity and responsibility of an indivudual to grow and learn new things in their lifetime. Biology in Uppsala has several courses that aims to enable further learning and cultivation.

Courses in life-long learning

You can find our courses in life long learning below.

Courses in the Autumn semester

Bioinformatics on the web, 5 credits - 1BG425
Bioinformatic tools are valuable in virtually all kinds of biological studies. The course Bioinformatics on the Web is a completely web-based course that provides opportunities to try a number of tools, which are publicly available on the Internet, primarily to study and interpret sequence data from DNA and proteins.

Core Skills in Modern Experimental Molecular Biology, 5 credits - 1BL811
This course aims to give detailed insight into the techniques and trends used in today's sequence analysis. We will describe the conventional strategies for whole genome sequencing and the present state-of-the-art technologies including high throughput methods for typing of genetic variations and advanced techniques and platforms used today for whole genome sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and single cell transcript profiling. The course begins in Period 2.

Epigenetic management of stress and disease, 2 credits - 1BL807
The genome is responsible for most of the phenotypic and behavioral variations between different species and within a population. However, it isn't just the sequence of the DNA that determines phenotypes, but also the mechanism by which some genes are activated, and others are silenced. The question is how this is controlled? For most of these phenotypic outcomes that are irrespective of the genotype, epigenetic modifications are considered as being responsible. The environment has a significant effect on how the epigenome is modulated in a positive or negative way. In this course, we will discuss the role of epigenetic modifications in:

1. cell differentiation and proliferation and how environmental cues can influence the process
2. tolerance to abiotic and biotic environmental cues
3. immune system activation
4. long-term regulation of gene expression
5. maintainance of genomic stability through the control of transposable elements

The applicants must have basic knowledge of genetics

The course begins in Period 1

Frontiers in Life Science, 10 credits - 1BG430
The purpose of the course is to provide an understanding of, and discuss the social impact of, groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology. We start with an introduction to the basic molecular biological principles and will also go through groundbreaking breakthroughs in genetic engineering and synthetic biology. A laboratory visit is included where course participants can prepare DNA. Topics we will discuss include: What are scientific hypotheses and theories? What does DNA look like and what is its function? What is CRISPR and how can it be used in gene therapy and genetically modified crops? Can stem cells cure? Can we vaccinate against cancer? The course begins in Period 1.

Human evolution - an Overview, 10 credits - 1BG046
The course provides a basic knowledge of human evolution and prehistory. We will study the latest findings from genetic research on human evolution, how the genome works in humans, how genomic variation is investigated and analysed. We will also focus on man's closest relatives, such as Neanderthals and archaic groups from the Homo genus, partly from a fossil and archaeological perspective, and partly from a genetic perspective. We will discuss questions about when and where modern man originated? What genes have changed during human evolution? The course begins in Period 1.

Courses in the Spring semester

Bioinformatics on the web, 5 credits - 1BG425
Bioinformatic tools are valuable in virtually all kinds of biological studies. The course Bioinformatics on the Web is a completely web-based course that provides opportunities to try a number of tools, which are publicly available on the Internet, primarily to study and interpret sequence data from DNA and proteins.

Experimental Industrial Bioprocess I: Design, 3 credits - 1BL812
In this course, the advanced industrial methods for production of biologics are studied. We examine and discuss design of bioprocesses that aim for economic and safe production of high quality biologics. In collaboration with the Testa Center and Cytiva in Uppsala instrumentation and bioprocess design choices are exemplified and compared. The course begins in Period 3.

Experimental Industrial Bioprocess II: Cultivation and Harvest, 2 credits - 1BL813
In this course, you will participate in a bioprocess experiment performed at Testa Center in Uppsala, including growth and harvest of cells in an industrial setting with state-of-the-art instrumentation at Testa Center. You will participate in the planning, execution and analysis of the results from a bioreactor culture and harvest of a biologic. The course begins in Period 4.

Experimental Industrial Bioprocess III: Analysis and Evaluation of Results, 2 credits - 1BL814
This course provides hands-on training and knowledge in purification and analysis methods in industrial production of biomolecules, such as therapeutic antibodies and enzymes. As a participant you will plan and carry through purification and analysis of a biomolecule starting from a previously prepared raw bioreactor culture. You will use the advanced instrumentation provided for in the industrial setting at the Testa Center in Uppsala. In preparatory seminars you will plan the experiments and after the experiments the obtained results will be analysed and evaluated. The course begins in Period 4

Microbiology, 10 credits - 1BG413
Distance course for you who want to learn more about bacteria, archea, viruses and other microorganisms. The course starts in Period 3.