Medical Biochemistry

http://www.amc.uva.nl/index.cfm?pid=1576



Medical Biochemistry

Biomedical Physics
http://www.amc.uva.nl/index.cfm?pid=1579

Contents of the Programme

In Amsterdam, Biomedical Physics stands for the utilization of physics for medical and biological purposes. This Master of Science (MSc) Programme will be embedded in a clinical and biomedical environment. Communication with medical doctors and biologists is considered an important and enriching part of the work as a physicist. The Programme is a result of the cooperation between the faculties of Science and Medicine, the latter being part of the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam.

Part of our activities is devoted to the study of physical properties and mechanisms in the human body. In particular, one can participate in research on the physics of almost any organ in the body such as the heart, the lungs or the nervous system.

Our activities in the Medical Technology area are focused on the development and improvement of technology for clinical use. Frequently, fundamental technical and physical problems must be solved to achieve the desired result. Extensive co-operation with various medical departments exists to ensure results that are useful in clinical practice. With respect to technical solutions, there is a direct link to our Medical-Technical Development department.

Neurobiology

Given the research orientation in the field of Neurobiology, the Master of Science programme emphasises training in solving research issues. However, the theoretical framework from which these issues evolve will also receive attention. The programme starts with a theoretical course in which the basic principles of Neuroscience are highlighted. Next, students are asked to perform a more in-depth literature search of a subject that they choose in consultation with a tutor. The tutor helps to plan all activities and provides extensive feedback on the written text. The third course gives an overview of techniques used in the field of Neurobiology. Introductory rotations in molecular, biochemical, and electrophysiological and behaviourally oriented projects are part of this course. The emphasis during this course is on the training of skills required to design, implement and report on a research project rather than on the research question itself. The remainder of the programme is made up of two more subjects. First and most importantly, the student will carry out two research-training projects. Second, a theoretical framework is provided by weekly lectures on specialised subjects in Neurobiology, by experts in the field. The entire programme is optimised to provide a solid theoretical basis in Neurobiology and train all laboratory skills. Special attention is given to the training of oral and written presentation of data. Furthermore, the curriculum stimulates personal initiatives of students in the design of experimental studies. This forms an excellent starting point for subsequent participation in the Ph.D. programme of the Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam.