MF9251 ¨C Methods in translational research and cardiovascular medicine

Course content

Translational research plays a crucial role in bringing biological insights closer to clinical application. The course provides a comprehensive overview of methods used in medical research, spanning both laboratory sciences and patient studies. While the primary focus is on applications within cardiovascular research, the methods are presented in a fundamental way, with an emphasis on their use and with discussions of advantages and limitations at a general level.

During the course, participants will:

• Gain familiarity with a wide range of methods
• Learn to critically evaluate results obtained through these methods
• Be able to select appropriate methods based on specific research questions

Over the course of three full days at the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMF), students receive a unique theoretical and practical introduction to the methods and have the opportunity to discuss them with both technical and academic staff actively applying these approaches in the department¡¯s research. The course also provides a forum for students to discuss their own projects with peers and researchers, as well as an opportunity to build connections beyond their own research environment.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Cellular Biology

• Understand the principles underlying key methods in cellular biology.
• Critically assess the advantages and limitations of these methods, including:
  • Cell isolation
  • Cell culture
  • Transfection
  • Patch-clamp
  • Cell stretching
  • Visualization of calcium handling in cardiomyocytes
  • Intracellular signaling pathways

Molecular Biology

• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of selected molecular biology techniques.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, including:
  • Western blotting
  • Flow cytometry
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
  • Microarray
  • Sequencing
  • Immunolocalization

Cardiac Function in Experimental Animals (in vivo and ex vivo)

• Explain the principles for evaluating cardiac function in experimental models (mouse, rat, pig).
• Demonstrate familiarity with:
  • Imaging diagnostics: echocardiography (ECHO), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG), including telemetry and long-term monitoring
  • Pressure-volume measurements
  • Surgical procedures, e.g., induction of myocardial infarction or heart failure
  • Exercise interventions

Clinical Diagnostics in Cardiovascular Medicine

• Understand the principles of diagnostic tools used in patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the following methods:
  • Imaging diagnostics: echocardiography (ECHO), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and nuclear techniques
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Skills:

• Ability to reflect on the advantages and limitations of different methods
• Ability to critically evaluate results obtained from various methodologies
• Ability to select the appropriate method to address a specific research question in their own work
• Experience in presenting their own research, both in written and oral form

General competence:

• Make informed decisions regarding the choice of methods within their own field of research, based on knowledge of the advantages and limitations of various techniques, as well as their underlying principles and practical implementation

Admission to the course

Members of the Norwegian PhD School of Heart Research (NORHEART) are given first priority for this course. NORHEART membership is open and free to all PhD and Research Curriculum students at Norwegian universities.

Relevant master¡¯s students are also welcome to apply.

Applicants admitted to a PhD programme at UiO apply to this course in StudentWeb.

Applicants who are not admitted to a PhD programme at UiO must apply for a right to study before they can apply to this course. See information here: ?How to apply for a right to study and admission to elective PhD courses in medicine and health sciences.

Applicants will receive a reply to the course application in?StudentWeb?at the latest one week after the application deadline.

The maximum number of participants is 24.

Overlapping courses

• 3 credits overlap with MEDFL5251 ¨C Methods in translational research and cardiovascular medicine.
• 2 credits overlap with MF9250 ¨C Methods in Cardiac Research.
• 2 credits overlap with MEDFL5250 ¨C Methods in Cardiac Research.

Teaching

Over the course of three days at the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMF), the teaching is structured as follows:

• Lectures introducing key principles of various methods
• Student presentations, including discussion of their own research and methods
• Practical demonstrations led by experienced researchers
• Group work to summarize and discuss methods in the context of a specific research question

Lectures introducing key principles of various methods

The course mainly includes short lectures (15-20 minutes) delivered by lecturers with specialist expertise in the methods presented. These lectures combine a theoretical introduction of the principles with a description of the practical approach used in applying the methods. Five minutes are allocated after each lecture for discussion with fellow students and for asking specific questions to the lecturer. Students also have the opportunity to contact several lecturers after the session for more in-depth information and guidance if they wish.

Student presentations on their own research and methods

During the course, all students will present their own abstracts, which must be submitted one week prior to the course. Each presentation should last 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of discussion regarding the methods used or intended to be used. This requires that students prepare thoroughly, understanding the methods in the context of their own projects, the rationale for their application, and having sufficient depth of knowledge to discuss and answer questions after the presentation. Relevant literature will be a useful resource in this process.

It is important to note that, based on previous experience with the course, for many students this may be one of the first times they present their research. Therefore, adequate preparation time is essential. Students will receive written feedback on their abstracts, providing an opportunity to develop pedagogical and communication skills.

Practical demonstrations led by experienced researchers

During three hours of the course, students will be divided into groups for hands-on demonstrations of the methods covered in the lectures. These practical sessions follow the principle of spiral learning, building on chapters and articles read prior to the course, as well as the lectures on key principles. Students have the opportunity to observe the methods in practice, ask questions directly to researchers who regularly use them, and deepen their understanding by seeing the methods applied. Participation in the lectures and prior literature reading is assumed, enabling students to fully benefit from the spiral learning approach and achieve a deeper comprehension of the methods.

Group work to summarize and discuss methods in the context of a specific research question

The course also includes group work focused on summarizing the methods. This begins with discussions in small groups, followed by a plenary session. Each group is assigned a task based on a concrete research question. Within the small groups, students discuss which methods could be used to address the question and are asked to evaluate the advantages and limitations of the proposed methods. Midway through the session, each group presents the methods they consider most relevant. These are then discussed in plenary, with groups explaining why they selected the respective methods, why they may be suitable, and whether there are better alternatives or methods that could add additional value.

This structured approach fosters meaningful discussion of methodological principles, the purposes of different methods, and how they can complement each other in addressing a specific research question, thereby enhancing the overall quality of research.

Additionally, a two-hour multiple-choice assessment will be conducted on the final day of the course to test understanding of key principles, advantages, and limitations of the methods taught. This assessment includes immediate and continuous feedback, allowing clarification and further discussion based on student needs.

You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.

Examination

Pre-course requirement:

• Submission of an abstract (250 words ¡À10%) prior to the course.

During the course:

• Completion of a presentation (5 minutes presentation + 5 minutes discussion of methods in plenary).

Home exam:

• A home exam is to be submitted four weeks after the final day of the course. This exam consists of a reflective note based on the abstract and presentation delivered during the course. The reflective note should focus on the methods planned to be used in the student¡¯s own project, or that could have been applied.
• The purpose of the reflective note is to provide an opportunity to evaluate which methods could have strengthened the project and to discuss any limitations of the methods already in use. The note should serve as a summary of the methods most relevant to the student¡¯s own research and will be an important reference for planning future projects.
• Expected length: 2,250 words (¡À10%), roughly equivalent to two pages.
• Relevant literature should be referenced.

Examination support material

Own course material and notes are permitted. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

Language of examination

The examination questions are given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• How to use AI as a student
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.