Digital innovation
In the course Digital Innovation we focus on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fundamental transformations of industries and societies. After introducing the nature of ICTs, the first part of the course starts by providing an historical and theoretical introduction to digital innovation from a societal perspective. Specific emphasis is on
Advanced Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a broad term for all technologies that utilize biological systems, living organisms, or their parts to develop or create different products. This course covers topics ranging from the development of climate-resilient and herbicide-resistant crops using CRISPR/Cas to the development of mRNA therapies and the usage of fungi for removing contaminants from the environment.
Science, Technology and Society
Do you think science and technology are neutral tools in gaining economic and social prosperity? Do you think innovation is always a good thing? In this course, we will question such assumptions by studying the relation between science, technology, and society. This relationship is both complex and ambiguous. For example from a societal perspective, self-driving
Biotechnology and the Societal Challenge
This course explores how biotechnology can address key societal challenges identified by the European Union. These include health and demographic change, food security and sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and climate action. Students are introduced to plant and microbial biotechnology, ethical considerations, and patent systems. As part of the course, students formulate their own biotechnology-based solutions
Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions
The aim of this course is to understand how the immune system of plants functions, how plants and beneficial or pathogenic microbes interact with each other, and what the determinants are for their success in these different interactions. In the course several integration levels of plant-microbe (and -insect) interactions are discussed: from genes, signal molecules,
Agroecology
The course focuses on agroecological principles to analyse and design sustainable and productive farming systems. Agroecological principles include: Recycling and efficiency; Living Soils; Biodiversity; Ecosystem services and multi-functionality; Resilience; Fair Markets; Culture & spirituality; Youth & Women; Adequate Policies & governance; Knowledge co-creation and collaboration. Students will explore how agroecological farming systems are developed across
Biotechnology and Society
Biotechnologie is het gebruik van biologische principes, organismen en hun producten voor praktische doeleinden. De mens bedrijft al eeuwenlang biotechnologie, bijvoorbeeld bij het maken van bier of brood. De ontwikkeling van nieuwe technieken, zoals de recombinant DNA technologie, en de enorme toename van onze kennis over biologische systemen heeft ertoe geleid dat dit veld in
Microbial Genomics
Microbes (bacteria, archaea and microbial eukaryotes, including fungi) are key members of our biosphere and are highly relevant for human life as mutualists and pathogens and as crucial drivers of nutrient cycling, agriculture, and many other aspects of our daily lives. The genomes of microbes provide a wealth of information on the processes and mechanisms
Advanced Bioinformatics (UU)
In de cursus wordt aandacht besteed aan het begrijpen van en werken met grote hoeveelheden gegevens zoals de laatste jaren in veel genetisch en moleculair onderzoek worden verkregen. Deze technologische ontwikkelingen vereisen nieuwe vaardigheden en concepten om life science onderzoek te kunnen begrijpen en uitvoeren. In het eerste deel van de cursus wordt een veel
Biotechnology
This course is an introduction in Biotechnology. It will give an overview of different fields in biotechnology (molecular techniques, bacterial biotechnology, fungal biotechnology, plant biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology, animal biotechnology) with special emphasis on new developments. In addition, other aspects related to biotechnology, such as intellectual property rights, ethical concerns and the marketability of