In this minor you will conduct research using C. elegans as a model organism. C. elegans is a small, transparent worm that grows quickly, has a short lifespan, is easy to breed and of which we know the entire genome and all cells. That is why this worm is often used as a model organism for research on human diseases.
This minor offers you the opportunity to learn to work with this organism and to carry out a research project, provided by an external client. You learn to work with a relevant model organism, you develop professionally and you will through all stages of the research cycle.

The core of the minor is a large project for which you can choose from different topics. The research questions you can work on come from external clients, such as departments of the UMCG or professorships from our university of applied science. Topics to consider include aging, neurodegeneration, sepsis, ferroptosis/cell death, drug screening or toxicological studies. In terms of techniques, you should consider: breeding the worms and selecting the correct developmental stages, lifespan assays, microscopy, behavioral analyses, biochemical assays and molecular biological analyses, such as qPCR and RNA interference.

In addition to the project, you also follow complementary education that provides theoretical depth in the field of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and/or immunology. You will also follow practicals so that you learn to breed the worms and master a number of basic skills that you need to work with C. elegans. You also work on your professionalization by participating in work discussions and journal clubs, by maintaining contact with the client and by ultimately presenting your results to the client.

The minor consists of:
• A research project (24 EC)
• Flanking Theory (2 x 3 EC)

The following working methods are offered within the project:
• Introductory guest lecture by the client
• Excursion to the client
• Interim contact moments with the client
• Work discussions with fellow students
• Literature research and presenting it to fellow students
• Writing an Action Plan
• Independently carry out the research project in the laboratory
• Reporting the research results in an article
• Participation in a poster symposium

The minor Worm Science is interesting for students with a biological background who are interested in the medical field and who have a VMT certificate. Studies that match the minor include Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Applied Biology, Forensic Laboratory Research and Animal Management.

Assignments in this minor are:
- two theoretical exams
- a research proposal
- an oral presentation
- a research paper
- a poster presentation

You will also receive feedback on your professional skills and development.

Language:

Dutch and English