In the minor Medical Biology, we will focus on all the biological processes that are occurring on in the human body. You will learn in more detail about the pathways in a variety of cells and their different biological properties.

In the theoretical modules you will for instance go into the two major pathways for triggering the blood clotting cascade, the pathology of our kidneys and livers and how autoimmunity and vaccines work.

Besides the theoretical modules, there is a large project in the laboratory. These projects differ from student to student, but are strongly linked to ongoing health-related research at the Reserach Centre Biobased Econnomy (KCBBE). Examples are the development of cell-based bioassays, antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins and the study of signal transduction pathways linked to cancer development. As a student, you are involved in the setup and implementation of a small research project in close collaboration with researchers from our institute, companies and research centres involved.

• Learning outcomes
  • Applying knowledge about medical biology towards a real life research project
  • Experience in practical research in the field of medical biology
  • Project management
  • Working together with students from different backgrounds

Research project Medical Biology (15EC) – assignment
Within the Research project of Medical Biology, the emphasis is on working with cells in tissue cultures, linked to cancer research, but project linked to medical microbiology or linked to immunology are executed. Various cell culture techniques, (molecular) techniques and other methods will be used.
Students will work on (ongoing) research project linked to the Knowledge Center Biobased Economy, Center of Expertise Energy, Innovation Centers or Companies. A variety of project will be available, which will be presented shortly before the start of the module.
In total 18 days of Laboratory days are scheduled, beside the theoretical aspects of research (literature research, preparation of experiments, elaboration of results) which is done outside the laboratory. 

Students will be assessed based on their practical skills, on a research report and a poster and a presentation. 

Hematology (5EC) – digital exam
In this Hematology course we will discuss the formation of blood cells (hemopoiesis) and their roles in health and disease. The focus in Hematology, part I, will be on myeloid cells and leukemia. The focus is on myeloid cells, leukemia, erythrocytes, platelets, anemia, and coagulation disorders. Lectures on all topics will be provided as well as practice problems. In addition, students will prepare and give a presentation to the class on selected scientific articles on hematology. For this, students will form small groups, each group giving a presentation on one article. 


Pathology (5EC) - digital exam
This module starts with basic pathology; it first looks at what cells and tissues of the four tissue types look like at the microscopic level and practices recognizing them in photographs of microscopic preparations. Then -stress-induced cell adaptations, reversible and irreversible cell damage, (mechanisms of) cell death and consequences for tissues are discussed.  How tumors, leukemia and lymphomas arise and interact with the immune system is then discussed. The nomenclature and epidemiology of cancer are also covered. Finally, acute and chronic inflammatory processes and wound healing are covered. 

In addition, examples of pathology of different organ systems are discussed in this module. Using various medical cases (“patients”), the anatomy and (dys)function of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, liver, kidneys and endocrine pancreas are covered. 

The content of the module is a mix of lectures and tutorials. In the tutorials, various formative group assignments are carried out, in which the knowledge from the lectures must be applied. 

Clinical Immunology – (5EC)
Clinical Immunology – (3EC) – digital exam
Therapeutic Applications (2EC) – assignment

The immune system is a network of immune cells, and specialized organs and tissues that protects an organism from foreign agents. In some cases, however, the immune system can also react to harmless substances causing allergies, or it might turn itself against the host leading to autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunology is the study of diseases caused by disorders of the immune system. It also involves diseases where immune reactions play a part in the pathology and clinical features. In this module, these pathological immune reactions are central. The different hypersensitivity reactions will be discussed, including the immunological characteristics and (immuno)therapies. Knowledge is also acquired on autoimmunity from pathobiology (examples, local/systemic, etc.), to causes and (immuno)therapies. The role of regulatory T cells in autoimmunity is also discussed. In addittion, attention is paid to the relationship between autoimmune disease susceptibility and gender/immune senescence (ageing). Furthermore, different type of vaccines will be discussed.  

Check the full info in the Hanze Course Catalogue.

Third of fourth year's students for the Bachelor's of Applied Sciences Universities. In general all medical  sciences related course programmes such as BML (Biology and Medical Laboratory Research) are admissible. You must have at least 2 years lab experience in higher vocational education in Biology and be able to display sufficient knowledge, skills and aptitude in the areas of Cell Biology, DNA, RNA and protein.

Mandatory or optional literature of each individual course can be found in the online course guides of the Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

The courses are scheduled in the third and fourth quarter and starting in the second week of February. The Laboratory Courses are mandatory.

Research project Medical Biology (15EC) – assignment

Hematology (5EC) – digital exam

Pathology (5EC) - digital exam

Clinical Immunology – (5EC):
Clinical Immunology – (3EC) – digital exam
Therapeutic Applications (2EC) – assignment