Glyco e-learning course: From basic to applied Glycobiology (Postgraduate Programme)

Main Scientific Domain

Life Sciences

Other Scientific Domain

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Educational Sciences

Course Coordinator

Paula Videira

Short description

Glycobiology is a primary field of interest for biomolecular and medical research and applications. It studies the structure, function and biology of glycans, one of the most abundant and functionally complex biomolecules in every cell and organism. Supported by carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry, glycobiology is expanding and becoming an essential extension of modern molecular biology and medicine.

This course will demonstrate how this field provides solutions and tools for demanding health problems by presenting basic concepts and the paths to translational glycobiology in academia, industry and/or patient advocacy.

Course overview

The course consists of eight sequential, complementary units during one semester, after working hours and asynchronous. Each unit includes online lectures, reading, exercises, online assignments, and discussion forums to improve the learning of the various topics. The estimated time requirements are 224 hours in total and 28 hours per unit. In addition, it includes tutorials of the e-Learning platform and user support by the e-Learning laboratory of the FCT NOVA to maximise their interactivity and learning outcomes

The diploma will be attributed to students that have completed all eight curricular units. Yet, the course allows participants to enrol and complete only specific curricular units, according to their interests, where they will obtain specific certificates.

Syllabus

The course is constituted of 8 curricular units:
1: Fundamentals of carbohydrates. General overview of the principal classes of human carbohydrates, the basic concepts of glycan biosynthesis and glycan-binding proteins.
2: Glycans in human physiological mechanisms. Mechanisms involving glycans that coordinate the function of different organ systems and glycan-protein interactions.
3: Glycans in Cancer. Roles and complexity of glycan altered biosynthesis in cancer, diagnostic and/or therapeutic significance.
4: Methods in Glycosciences. Modern methodologies to identify, synthesise and understand the biological function of glycans.
5: Applications of Glycosciences. Overview and practical examples of business models used by recent pharmaceuticals and suppliers for glycobiotechnology.
6. Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation. Mechanisms, current methods for diagnosis and treatment and the role of families and patients' associations in raising awareness.
7. Human/people/centred Research and Drug Development. Major aspects of the drug discovery, product registration and approval process with emphasis on the participation of patients advocates.
8. Project in Glycosciences. Research/ academic or entrepreneur project in the field of Glycosciences.

Objectives

To provide an easy-to-understand, concise, and current overview of Glycosciences' fundamental facts, concepts, and novel research methodologies.
To encourage and diversify research in the field by revealing the complex involvement of glycans in distinct human-related physiological/pathological conditions.
To broaden the cadre of researchers that sustain and advance the application of Glycosciences to the improvement of human health.

Target Audience

Pre-and post-doctoral scientists, physicians, business employees, and educators that wish to build and complement their knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, with emphasis on Glycobiology applications. It also invites patient advocates interested in furthering their understanding of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation and Human/people/centred Research and Drug Development, and also the other topics here included. Its e-learning format will reach and join a broader international community that will enrichen the course discussion.

Admission rules

First Degree, Master or PhD in related scientific areas. Or holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum, recognized by the Scientific Committee of the Course as capable to carry out this training.

Ranking

• Academic, scientific or professional curriculum;
• Motivation letter
• Eventual interview.

Coordination

Paula Videira / Life Sciences Department

Professora Associada do Departamento de Ciências da Vida. Investigador Principal do grupo de investigação em Glicoimunologia da UCIBIO desde 2015. Licenciou-se em Bioquímica na Universidade de Coimbra e doutorou-se em Biotecnologia em 2002 na Universidade de Lisboa. Premiada e financiada a nível nacional e internacional: Prémios Fundação Portuguesa de Ciência, Universidade de Bolonha 2007, EMBO 2011, Fulbright Commission 2013 Harvard Institutes, Santander-NOVA 2013, Bluepharma 2014 e Tagus Tank 2019. Lidera equipes multidisciplinares como PI ou como comité de Direção (GlycoCan -EU 676421). Membro da UE: projetos CarboMet (Grupo Europeu de Usuários de Glicociência), MetabERN, NanoCarb, EuroGlycoforum, COST Action Proteostasis e InovafunAgeing. Membro das sociedades internacionais de imunologia e glicobiologia (AAI, SFG). Autora de mais de 78 publicações internacionais com revisão por pares em periódicos de alto impacto (98% > Q1), 4 patentes, 2 livros, vários capítulos de livros e posteres. Frequentemente convidada como oradora principal, organiza reuniões internacionais e nacionais e participa como júri/revisora em convocatórias e revistas científicas internacionais. Orientou 10 alunos de doutoramento (+5 em curso), 5 bolseiros de pós-doutoramento (+3 em curso) e alunos de mestrado e licenciatura. Os seus principais objetivos de pesquisa são identificar novos alvos terapêuticos de glicanos e integrar esse conhecimento no desenvolvimento de terapias e métodos de diagnóstico inovadores. 

Other Departaments involved

• Department of Applied Social Sciences
  
• Department of Chemistry

 Collaborations

• UCIBIO
• The Portuguese Association for CDG (APCDG)
• CDG&Allies
• GLYCOTwinning

Evaluation

Online assessment