Course content

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms in order to maintain life. Metabolomics is the systematic study of metabolic profiles in biological samples and tissues. It is the newest "omics" science, and a complementary tool to genomics and proteomics in systems biology. The course gives an introduction to the use of metabolomics. The objectives are to give participants knowledge of advanced NMR and MS techniques, including hands-on experience with processing and analysis of such data, used in metabolomics. Theoretical and practical aspects of these methods, including sample preparation, data acquisition, processing and further analysis will be discussed. The course will also cover NMR and MS based metabolomics applied to various types of samples. Requirements and information content, as well as strengths and limitations of metabolomics will be included. The role of metabolomics in biological and medical research as well as clinical use will be illustrated.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should:

• Understand the principles of metabolomics
• Be able to evaluate and apply the appropriate experimental design in a given metabolomics research question (including sample processing, choice of methods and analytical strategies)
• Be able to apply advanced NMR and MS methods in metabolomics experiments
• Be able to analyse and interpret NMR and MS data
• Be able to critically evaluate metabolomics results and publications
• Be able to write a review paper at international publication level about a chosen topic within metabolomics

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, teamwork with relevant scientific papers and hands-on exercises. A minimum of 4 students required to conduct the course. The course will be held as an intensive course, 6 full days over two weeks. These weeks will either take place subsequently or be arranged a couple of weeks apart. The following activities will take place: - lectures (32 hours) - hands-on exercises (teamwork). Written reports/summaries from the exercises/teamwork will be requested(10 hours) - laboratory exercises (16 hours) - self-study (130 hours) - take-home exam. Participation in lectures, exercises and lab is obligatory, and a prerequisite to be allowed to complete the take-home exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Lab
• Lectures

Recommended previous knowledge

Some basic experience in practical/theoretical high resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR/MRS), gas/liquid chromatography (GC/LC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Required previous knowledge

Master's Degree or similar. Medical students at the Student Research Programme. Candidates with a lower degree will be assessed individually.

Course materials

Course materials will be posted on the online course space Blackboard.