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, 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

The aim of the course is to provide a thorough introduction to the principals of metabolomics, range of applications, choice of methods and design of experiments, including requirements and limitations. The course will also give the students in depth knowledge and practical skills of specific applications, including use of data tools for analysis.

More specific:
NMR theory with particular attention on experiments used in metabolomics : 1D/2D NMR, High resolution magic angle spinning MRS (HR MAS MRS), water suppression, CPMG spectra, J-resolved spectra.

MS theory with particular attention on experiments used in metabolomics: GC and LC, Ionisation techniques, Mass spectrometer instrumentation for qualitative and quantitative analyses,

Data processing.
Identification of metabolites and biomarkers.
Multivariate analysis.

Metabolomics:
”Omics” techniques in general, and the importance of metabolomics,
Sample preparation, Metabolomics of body fluids, tissue and cells.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, teamwork with relevant scientific papers and hands-on exercises. The course will be arranged with a minimum of 4 students.

The course will be held as an intensive course, 6 fully days distributed on two weeks. These weeks will either take place subsequently or be arranged a couple of weeks apart. 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)
- home exam

Participation in lectures, exercises and lab is obligatory, and a prerequisite to be allowed to deliver the home exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Lectures
• Lab
• Exercises

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

Teaching material will be found at It's learning.