At the end of the course you are able to:

• describe general molecular and cellular principles of biotechnology
• describe the application of biotechnology to prevent, diagnose or treat human disease
• identify recent developments in medical biotechnology
• design new strategies to use medical biotechnology in clinical practice
• recognize and evaluate ethical, regulatory and societal aspects of biotechnology in medicine
• work and collaborate effectively in a group
• effectively communicate scientific information orally and in writing

Medical biotechnology is the application of living cells or cell material in the development or generation of products to prevent, diagnose or treat human disease. Historical examples of biotechnology in support of medicine are the development of vaccines against smallpox and the production of antibiotics or human insulin by bacteria or yeast. Exciting 21^st century developments are genetic engineering, gene therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Medical biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field integrating knowledge obtained in molecular, cell biological, genetic and immunological scientific areas.

Through this course, you will obtain an overview of how interdisciplinary efforts help shaping modern healthcare by developing biotechnological diagnostics and therapeutics for precision medicine. Principles and concepts of medical biotechnology will be discussed in a scientific and societal context, including ethical and legal considerations. Together with fellow-students you will use this knowledge and write a medical biotechnological research proposal and present this during a mini-symposium. Medical Biotechnology towards Clinical Practice presents an excellent foundation for students interested in molecular life sciences in relation to modern clinical practice.