Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB)

Course Catalog

Students should familiarize themselves with ILIAS (for Scientific Integrity and other courses) and CTS/KSL where you will register for courses and see your coursework that will be included in your diploma supplement. Mandatory for PhD Program 6.0 ECTS of scientifically oriented courses (31 ECTS for MD-PhD), which includes 3.0 ECTS acquired with lecture courses or book clubs that include a graded exam with marks, and that provide the candidate with new knowledge relevant to the research project. Suggested lectures and courses for PhD candidates are listed below, and are offered by the programs indicated. Upon request it is also possible to select other lectures, courses, seminars, or summer schools. ECTS of courses marked with an asterisk (*) will not count for the mandatory 6.0 ECTS. CTS/KSL Root numbers refer to the electronic index of lectures «Core Teaching System» (CTS/KSL) of the University of Bern (see link at bottom of page).

Biochemistry

Biochemistry
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry – From Target to Drug CTS/KSL 3456 Spring
1.5
Chemistry
Applied MS Spectroscopy CTS/KSL 406196 Spring
1.5
Chemistry
Basic Medicinal Chemistry – Principles of Drug Action CTS/KSL 3021 Fall
1.5
Chemistry
Chemical Biology
CTS/KSL 3462 Spring
3.0
Chemistry
Chemical Modification of Proteins
CTS/KSL 10610 Fall
1.5
Chemistry
Enzyme Mechanisms and Enzyme Models
CTS/KSL 3455 Spring
3.0
Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
CTS/KSL 3461 Spring
3.0
Chemistry
Lipid biology, a major research target of the post-genomic era
CTS/KSL 9577 Spring
every 4th semester
1.5
BSc Biochemistry
Module in Metabolomics CTS/KSL 431383 Fall
1.5
GCB
Omics: From Genomes to Metabolomes
CTS/KSL 2216 Fall
3.0
MLS
«Omics»: Practical introduction to genomics and transcriptomics
CTS/KSL 2217 Spring
2.5
MLS
Synthesis of Natural Products CTS/KSL 24820 Fall
3.0
Chemistry
The Human Genome and Proteome
CTS/KSL 3049 Spring
every 4th semester
135
Biochemistry

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering
Course Title
Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Basics in Physiology for Biomedical Engineering
CTS/KSL 415060 Fall
3.0 
Biomed Engineering
Basics of Applied Molecular Biology (for Engineers)
CTS/KSL 417151 Fall
1.0
Biomed Engineering
Biological Principles of Human Medicine
Basic course for bioengineers, not for biologists		 CTS/KSL 101578 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
(Bio)Materials
CTS/KSL 101701 Spring
5.0
Biomed Engineering
Biomedical Acoustics
CTS/KSL 101589 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Biomedical Instrumentation CTS/KSL 101592 Fall
5.0
Biomed Engineering
C++ Programming I
CTS/KSL 394661 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
C++ Programming II
CTS/KSL 414078 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Cardiovascular Technology CTS/KSL 407234 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Computer Assisted Surgery CTS/KSL 399082 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Continuum Mechanics CTS/KSL 399219 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Engineering Mechanics CTS/KSL 101450 Fall
6.0
Biomed Engineering
Ethics in Biomedical Engineering CTS/KSL 407221 Fall
2.0
Biomed Engineering
Finite Element Analysis I CTS/KSL 102186 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Finite Element Analysis II CTS/KSL 101627 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Fluid Mechanics
CTS/KSL 399221 Spring
4.0
Biomed Engineering
Functional Anatomy of the Locomotor Apparatus
Lecture & Practical		 CTS/KSL 102187 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Image-Guided Therapy Lab CTS/KSL 103685 Spring
2.0
Biomed Engineering
Intelligent Implants and Surgical Instruments CTS/KSL 101638 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Introduction to Medical Statistics
CTS/KSL 102190 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Introductory Anatomy and Histology for Biomedical Engineers
CTS/KSL 407235 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Medical Image Analysis CTS/KSL 101702 Fall
5.0
Biomed Engineering
Medical Image Analysis Lab
CTS/KSL 102475 Fall
4.0
Biomed Engineering
Medical Robotics CTS/KSL 102193 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Microsystems Engineering
CTS/KSL 102195 Spring
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Numerical Methods CTS/KSL 101707 Fall
5.0
Biomed Engineering
Ophthalmic Technologies CTS/KSL 104463 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Osteology CTS/KSL 101708 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Principles of Medical Imaging CTS/KSL 130402 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Regulatory Affairs and Patents CTS/KSL 102196 Spring
4.0
Biomed Engineering
Rehabilitation Technology CTS/KSL 102197 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Technology and Diabetes Management CTS/KSL 101722 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Tissue Biomechanics CTS/KSL 400341 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Tissue Biomechanics Lab CTS/KSL 400364 Fall
2.0
Biomed Engineering
Tissue Engineering
CTS/KSL 101724 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering

Biomedicine

Biomedicine
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Basics in Physiology for Biomedical Engineering 
CTS/KSL 415060 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Basics of Applied Molecular Biology (for Engineers)
 CTS/KSL 417151 Fall
1.0
Biomed Engineering
Biological Principles of Human Medicine
Basic course for bioengineers, not for biologists		 CTS/KSL 101578 Fall
3.0
Biomed Engineering
Blood CTS/KSL 431736
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Fall Course - Registration in August

 Fall 2.0 Biomed Sciences
Cell Migration
 CTS/KSL 102642

 
Fall		  2.0
GCB
Cellular and Molecular Immunology CTS/KSL 3809 Fall
3.0
MLS
Central Nervous System (CNS)
 CTS/KSL Nr. 431779
Registration:Tabea Ruegge

Fall Course - Registration in August

 Fall
1.75
Biomed Sciences
Colloquium on Host-Pathogen Interactions CTS/KSL 2221 special schedule
4.0
MLS
Comparative Pathology
 GCB Fee: 800CHF 19.10-22.10.2020
 1.5
Vetsuisse Faculty
Concepts and Methods in Programmed Cell Death and Autophagy
Training Course		 CTS/KSL 8512 bi-annually,
in even years		 1.0
with evaluation		 GCB
Cytogenetic Diagnostics – Practical Course CTS/KSL Nr. 439383
Registration: aldona.pienkowska@vetsuisse.unibe.ch		  Fall  2.0 GCB
Endocrinology
CTS/KSL Nr. 431795
Registration:Tabea Ruegge

Spring course - Registration in November

 Spring
2.0
Biomed Sciences
Evolution of Adaptive Mechanisms in Vertebrates – Physiology, Behaviour and Implications for Health and Welfare
GCB special schedule
3.0
GCB
«Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Cardiac Contractile Force» (book by Donald M. Bers) E. Niggli
Registration required:
niggli@pyl.unibe.ch		 20 x 2 h,
special schedule
 3.0
GCB
Gastrointestinal Tract
CTS/KSL NR. 431793
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Spring course - Registration in November

 Spring
 2.0
Biomed Sciences
Heart
CTS/KSL Nr. 431732
Registration: tabea.ruegge@unibe.ch

Fall Course - Registration in August

 Fall
3.75
Biomed Sciences
Human-animal interactions: Impacts on animal welfare and behaviour
PhD Symposium		 Vetsuisse Bern, Division of Animal Welfare Spring;
annually, 1 day		 0.5
with presentation		 GCB
Introduction to Radiopharmaceutical Science KSL Root Nr. 468924  Spring 2.5 GCB
Kidney
CTS/KSL Nr. 431778
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Fall Course - Registration in August

 Fall
2.0
Biomed Sciences
Liver
CTS/KSL Nr. 431794
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Spring course - Registration in November

 Spring
2.0
Biomed Sciences
Lung
CTS/KSL Nr. 431798
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Spring course - Registration in November

 Spring
1.0
Biomed Sciences
Pharmacology
CTS/KSL Nr. 431782
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Fall Course - Registration in August

 

 Fall
1.5
Biomed Sciences
Physiologie für Studierende der Pharmazie (2. Jahr) und Veterinärmedizin (1. Jahr) CTS/KSL 11066 Fall
4.0
BSc Pharmacy
Skin and CT
CTS/KSL Nr. 431796
Registration: Tabea Ruegge

Spring course - Registration in November

 Spring
1.0
Biomed Sciences
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Lecture CTS/KSL 11474
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine 		Spring
2.0
GCB
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Students' Retreat
CTS/KSL 469341

 

 Fall
0.5
with presentation		 SCRM
Topics in Tumor Biology
CTS/KSL 102643
 		 Spring

Registration Deadline: December 31

 3.0
GCB
Translational Cancer Research: Crosstalk in Academic, Clinical and Pharmaceutical Cancer Research: Willing to improve?… CTS/KSL Nr. 409748
Information: GCB		 Spring
3.0
GCB
 Vascular Cell Biology
(only for GCB students)
 CTS/KSL 103079

 

 

 Spring  2.0  GCB

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by

Annual Meeting of the Cardiovascular Research Cluster (CVRC) Bern
Registration both with CRVC 

maria.arnold@dbmr.unibe.ch; Sarah.HenningLongnus@insel.ch; katja.odening@unibe.ch

 (to organize presentation agenda) and KSL (to recognize ECTS and attendance)

Note: the KSL Root Nr.* will change annually so students can achieve recognition for each attendance. This is a CTS/KSL system requirement.

 

 KSL Root Nr. 481115-FS2023-0* (with presentation & ECTS)

or

KSL Root Nr. 481115-FS2023-1* (no presentation, 0 ECTS)

 Spring
0.5
or
0.0
 CVRC
Techniques in Cardiovascular Research
 CTS/KSL Nr. 487286 Spring  3.0  CVRC
Cardiovascular physiology and electrophysiology Book Lecture CTS/KSL Nr. 481180 Spring
0.05 or
1.0
 CVRC
CVD Program Monthly Meeting CTS/KLS Nr. 481915 Spring/Fall 0.5 CVRC
Journal Club - Cardiac Surgery Lab CTS/KSL Nr. 482647 Monthly 0.5 CVRC
Vascular Cell Biology (only for GCB students) Limited space. Waiting List possible.

Requirements:
1. Listed as Mandatory on GCB Doctoral Agreement
2. Supervisor confirmation course will be paid by Supervisor Institute in case of late cancellation

 CTS/KSL Nr. 103079 Spring 2.0 GCB
Heart CTS/KSL Nr. 431732
Registration: tabea.ruegge@unibe.ch

Fall Course - Registration in August

 Fall 3.75 Biomedical Sciences

Cardiovascular Technology

 CTS/KSL 407234 Fall 3.0 Biomedical Engineering

Cutting Edge Microscopy

The PhD programm Cutting Edge microscopy (CEM) is a specialization program for PhD students of the Medical Faculty, the Science Faculty or the Vetsuisse Faculty. It is offered by the Microscopy Imaging Center of the University of Bern (MIC) and should be started at or soon after enrollment in the GCB. The MIC also offers a lecture series, workshops and training courses on many aspects of microscopy. ECTS can be acquired through successful participation in the lecture series and workshops. In contrast, training courses are designed for all research employees of the University of Bern. Only CEM PhD students can acquire ECTS through a separate examination.

 

Microscopy
Course Category Additional Information
Lecture Series on Advanced Microscopy link to: https://www.mic.unibe.ch/studies/lecture_series_on_advanced_microscopy/
MIC Workshops
 link to: https://www.mic.unibe.ch/studies/mic_workshops/

 
Cutting Edge Microscopy – a PhD specialization program

links to: https://www.mic.unibe.ch/phd_program/phd_program_cutting_edge_microscopy/

 

 
MIC trainings link to: https://www.mic.unibe.ch/services/mic_trainings/

 

 

Epidemiology

Epidemiology
Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
ISPM TBA 3.0
with exam		 ISPM
ISPM Tue 14:30-15:30,
special schedule, once a month		 1.5,
with report: 2.0		 ISPM
ISPM special schedule 3.0
with exam		 ISPM
PHS special schedule, annually

Immunology/Microbiology

Immunology/Microbiology
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Allgemeine Biologie pathogener Mikroorganismen.
A: Bakteriologischer Teil		 CTS/KSL 2793 Fall
3.0
BSc Biology
Allgemeine Biologie pathogener Mikroorganismen.
B: Virologischer Teil		 CTS/KSL 2794 Spring
3.0
BSc Biology
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and One Health: From the Plate to the Bedside CTS/KSL 446839 Fall 3.0 GCB
Cellular and Molecular Immunology lecture CTS/KSL 3809 Fall
3.0
MLS
Colloquium on Host-Pathogen Interactions CTS/KSL 2221 special schedule
4.0
MLS
Immunology – Book club tutorial
«Cellular and Molecular Immunology» by Abul K. Abbas		 GCB Spring & Fall 3.0
GCB
International Summer School on
Inflammation, Immunomodulation, Inspiration
Institute of Pharmacology


 Summer
1.0
with presentation;
awarded once per student		 GCB
Klinische Mikrobiologie tierischer und zoonotischer Erreger.
B: Virologischer Teil		 CTS/KSL 2803 Spring
3.0
BSc Biology
Klinische Mikrobiologie und Infektiologie I
für Pharmaziestudierende		 CTS/KSL 11065 Fall
3.0
BSc Pharmacy
Klinische Mikrobiologie und Infektiologie II
für Pharmaziestudierende		 CTS/KSL 102227 Spring
3.0
BSc Pharmacy
Medizinische Parasitologie und tropische Parasitosen CTS/KSL 2804 Fall
3.0
BSc Biology
Molecular Biology of Inflammation
CTS/KSL 4537 Spring
3.0
MLS
Molecular Parasitology
CTS/KSL 2806 Spring
3.0
BSc Biology
Pathogenesis and Evolution of Infectious Diseases CTS/KSL 4542 Fall
3.0
MLS
Selected Topics in Clinical Immunology
CTS/KSL 4540 Spring
3.0
MLS

Methodology/Biostatistics

Methodology/Biostatistics
Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics special schedules
  SIB
MSc Program in Bioinformatics
and Computational Biology		 special schedules   Bioinformatics
CTS/KSL 102642

Cell Migration – Practical Course (PDF, 131KB)

 Fall 2.0
GCB
CTS / KSL 11469

ISPM

 Wednesday or Thursday, 12.30-14.00, monthly  3.0 (with exam) ISPM (information & registration: Melissa Nef, with Cc to Marcel Zwahlen

melissa.nef@ispm.unibe.ch;marcel.zwahlen@ispm.unibe.ch
 KSL Nr. 468702

 

  HS  0 to 2.0
 DBMR
FACSLab special schedule
2.0
DBMR & GCB

Please note: there is a fee for this course (more information: Prof. Dr. phil. nat. Stefan Müller stefan.mueller@dbmr.unibe.ch). 

Beginning 01.01.2024, The GCB will pay 50% of the fee for GCB students who include this as mandatory on their doctoral agreements.
Institute of Laboratory Animal Science,
University of Zurich		 special schedules
2.0
Institute of Laboratory Animal Science,
University of Zurich
MIC
registration mandatory: CTS/KSL 9256		 Fall
3.0
MIC
GCB November
1.5
MIC
MIC special schedules
  MIC
Microsurgery Course website special schedule
1.0
DBMR
LS2 Website bi-annually
 1.0
LS2 & IGE
GCB Fall
special schedule 
1.0
with exam		 GCB
GCB special schedule
1.0
with presentation		 Vetsuisse Bern
MIC August
2.5
MIC
CTS/KSL 103079

Vascular Cell Biology - Practical Course (PDF, 142KB)

 Spring 2.0
GCB

Molecular & Cell Biology

Molecular & Cell Biology
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Beyond genetic inheritance: Epigenetic gene regulation,
chromatin structure and nuclear organization		 CTS/KSL Nr. 27339 Spring
3.0
MLS
Blood STUDMED (PDF, p. 2 & 3)
CTS/KSL Nr. 431736
Registration: ruegge@pyl.unibe.ch		 Fall
2.0
Biomed Sciences
Cell Migration
Limited to 6 participants. Waiting List possible.

Requirements:
1. Listed as Mandatory on GCB Docoral Agreement
2. Supervisor confirmation course will be paid by Supervisor Institute in case of late cancelation

 CTS/KSL Nr. 102642

Cell Migration – Practical Course, program, registration, information

 Fall 2.0
GCB
Cellular and Genetic Networks CTS/KSL Nr. 11470 Spring
3.0
MLS
Concepts and Methods in Programmed Cell Death and Autophagy
Training Course		 CTS/KSL Nr. 8512 bi-annually
in even years		 1.0
with evaluation		 GCB
DNA Sequencing and Variant Analysis: Basics of Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing
 CTS/KSL Nr. 26980 November
2.0
GCB
Dynamics of Cellular Contacts: Cell adhesion and motility
CTS/KSL Nr. 2222 Fall
3.0
MLS
Genomics of Microorganisms CTS/KSL Nr. 405520 Spring 2nd half
1.5
MLS
Happy Cell – Book Club
«Molecular Biology of the Cell» by Bruce Alberts et al.		 CTS/ KSL Nr. 7606 Spring & Fall
5.0
GCB
Molecular Genetics of Model Organism Development
together with University of Fribourg		 CTS/KSL Nr. 4582 Fall
3.0
MLS
Molecular Life Sciences Journal Club CTS/KSL Nr. 11502 Fall/Spring
every 2nd week		 2.0
MLS
Principles of Nucleic Acids CTS/KSL Nr. 3019 Fall
1.5
Chemistry
RNA Biology I CTS/KSL Nr. 412058 Fall
3.0
MLS
RNA Biology II CTS/KSL Nr. 412073 Fall
3.0
MLS
Selected Topics of Cell Biology
Lecture & Seminar Series		 IRB Bellinzona special schedule
3.0
IRB
Vascular Cell Biology (only for GCB students) Limited space. Waiting List possible.

Requirements:
1. Listed as Mandatory on GCB Doctoral Agreement
2. Supervisor confirmation course will be paid by Supervisor Institute in case of late cancellation

 CTS/KSL Nr. 103079 Spring  2.0  GCB

Neuroscience

Neuroscience
Course Title
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
BENEFRI Neuroscience Program
Neuroanatomy/Neurohistology/Neuroembryology BENEFRI   4.0
BENEFRI
Neurobiochemistry/Neurophysiology
BENEFRI   4.0
BENEFRI
BENESCO Lecture Series on Signal Analysis and Brain Oscillation in Health and Disease
Inselspital Fall/Spring
2.0
Dept. of Neurology
BENESCO Winter Research Meeting Registration:
simone.duss@insel.ch		 Spring
  BENESCO
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Registration:
tabea.ruegge@unibe.ch 

Fall course - Register in August

 Fall
1.75
Biomed Sciences
Colloquium in Neuro- and Developmental Biology
CTS/KSL 25847, 25848 and 25849 Spring
1.5 or 1.0
per module		 MLS
Disease & Repair in the CNS CTS/KSL 27340 Spring
1.5
MLS
Neurogenetics
together with University of Fribourg		 CTS/KSL 25469 Fall
3.0
MLS

Seminars/Journal Clubs at Various Institutions

Seminars/Journal Clubs at Various Institutions
Seminar/Journal Club
 Additional Information
Term
ECTS
Offered by
Bern Immunology Club
Bern Immunology Club special schedules
  BIC
Biochemistry Seminars
DCB special schedules
 
 DCB
Bone Biology and Orthopaedic Research. Progress Reports
DBMR special schedule
  DBMR
Cell Biology Seminar
ICB special schedules
  ICB
Classical Papers in Public Health – Journal Club/Seminar
ISPM special schedule 1.0
ISPM
Coursera*
Coursera partners with more than 200 leading universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. We offer a range of learning opportunities—from hands-on projects and courses to job-ready certificates and degree programs.
*Courses for ECTS only when approved by PhD Thesis Committee and GCB Coordinator via your signed GCB Doctoral Agreement		 online according to course by pre-approval
 Collaborative Effort
DBMR Progress Report
DBMR To Be Announced
  DBMR
Infectious Disease Dynamics – Journal Club/Seminar
ISPM special schedule
  ISPM
Inflammation and Cell Trafficking Journal Club
TKI special schedule
  TKI
Lung and Respiratory Journal Club - novel approach to a journal club
Registration CTS/KSL Root Nr. 479239		 DBMR Monthly, 1st Monday
 1.0 DBMR
NCCR RNA and Disease Seminar Series
NCCR RNA and Disease special schedules
  NCCR
Paediatric Epidemiology – Journal Club
ISPM special schedule
  ISPM
Pharmacology Seminars Institute of Pharmacology Wed 12:15-13:15
  PKI
Seminar: Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare
Vetsuisse Bern,
Division of Animal Welfare		 Thur 16:00

bi-weekly

   Animal Welfare
Spatial Epidemiology – Journal Club/Seminar
ISPM special schedule
1.0
special cond.		 ISPM
Stem Cell Lunch Seminar
SCRM special schedules
 
 SCRM
UniBE Cluster for Cardiovascular Research
DBMR special schedules
  DBMR

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills
Course Title
   Additional Information Term ECTS Offered by
English Courses* Academic
English Services		 special schedules 0.0 Academic
English Services
Presenting with Confidence* CTS/KSL 425946

 

 special schedule, usually Spring
0.5 GCB
Scientific Communications for PhD Students CTS/KSL 420465

 

 special schedule 2.0 GCB
Scientific Integrity
mandatory for all GCB candidates		 CTS/KSL Nr. 482686

 

 every semester until otherwise informed 0.0 University of Bern
Communicating Science - Scientific Writing Course
*free of charge for GCB PhD candidates


 CTS/KSL 473600-1

 

 

 

 special schedule 1.5*

*note: GCB students must register in KSL for the "-1" course that grants 1.5 ECTS.

 GCB
Systematic literature searching for health and biomedical scientists: clinical databases* CTS/KSL 467116 special schedule
next TBD
  0.5
  GHS/GCB