As Organ-on-Chip Centre Twente we are involved in several education activities. Would you like to know more about these courses or collaborate on a (new) educational acitivity, please reach out to us.
In our education we practice the following strategic key points:
- Fostering interdisciplinary learning and research for students to address innovative societal solutions.
- Highlighting academic excellence as a collaborative effort.
- Ensuring students have advanced support and facilities to enhance education and research impact.
MSc courses
In the English Masters programme Biomedical Engineering organ-on-chip theory and practice is addressed in the several courses. Also, there are courses within (other) Masters programme's that address technologies relevant voor organ-on-chip innovation and translation.
- Microphysiological Systems (5 EC)
In the elective course Microphysiological Systems (MPS) we address the development of physiologically realistic model systems. The focus is on Organ-on-Chip platforms that include liver, brain, kidney, heart, lung, and joint tissues, and how key organ functions can be emulated. In addition, we discuss technologies for designing and validating MPS, such as in vitro and in silico models, organ/tissue interactions, and the future of MPS technology. The course includes workshops and a business case development.
- Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (5 EC)
This elective course teaches human anatomy and (patho-)physiology, such as structure and function of major organs (liver, lungs, kidney, musculoskeletal system, heart), and their interactions. Also, we explore the advances in healthcare: exploration of complex diseases, medical advancements, in vitro models such as Organs-on-Chips, and regenerative approaches improving treatment outcomes.
- Biomedical Materials Engineering (5 EC)
In this elective course biomaterials in regenerative medicine is discussed. This teaches the fundamentals of regulation, processing, surface modification, and analysis of biomaterials. In addition, we discuss strategies for tissue repair and regeneration. We focus on scaffold design, biocompatibility, and biomaterials' role in tissue regeneration, hereby preparing students for innovative research in regenerative medicine.
- Tissue Engineering (5 EC)
The course ‘Tissue Engineering’ provides students with both basic knowledge as well as state-of-the-art examples of the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in particular. The course consists of lectures that will cover all essential Tissue Engineering topics as well as a practical laboratory assignment. Topics addressed are cells source (stem cell vs mature cell), extracellular matrix (natural and engineered), growth factors (tissue formation and controlled release), construct vascularization (methods and approaches), types of tissue engineering (Top-down vs Bottom-up), and advanced enabling technologies (microtechnology and 3D bioprinting).
- Lab on a Chip (5 EC) [MSc Electrical Engineering]
In this course several problems are offered to the students, who will learn about the principles of fluidics and molecular transport at the micro- and nanoscale, microfabrication, chip-based systems for cell studies, on-chip detection methods and on-chip separation methods.
BSc courses
- Applied Cell Biology in the Dutch bachelor Biomedische Technologie / Biomedical Technology (4 EC) and the Dutch bachelor Technische Geneeskunde / Technical Medicine (2 EC): The theoretical and practical background of cell culture, stem cells, regulation of stem cell differentiation and genetic variation.
- Lab-on-a-Chip Minor (15 EC) in the English Electrical Engineering: Develop a real-life Lab on a Chip system, in this development making the full design circle (design, build, and measure) to solve a real-life measurement problem using Lab on a Chip technology.
Internships and research projects
At the University of Twente you can perform your Bachelor or Master internship on Organ-on-Chip research in one of the groups at Univerity of Twente.
- Bachelor internship or research project.
- Master thesis internship or research project.
- Hbo bachelor internship for 5-6 months.
Pre-university
With the UT Pre-University programme we collaborate on a regular basis in hosting high school students in our university and labs to inspire them with our current organ-on-chip research. The high school students will work on a OoC model and study other OoC devices in the student labs.
Summer schools
In 2024, the OoCCT has collaborated with the LymphChip project in organizing a summer school at the University of Twente for young researchers active in the LymphChip and SMART-OoC consortia, featuring workshops on career development, business development, academic writing and scientific illustrations.