MSc Program Curriculum

COURSEWORK MODULES

Coursework modules consist of four main units, attended in parallel throughout the 1st Semester. Teaching takes place at both the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and BSRC "Alexander Fleming". MODULE 1: MECHANISMS OF DISEASE (MOD) ● Introduction to basic laboratory and clinical research methodology ● Molecular and cellular mechanisms in:

o Immunological diseases and chronic inflammation o Cancer o Neurodegenerative diseases o Metabolic diseases o Infectious diseases

● Systems biology and the identification of new targets for prevention, diagnosis, and targeted therapy MODULE 2: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES (MCT)

● Biological therapies (molecular, genetic, and cellular)

● Cutting-edge technologies: Genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenetics, and metagenomics

● Biomarkers and companion diagnostics for personalized medicine

● Fundamental principles in Bioinformatics, computational biology, and biostatistics

● Precision medicine: methods, trends, and challenges

● Drug development: from in silico to in vivo

● Orphan drugs and drug repositioning

MODULE 3: BIO-INNOVATION (BI)

● Emerging markets in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors

● Entrepreneurship and innovation: start-ups, spin-offs, and investment funds

● Case studies of successful biomedical innovation

● Advanced biomaterials and nanotechnologies

● Intellectual property and patent lifecycle

● Technology transfer: from academia to industry

● Opportunities and challenges in the era of big data

● Ethical, legal, and social implications of personalized medicine

MODULE 4: TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (TRFS)

● Oral presentations of research results and business ideas

● Writing research grant proposals and business funding plans

● Writing scientific articles and company reports

● Bioethics in science and business

● Good safety practices in laboratory environments​ ​

ADDITIONAL MODULE: JOURNAL CLUBS (JC1) - Group discussions on pioneering scientific literature

Students participate in weekly journal clubs where they:

● Learn to read and present scientific articles

● Discuss methods, conclusions, and scientific impact

● Develop skills in public speaking and scientific debate

Examinations: A main examination period takes place at the end of the 1st semester (January). A second, shorter assessment occurs at the end of the 2nd semester (July).

International Seminars, Journal Clubs and Laboratory Rotations

The second semester expands students’ scientific training through expert-led seminars, advanced journal clubs, and immersive research experience in leading laboratories. 1. INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS (MCT-5): Systems Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinnovation This seminar series offers exposure to a broad range of cutting-edge topics in the biomedical sciences. Lectures are delivered by internationally recognized scientists—many of whom are based abroad or conduct research internationally. Students play an active role in selecting and inviting guest speakers, encouraging direct interaction with leaders in fields such as:

● Molecular and cellular biology

● Translational medicine

● Genomics and personalized medicine

● Bio-innovation and technology transfer

● Systems biology and computational approaches

● Biotechnology and drug development

These seminars broaden students’ perspectives, enhance their understanding of global research trends, and help shape their academic and career aspirations.

2. JOURNAL CLUBS (JC2) - Group discussions on pioneering scientific literature

The second round of journal clubs builds on the foundation developed in Semester 1. These sessions are more student-led and encourage deeper scientific engagement through:

● Critical reading of scientific literature

● Peer presentations and structured group discussions

● Development of independent analytical thinking and communication skills

3. LABORATORY ROTATIONS

Students complete two 3-month research placements in different laboratories (February–April and May–July), either in Greece or abroad, under the supervision of MSc faculty or research collaborators.

During each rotation, students will:

● Learn advanced experimental techniques and workflows

● Practice critical data analysis and scientific reporting

● Collaborate closely with research teams

● Submit a brief Research Proposal at the start and a Final Report at the end (both in English)

These rotations provide valuable hands-on experience and prepare students for their year-long dissertation project in the second year.

MSc DISSERTATION THESIS

During the second year of the program, students focus exclusively on conducting independent research and completing their MSc Dissertation Thesis. This is the culmination of their training and a key step toward professional or academic advancement. PROJECT Students carry out a full-year research project in one of the program’s partner laboratories. Projects are supervised by a three-member Examination Committee, which includes:

● The primary Thesis Supervisor

● Two additional faculty members or research collaborators from the program

The committee monitors the student’s progress throughout the year, ensuring academic rigor and support.

THESIS REQUIREMENTS

● Conduct original research over a 12-month period

● Submit a comprehensive written MSc Dissertation

● Present and defend the research publicly during an open seminar (Diploma Dissertation Oral Presentation)

● Participate in an oral examination by the Examination Committee

THIS RESEARCH PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO:

● Prepare students for PhD programs or advanced scientific roles

● Strengthen critical thinking, technical expertise, and scientific communication

● Provide tangible contributions to current biomedical challenges

STUDENT-ORGANIZED SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE

Each academic year, at the beginning of the 3rd semester, second-year students organize a scientific conference, workshop, or webinar focused on a specific biomedical theme. This event features:

● Guest speakers and keynote lecturers from Greece and abroad

● Student presentations and panel discussions

● Public access, encouraging networking and outreach

Past workshops have been hosted at prestigious venues in Athens, such as:

● Athens Medical School

● NKUA Historical Building

● Technopolis (InnovAthens)

● Serafio – City of Athens

● Online (e.g. 2021 webinar with over 450 global participants)

MSc OPEN DAY

Students also coordinate an annual Open Day webinar to provide information to prospective applicants. The event includes:

● Program overview and structure ● Application guidance ● Live Q&A with current students and faculty

Past events have been well attended and are available for viewing online.

CIVIS EUROPEAN COURSES

Students are encouraged to participate in international academic programs through the CIVIS Alliance of European Universities, which includes 11 partner institutions. More than 100 courses are offered each year and include:

● Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs)

● Summer Schools

● Research collaborations and mobility programs

Travel and participation costs are partially covered by Erasmus+ funding.

CIVIS Courses Organized by the MSc Molecular Biomedicine Program:

1. CIVIS BIP — Experimental Models in Molecular Biomedicine (EMMB) – With Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain

2. CIVIS Summer School — Organoid Models in Immuno-Oncology (ICI-CIVIS) – With Aix-Marseille Université, France

These activities further enhance the international and interdisciplinary profile of the program.