Free course on DNA - From Structure to Therapy By Dr. rer. nat. habil. Susanne Illenberger and Prof. DPhil. Sebastian Springer



About this course :

This course explains one of the key molecules in life: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). DNA stores the genetic information in all living cells. The sequence of its building blocks defines both individual identity and species diversity. Changes in DNA can lead to cancer and other diseases. DNA-based technology is now used to detect and treat diseases.

Course Structure

The course will be organized into 14 units of approx. 15 min each. The units will follow a common scheme with a short introductory sequence that discusses the importance of the topic covered. The main part of the lecture will have molecular models, power point animations, live drawings, and short lecture video sequences. At the end of each unit, we will provide a question catalogue and links to supporting material. Immediate self testing will be possible through multiple choice questions and interactive tasks. As homework, students will work on "open questions" in student-centered discussion groups. Open questions are based on but not restricted to the material covered in the course, and students will be encouraged to do their own reading to answer them.
The fourteen units comprise the following topics:
  • 1. How DNA is present in everyday life (DNA History I)
  • 2. DNA History II
  • 3. The structure and properties of DNA – DNA fingerprint
  • 4. Replication – the copying of DNA
  • 5. From DNA to Protein I - Transcription of Genes
  • 6. From DNA to Protein II - RNA processing
  • 7. From DNA to Protein III – translating the genetic code
  • 8. Methods I – making Genes visible
  • 9. Methods II – amplifying Genes
  • 10. Introduction to Genetic Diseases - Cancer
  • 11. Consequences of Mutations
  • 12. How to repair mutations?
  • 13. Muscular Dystrophies - when muscles die
  • 14. Stem Cell Therapies – replacing defective cells
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to answer the following questions after completing the course:
  • 1. Why and how has DNA become one of the most powerful tools in research?
  • 2. What exactly does gene therapy mean?
  • 3. Why is it so hard to find a cure for cancer?
  • 4. For which diseases may DNA-based technology help developing a therapy?
  • 5. What are potentials and risks in gene-based medicine?
Prior Knowledge
Participants that possess an interest in modern biomedical research will be able to grasp the key concepts without strong background knowledge. In order to pass the final exam, though, high school level knowledge in chemistry and biology will be advantageous when we draw chemical structures or address cell biological questions.

Course instructors

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Dr. rer. nat. habil. Susanne Illenberger
University Lecturer of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Jacobs University Bremen
Susanne Illenberger has been teaching biochemistry and cell biology at the School of Engineering and Science at Jacobs University Bremen since 2007. She completed her studies of biology at the University of Hannover, Germany in 1992. From 1993-1996, she continued as a PhD in biology in Hamburg, followed by an occupation as a postdoctoral fellow at the Max-Planck-Unit for Structural Molecular Biology at DESY, Hamburg. Between 1998 and 2003, she worked as a scientific assistant at Technical University of Braunschweig, where she received her habilitation and a teaching permission in cell biology and was a private lecturer until 2007.
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Dr. rer. nat. habil. Susanne Illenberger
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Prof. DPhil. Sebastian Springer
Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Jacobs University Bremen
Sebastian Springer’s experimental work is dedicated to the molecular mechanism of antiviral immune response in mammals. In particular, he focuses on the intracellular transport of membrane proteins. He started studying biochemistry in Tübingen in 1985 and graduated with a diploma in 1992. Between 1996 and 2001, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2001, Springer became associate professor of biochemistry and cell biology at Jacobs University Bremen.
Find more information about Prof. Springer’s research and publications on: