VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

376-0009-00L 6 Credits BSC D-HEST , D-BIOL

Molecular and Cell Biology in Health and Disease

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ori Bar-Nur, Dr. Natasa Savic
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:48:44

Abstract

This course examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human diseases, with an emphasis on genetic, epigenetic and metabolic aspects of disease states.

Objective

The course aims to equip students with a mechanistic understanding of health and disease by linking molecular and cellular processes to tissue / organ dysfunction and clinical phenotypes. Students will explore how genetic, epigenetic and signaling perturbations disrupt development, homeostasis and regeneration, leading to pathology. Furthermore, they will learn how modern diagnostics and advanced therapies (i.e. genome engineering, gene and stem cell therapies, and more), as well as artificial intelligence, are applied to disease analysis and therapeutics. Overall, the course bridges fundamental biology and clinical relevance, preparing students to think mechanistically about disease and medicine. Selected objectives: • Explain health and disease through molecular and cellular mechanisms, (not disease memorization) • Link DNA, RNA, protein, and signalling defects to tissue and organ dysfunction • Distinguish developmental vs adult-onset genetic diseases and explain therapeutic limits of developmental diseases • Analyse epigenetic regulation, imprinting, and gene dosage effects that culminate in diseases • Evaluate causes for monogenic diseases and why are some more readily treatable with gene therapy or CRISPR • Explain tissue-specific disease mechanisms (muscle, brain, heart, liver, pancreas) • Recognize shared general failure mechanisms such as protein misfolding, fibrosis, and regeneration failures • Introduce novel therapies such gene and stem cell-based therapies, genome engineering • Apply principles of diagnostics, omics, and AI-based analytics • Critically assess emerging therapies and associated ethical considerations

Content

1. Foundations of Health and Pathology. 2. Human Development & Chromosomal Disorders. 3. Congenital Monogenic Diseases & Epigenetics. 4. Adult Genetic Diseases & Genome Editing. 5. Skeletal Muscle Pathology & Genetic Therapies. 6. Muscle and Movement Disorders of the Nervous System. 7. Protein Misfolding & Neurodegeneration. 8. Cardiac Tissue Biology & Heart Disease. 9. Metabolic and Liver Diseases 10. Hormonal and Autoimmune Disorders. 11. Cancer as a Systems Disease. 12. AI in Disease Diagnostics and Therapeutics.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
The final grade consists of a written session examination covering the lecture content (75%) and a graded group presentation (25%), which is mandatory. The presentation content is not expected to be part of the examination material. Attendance at the symposium is voluntary and will be rewarded with a 0.25 grade bonus.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Molecular and Cell Biology in Health and Disease
The lectures take place on Friday 08.00 - 10.00h. The excercises take place on Thursday 12-14h, dates of the exercises will be visible on Moodle. Final symposium on 08.05.2026 08.00 - 12.00 h in HG E 3.
  • Fri 08:15-10:00 (HG E 7)
  • 19.02 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG E 7)
2 h weekly
exercise Molecular and Cell Biology in Health and Disease
The lectures take place on Friday 08.00 - 10.00h. The excercises take place on Thursday 12-14h, dates of the exercises will be visible on Moodle. Final symposium on 08.05.2026 08.00 - 12.00 h in HG E 3.
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (ETZ F 91)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (ETZ G 91)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (ETZ H 91)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (ETZ J 91)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (ETZ K 91)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG D 3.1)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG D 3.3)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG D 5.1)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG D 5.3)
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG E 21)
  • 19.02 Date 13:15-14:00 (HG E 7)
1 h weekly
independent project Molecular and Cell Biology in Health and Disease
The lectures take place on Friday 08.00 - 10.00h. The excercises take place on Thursday 12-14h, dates of the exercises will be visible on Moodle. Final symposium on 08.05.2026 08.00 - 12.00 h in HG E 3.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In