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376-0300-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-BIOL , D-GESS

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Translational Science for Health and Medicine

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jörg Goldhahn, Dr. Markus Kalousek, Dr. Dietmar Schaffarczyk

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:57

Abstract

Translational science is a cross disciplinary scientific research that is motivated by the need for practical applications that help people (e.g. Drugs or Devices). The course should help to clarify basics of translational science, illustrate successful applications and should enable students to integrate key features into their future projects.

Objective

After completing this course, students will be able to understand: Key steps of drug and device development and their interdependencies. Project management, communication & funding options.

Content

What is translational science and what is it not? How to identify unmet medical need? - Disease concepts and their translation into patient benefit - Basics about incidence, prevalence etc., and orphan indications -How to project potential patient (and commercial) value of projects in order to obtain funding Key steps of the Drug (and Device) development process -Disease Biology and mechanism of action -Drug design -Drug formulation -Toxicology -Pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics -Translational medicine -Clinical trials -Regulatory requirements -Patenting -Market access -How are these steps connected and impacting each other? How independent is translational science? - Academic boundary conditions vs. industrial influences - Sources for project funding Positive and negative examples will be illustrated by distinguished guest speakers.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 45 minutes
Aids: None
Digital: The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Handing in the mock exam and participating in the seminar will count as a 0.25 bonus for the final exam.

Course Components