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636-0126-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-BSSE
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Multicellular Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Prisca Liberali
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:44

Abstract

This course explores multicellular systems from their evolutionary origins to their roles in development, regeneration, disease, and drug discovery. It examines how single cells coordinate across scales through metabolism, signaling, and mechanics. Emphasis is placed on organoid technology, advanced imaging, and analytical techniques to study and quantify multicellularity.

Objective

Student are able to - Interpret and discuss the role of multicellular systems in development, regeneration, and drug development - Compare systematically metabolism, signaling and mechanisms in generating emergent behaviors. - Develop a critical understanding of organoids systems and their application - Apply and design image analysis pipelines for studying multicellular organization

Content

This course explores the principles of multicellular organization, from evolutionary transitions to emergent behaviors. Key topics include metabolic and signaling networks, mechanical interactions, and their role in tissue dynamics. We will examine experimental and computational approaches, focusing on organoid models, live imaging, and quantitative analysis of multicellular systems.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Required papers and lecture slides will be made available before the lectures

Literature

The main literature will be made available during the course. Selected papers: 1. Liberali P, Schier AF. The evolution of developmental biology through conceptual and technological revolutions. Cell. 2024 Jul 11;187(14):3461-3495. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.053. Epub 2024 Jun 20. PMID: 38906136. 2. Verstegen MMA, Coppes RP, Beghin A, De Coppi P, Gerli MFM, de Graeff N, Pan Q, Saito Y, Shi S, Zadpoor AA, van der Laan LJW. Clinical applications of human organoids. Nat Med. 2025 Feb 3. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03489-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39901045. 3. Zinner M, Lukonin I, Liberali P. Design principles of tissue organisation: How single cells coordinate across scales. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2020 Dec;67:37-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.07.004. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32889170.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Multicellular Systems
On-site course at BSSE in BASEL. Attention: the course starts in the second week of the semester.
  • Fri 11:15-14:00 (BSS E 23)
3 h weekly

Offered In

  • Doktorat Biosysteme (Mehr Informationen unter: Für Kurse der Kategorie "Integration in die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft" bitte die BSSE Webseite konsultieren: )
  • Biotechnologie Master (Weitere Informationen: )
    • Wahlfächer (Offene Liste - weitere Kurse (ETH oder UNIBAS) können nach Absegnung durch den:die Mentor:in als Wahlfächer gewählt werden.)
    • Vertiefungsfächer (Die Liste der Vertiefungsfächer ist eine geschlossene Liste - es können keine anderen Kurse in dieser Kategorie hinzugefügt werden.)