Bionanotechnology is a multidisciplinary area of research that combines nanotechnology and biomedical research. Nanoscopic tools are currently being developed to enable a wide range of biomedical applications, including medical therapies, bio-imaging, biosensors, and advanced drug delivery. The purpose of this course is to highlight the importance and unique possibilities of nanotechnology in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The lectures are taught by experts who are actively engaged in scientific research in these fields, providing not only an overview of the general principles but also cutting-edge scientific research.
About the course
Content
- Nanotechnology for drug delivery
- Nanotechnology for cell and gene therapy
- Nanotechnology for biosensors
- Biomedical applications of nano- and micromotors
- Characterization techniques for nanomaterials
- Bio-imaging for investigating biological barriers to nanomaterials
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of the use of nanotechnology for medical therapies, biosensors and drug delivery.
- Being able to relate different parts of the course to one another.
- Being able to interpret and motivate the importance of relevant experimental data.
- Being able to understand and motivate a relevant scientific text.
- Being able to apply the course material to relevant practical problems.
Teaching methods
Lecture, Independent work
Extra information on the teaching methods: Lectures will be given by a number of specialists in the field. Scientific articles will be provided in connection to some lectures which need to be studied for the oral part of the exam. A practical demonstration will be organized to illustrate some key aspects from the course.
Assessment
Assessment moments: end-of-term and continuous assessment
Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Written assessment with open-ended questions, Written assessment open-book
Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the resit examination period: Oral assessment open-book, Written assessment with open-ended questions
Examination methods in case of continuous assessment: Oral assessment
Possibilities of retake in case of continuous assessment: not applicable
Calculation of the examination mark:
20% of the final score is determined by the oral evaluation
80% of the final score is determined by the written exam
The student passes for the course when a final score of at least 50% is obtained. It is mandatory to participate in all evaluations. If the student does not participate in all evaluations, the final score cannot be deliberated. Please also note that there is no second evaluation possible for the oral exam.
Lecturers
Braeckmans, Kevin: lecturer-in-charge
Course dates
This course takes place in the first semester of academic year 2025-2026:
- Educational activities: September 22 to December 12, 2025
- Catch-up activities: December 15 to December 20, 2025
- Christmas recess: December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026
- Examination period: January 5 to January 31, 2026
- Resit examination period: August 17 to September 12, 2026
There will be one online lecture per week from September 22, 2025 to December 12, 2025. This will take place on Fridays from 10.00 to 11.15 (CET) (to be confirmed). Lectures will be recorded.
How to apply?
Entry requirements: Basic knowledge of biochemistry, biotechnology and cell biology. Level: Master.
How to apply
- Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
- Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below).
- Apply at Ghent University via [link will follow] by the deadline listed below. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information per university
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bordeaux:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Tartu:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , check the virtual courses page for more information - Uppsala University:
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Contact
For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course:
For information regarding the course content: