Single-Cell Technologies in Life Sciences

Life Sciences research at the level of individual cells is a rapidly developing research area. Traditional single-cell technologies such as cytometry and microscopy are being used in combination with the emerging field of single-cell genomics. These single-cell technologies have important implications for our understanding of cellular behaviour, including cellular development, differentiation and decision-making. Cellular processes can now be studied at an unprecedented resolution, and with astounding results: new light can now be shed on immunity and immune-related disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. Understanding the technology behind these new applications is crucial to the processing and interpretation of data.

Course leader

Juan J. Garcia Vallejo

Target group

Final year Bachelor's and Master’s students taking a Life Sciences programme, but the course is also open to Medical Engineering, Computational Biology, and Medical Sciences students

Course aim

After completing the course, students will:
• Have in-depth knowledge of the applications of advanced cytometry and microscopic imaging techniques;
• Be familiar with the principles of fluorescence cytometry analysis and sorting, imaging flow cytometry and mass cytometry;
• Understand essential analysis data methods for multicolour cytometry;
• Know the basics of multidimensional data analysis;
• Be able to distinguish applications of single-cell genomics methods;
• Grasp the principles of light microscopy on live and fixed specimens, confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, and light sheet microscopy;
• Know more about essential data analysis methods and ImageJ;
• Be familiar with advanced imaging methods, such as SIM, TIRF, and super resolution modalities.

Credits info

3 ECTS
Contact Hours: 45
If you want to earn more credits you can take courses in our other sessions to create a 4 or 6 week programme.

Fee info

EUR 1150: The tuition fee includes:
• Airport pick-up service
• Welcome goodie bag
• Orientation programme
• Course excursions
• On-site support
• Emergency assistance
• Transcript of records after completion of the course

An early bird discount of €150 is available for students who apply and pay before 15 March, and students from VU Amsterdam as well as from exchange partner universities will receive a €250 discount. You apply for the discount simply by indicating that you are currently a student at VU Amsterdam or at a partner university in the online application.

There are also discounts for students who attend multiple sessions, combine 2 courses and receive a €200 discount and combine 3 to receive a €300 discount. All courses include excursions. We will also organize trips and excursions as part of our social programme, which is a great way to get to know your fellow students and learn more about Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The social programme is not included in the tuition fee.

Furnished accommodation is available. Various housing options will be offered.

Scholarships

VU Amsterdam Summer School offers three kinds of scholarships: the Academic Scholarship, the Photographer Scholarship and the Vlogger/Videographer Scholarship. More information about these scholarships can be found on the VU Amsterdam Summer School websi