This website uses cookies, and the limited processing of your personal data to function. By using the site you are agreeing to this as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Edit

Science Education

Formerly known as European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences

Our inspiring educational experiences share the scientific discoveries of EMBL with young learners aged 10-19 years and teachers in Europe and beyond. We belong to EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement office.

Virtual LearningLAB  

Cell Biology and Omics for Educators

Virtual LearningLAB

Overview

Since Robert Hooke’s discovery of cells in 1665, our understanding of these smallest living units of life has been transformed. Advances in omics technologies have shown how cells and their components orchestrate diverse functions across different levels of organisation, revealing complexities far beyond the initial perception of being like small rooms, which earned them their name.

Nowadays, omics methodologies help researchers map complex interactions and understand how cells function in health and disease.

This winter, EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement team in partnership with Merck, invites secondary school science teachers to explore this topic in a virtual training course entitled “Cell Biology and Omics for Educators”.

This professional development course provides an overview of the development of the field of cell biology, insights into the latest advances made possible with omics techniques, and inspiration for teaching the topic in the classroom.

Course Duration: two weeks, from 29 September to 12 October 2025

Language: Conducted in English

Application Deadline: 21 September 2025

Workload: 10 hours (5 hours per week), with an additional week for assignment submission

No Cost: free of charge

The two-week course is a mix of self-study and live interactive sessions that allow educators to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of cell biology and omics from the comfort of their own homes. The course is designed to enhance educators’ teaching skills with insights into the latest developments in the field and to connect educators worldwide in live sessions, fostering a collaborative and supportive community.

During the first week of the course, educators will be introduced to the latest tools and approaches that are transforming the study of cells. From advanced imaging to a range of omics techniques, participants explore how researchers at EMBL are uncovering the structure and behaviour of cells and revealing the molecular changes linked to disease.

In the second week, educators move from theory to practice, immersing themselves in a collection of resources for teaching cell biology and a new pedagogical resource designed to build students’ understanding of cellular organisation and the concept of structure and function through paper & computer-based activities. These focus on live imaging and electron microscopy data of the marine worm (Platynereis dumerilii) and use a Fiji-based microscopy data visualisation plugin to dive into the world of gene expression.

Upon completing the course, participants will:

  • Describe how advanced imaging and spatial omics technologies are used to investigate cell structure and function
  • Analyse how omics technologies contribute to biomedical research, using examples from studies on cancer or pulmonary disease
  • Familiarise themselves with an educational classroom resource with an emphasis on the structure and function of cells and organelles, electron microscopy and gene expression analysis
  • Be equipped with a computer-based tool to visualise and analyse electron microscopy and gene expression data in the classroom

Furthermore, the course offers participants the chance to:

  • Connect with active researchers in the field, providing insights and perspectives from the forefront of cell biology
  • Expand their toolbox of teaching materials for addressing topics related to cell biology
  • Become part of an international community of teachers and science educators, fostering knowledge exchange

Date: 29 September - 12 October 2025

Application deadline: 21 Sep 2025

Topic area:  Cell biology, Microscopy & Imaging

Format: Virtual

Location: Online

Fee: Free

Contact: SEPE team

Share:

Edit