LFU:online

The students will gain knowledge about the theoretical, methodological and technological approaches used in transdisciplinary trauma research. Participants will be introduced to new,  future-oriented scientific disciplines, including omics-sciences, mitochondrial bioenergetics (respirometry), electron spin resonance-spectroscopy (ESR) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Starting from the methodological and  empirical knowledge elaborated, possible new biomarker candidates will be criticially revised and discussed together with the group for their translational application in clinical psychology. To do so, selected topics introducing individual methods and technology have to be elaborated independently, working in groups is possible. The aim of the seminar is to establish a fundamental understanding about the theoretical, methodological and technological approaches available in transdisciplinary trauma research. This understanding will provide access to the perspectives used in Biomolecular Psychotraumatology.

In this seminar participants gain insights into current developments in the field of transdisciplinary trauma research. Among others, we will introduce aspects of omics-sciences (targeted and untargeted (epi)genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics), mitochondrial respirometry (bioenergetics) and alterations in the intracellular density of mitochodria (biogenesis), electron spin resonance-spectroscopy (ESR) for the quantification of free radicals and oxidative stress, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for the determination of oxygen consumption rates in vivo. Following a transdiscilinary approach, these news technologies will be discussed to highlight new biological approaches for the provision of biomarkers of disorders related to chronic and traumatic stress. 

The students are asked to present their topic by oral presentations. Additionally, an active learning element (ALE) together with a group discussion should complete the topic. Group discussions and a critical evaluation regarding the individual topics are of central importance in the seminar. Therefore, students are asked to participate actively.

Precondition for evaluation:  oral presentation of the selected topic (group work accepted) and a so-called "active learning element" following the talk (e.g  group work, quiz). To be evaluated: Written assay summarizing the main findings and important facts related to the individual topic considering scientific standards (e.g. APA  formatting), max. 10 pages per participant.