The course provides an in-depth understanding of the theoretical principles of modern microscopy and imaging and offers students the opportunity for hands-on use of state-of-the-art research microscopes and imaging devices at AUTh. The subject covers theoretical principles of light and fluorescence. Basic optical microscopy techniques include bright-field microscopy, phase contrast and dark-field microscopy. More advanced microscopy techniques techniques based on fluorescence labelling include widefield fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy. The course reviews approaches to high resolution images and live cell (real-time) imaging. It also covers background and theory of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques, including all aspects of sample preparation, fixation and mounting techniques. Optimized data acquisition for image analysis pipelines will be considered. The basic principles of image analysis for microscopy will be covered. Modern micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging, which allows a three-dimensional capture of intact objects (it does not require any sample preparation or histological slicing) on a small scale with very high resolution will be analyzed. Practical sessions provide the opportunity to perform both a fixed and a live cell fluorescent microscopy experiment and allow students to work with their own results data for complex computer analysis and presentation. Workshops enable students to design their own fluorescence microscopy experiment. Students will also have the opportunity to attend sessions of SEM and TEM imaging, as well as mCT imaging experiments. The course learning outcomes will be examined through a final written examination that will test the acquired theoretical knowledge but will also include a practical exercise of designing an imaging experiment.

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the theoretical principles of tissue engineering, focusing on dental and oral applications. Tissue engineering is a field that aims to regenerate or repair diseased or injured tissues and organs in the body. This course includes lectures on specific topics given by experts by various disciplines including Dentisty, Medicine, Molecular Biology, Biomaterials Science and Oral Medicine/Pathology. The course will also use student-directed learning as the teaching tool to introduce students to the concepts, principles, and applications of tissue engineering. Emphasis will be given on strategies to repair, replace and regenerate dental/oral tissues and to solve major clinical problems, gaining insights into topical issues including stem cells, design and characterisation of biomaterials and nanomaterials, biofabrication (including 3D bioprinting), cell therapies employing advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), commercialisation and clinical translation of regenerative therapies. Students will be able to identify major clinical problems and formulate novel therapeutic solutions.

The purpose of this course is to present a theoretical and practical approach to the study of anatomy, physiology, function, and dysfunction of the stomatognathic system as well as the principles of occlusion. Learning objectives and outcomes: This course educates postgraduate students in scientific approaches to the anatomy-pathophysiology of the temporomandibular joint and muscles of mastication and familiarizes them with the mandibular movements and principles of occlusion. Additionally, the student shall acquire theoretical knowledge about the diagnosis of bruxism and Temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

The course’s objectives are to search and collect scientific information, introduce scientific research and research planning to prepare students for (a) organising and managing relevant literature, (b) designing research protocols, conducting scientific communication and disseminating research outcomes and (c) write and present scientific papers.

The course focuses on selected topics in biomaterials and their applications, especially biomaterials applied in dental science and tissue engineering. Specific focus is given on ceramics, polymers, composite materials and scaffolds for hard and soft tissue replacement and regeneration, applied dental materials, smart biomaterials, methods for materials characterization and mechanical properties evaluation. The course includes details in the manufacturing and/or synthesis process, methods for handling, as well as test methods to evaluate their physical, mechanical and biological performance. -Introduction to biomaterials: Definitions, classifications, and course presentation Properties of materials: States of matter, atomic structure and bonds, bulk and surface properties -Biocompatibility: Basic principles of biocompatibility of biomaterials and medical devices, Biocompatibility assessment of medical/dental biomaterials and medical devices -Tissue response to biomaterials: Biodegradation, corrosion, protein adsorption, injury, healing, regeneration -Ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics: Basic principles, structure, properties, classifications, applications in medicine and dentistry -Polymers: Basic principles, structure, properties, classifications, applications in medicine and dentistry -Composite materials: Basic principles, structure, properties, classifications, applications in medicine and dentistry -Metals-alloys: Basic principles, structure, properties, classifications, applications in medicine and dentistry -Dental and bone cements -Inorganic novel Biomaterials -Decellularized Matrix-based biomaterials -Smart biomaterials in tissue engineering -Advanced Engineering Methods -Testing of surface and bulk properties of biomaterials: Hardness, roughness, contact angle, strength, toughness, fatigue, bending, torsion -Characterization methods: XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, DSC, TGA-DTA, UV-Vis Characterization methods: SEM-EDS, TEM, HR-TEM, AFM, OPTICAL PROFILOMETRY Written examinations.

Introduction to Biomechanics Basic Mathematics and Basic Concepts of Physics (Differential equations, functions, derivatives, vectors, types of movements, project production) Stomatognathic system, dental structures and restorations Properties description models in Biomechanics (Maxwell, Kelvin-Voigt, Standard Linear, Generalized Maxwell) Biomechanics of bone (part A) Biomechanics of bone (part B) Biomechanics of the Periodontal Ligament Cell biomechanics (Part A) Cell biomechanics (Part B) Static and dynamic loading in Biomechanics Biomechanical simulation (Finite element analysis, photoelastic method) Occlusion analysis, posture analysis Student Assessment: Presentations

The course objectives are to introduce students to bioethical and legal aspects of biomedical research and biotechnology. Following development across the lifespan and genetic identity and environmental impacts are explored and assessed through advanced cell therapies, directives and regulations and European and National Frameworks regarding ATMPs, innovative materials and medical devices.

APPLIED BIOMATERIALS: The laboratory course involves training in 3- and 4-bending test of dental materials, the basic principles of sol-gel synthesis and in particular the synthesis of ceramic powders and mesoporous nanoparticles, the synthesis of ceramic scaffolds with the foam replica technique, the in vitro bioactivity testing of bioactive materials (scaffolds, nanoparticles etc), the synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles and characterization of biomaterials with FTIR and XRD. The course is finalized with a written assignment from the students regarding the complete characterization of selected materials synthesized during the laboratory course. TISSUE ENGINEERING: The laboratory course involves training of the students in the isolation and culture of dental tissue-derived stem cells, cell viability assays (MTT, live/dead staining followed by visualization through confocal microscopy), cell expansion in 2D- and 3D microenvironments (cells seeded in scaffolds and organ-on-a-chip assays), as well as evaluation of stem cell multilineage differentiation potential by means of real-time PCR. The course will be completed by a written assignment from the students related to the topics elaborated during their laboratory training. The course is divided in three different modules: APPLIED BIOMECHANICS: this laboratory course covers the fundamental theoretical concepts and provides practice using commercial software on related applications to simulation concepts and Finite Element analysis. It includes comparison to experimental results and overall evaluation of the Simulations.