MULTI-OMICS TECHNOLOGIES IN PRECISION MEDICINE

This PhD Advanced course will equip students with the knowledge andpractical skills to analyze and integrate multi-omics data. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in processing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data from public databases to tackle real world challenges in health sciences. They will gain insights into cuttingedge technologies and their applications in precision medicine, enhancing their ability to tailor therapeutic interventions for non-communicable diseases. Through critical evaluation of the latest advancements in omics-based technologies, students will refine their ability to assess current research trends and explore future directions for clinical applications in personalized healthcare.

This course is primarily aimed at FFUL PhD students, but it does welcome the participation of external members of the academic and scientific community.

Coordination:

Andreia Margarida Gonçalves Neves Carvalho, Guest Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon

Maria João de Jesus Nunes, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon

André Daniel Lopes Simão, Researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon

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Legislation:

Regulamento n.º 638/2016 – Regulamento dos Cursos Não Conferentes de Grau da Faculdade de Farmácia da ULisboa

This course will run from  February 9, 2026, to February 13, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and will take place in a blended learning format (b-learning).

The course has a total of 30 training hours, and in-person training and 143 hours of independent study which are equivalent to a total of 6 ECTS.

The training hours are distributed as follows:

• Theoretical training hours: 14 hours
• Practical hours: 09 hours
• Tutorial hours: 07 hours

The remaining number of hours corresponds to students’ autonomous work up to the completion of the Research Project. Additional tutorial hours might be agreed with the students.

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COURSE PROGRAM

The course covers the current state of knowledge in multi-omics approaches: genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomies, providing a basic overview of these technologies, their applications and potential in the scope of precision medicine. The program, which encompasses the theoretical and practical parts of the course, is organized in modules.

TEACHING METHODOLOGIES:

A mixed teaching strategy will be used, combining classical lectures/ seminars with active learning methodologies, to dynamically engage students in the learning process. In the lectures, the fundamentals of -omics technologies, as well as ongoing relevant problems and state-of-the art methodological approaches for their resolution, will be discussed. In addition to traditional lectures, experts in -omics technologies, will be invited as guest lecturers to provide interactive sessions with the students. Practical workshops with hands-on training in bioinformatics tools, database analysis and omics data interpretation will train the students in critical analysis and discussion of “real-life” problems related to the course topics. Furthermore, the students will apply the acquired knowledge in the analysis of a relevant case study to be discussed with colleagues, also providing peer assessment. This methodology encourages students’ active involvement and reflection
on the issues being analyzed and train them on giving and receiving feedback for their work.

LEARNING AND THE SKILLS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE STUDENT:

Upon completion of this course, students should have acquired specific competences that allow them to:

• Understand advanced methodologies for studying the genome, transcriptome, proteome and transcriptional regulation.
• Explore the applications of multi-omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and pharmacogenomics) and their relevance to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Independently search public databases and effectively interpret the data obtained.
• Be familiar with various methods used to analyze and integrate data from different types of omics.
• Analyze, integrate and interpret multi-omics data (using databases and bioinformatic tools) to help develop personalized therapeutic interventions.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature and emerging research trends and analyze case studies of multi-omics-based personalized medicine, linking molecular findings to clinical practice.
• Understand the pharmacist’s role in implementing precision medicine in clinical settings.

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY:

The evaluation will comprise the following components:

• Session Assessments (30%): At the end of each hands-on session (practical session), students will complete a short assessment or questionnaire designed to consolidate the knowledge acquired. These assessments will focus on retrieving and analyzing specific information (e.g., a gene, protein, or miRNA) using the tools and databases explored during the session. Students will work in small groups (2-3 participants) to promote collaboration and in-depth exploration of” different platforms and databases. In the last practical session students will analyze a relevant case study, using the knowledge acquired during the previous sessions, summarize the main findings and discuss it with colleagues.
• Research Project and Presentation (60%): Students will collaboratively develop a three-page research project outlining an innovative application of multi-omics technologies in areas such as drug development, therapeutic target discovery, precision medicine, or other fields with potential to impact human health. Throughout the week, groups will refine their project based on peer and instructor feedback. The course will culminate in a presentation of their project on the final day, fostering active discussion and constructive critique. Feedback from these discussions will support the preparation of the final written assessment document.
• Participation in seminars and workshops (10%): active contribution to discussions and peerfeedback, participation in practical sessions and discussion.

Application period: from September 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025

Course start and end date: from February 9 to February 13, 2026

Admission requirements:

Master’s degree in health sciences and related areas such as pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, biology, medicine, biomedical engineering, among others

Scientific areas or specialization:

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Sciences.

Selection and ranking criteria:

For selection and ranking purposes,  enrollment in the Doctoral Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at FFUL or in another Doctoral Program, as well as the application date, will be taken into consideration.

Minimum number of trainees: 08
Maximum number of trainees: 25

Fees and tuition:

Application fee: €10 (Note: the application fee will not be refunded if the candidate is excluded or not selected).
Course fee: 250€
School Insurance: 2,10€

Note: FFUL doctoral students who wish to take the course as part of their compulsory 1st year curricular component are exempt from paying the application fee and the Course Fee.

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Application Process:

Applications for the course are made exclusively through the FenixEdu Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL).

Access to the FenixEdu Platform:

• If you have never been a student at FFUL you must pre-register on the FenixEdu Platform.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have already had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you should access the FenixEdu Platform and authenticate yourself with your account data. If you have lost access to your account, you can recover your password in the ULisboa users area.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have never had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you must send an email to cncg@ff.ulisboa.pt indicating your full name and ID document number.

Access the FenixEdu Platform.

• On the tab “Candidate”, choose the type of application: “Advanced Training Courses”, select the desired course.
• Fill out the online form and attach all the required documents in digital format. In the application process you can indicate whether you want the invoice to be issued in the name of another entity/company/institution.
• Select the “Submit” option.

Applications will only be validated by the Academic Services once the applicant has paid the Application Fee.

For information regarding the application process and the course organization, please contact the Academic Office: doutoramentos@ff.ulisboa.pt