BIO502 Advanced methodology in medical laboratory science

Contents and structure

The course will give the student supplementary knowledge of new technology and methodology in the field of medical laboratory analyses. Students receive training in performing literature search and to present scientific articles. Furthermore, students will be trained in assessing the quality and application of advanced analytical methods.

The course covers the following topics:

• Nucleic acid analyses in genomics and genetics such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS), as well as analyses of RNA and interfering RNA
• Chromatography and mass spectrometry with examples from proteomics, metabolomics, pharmacy and microbiology
• Stem cell technology
• Biobank
• Microscopy and image analysis
• Immunological techniques, including flow cytometry

Learning Outcome

On successful completion of the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student...

• can explain recent technology and methodology in biomedical laboratory analyses.
• can explain principles for selected, advanced analysis methods, analytical instruments and equipment in biomedical laboratory analyses.

Skills

The student...

• can assess the applications, limitations and benefits of different analyses.
• can contribute to the development of biomedical laboratory sciences by participating in discussions about choice of method, further development and improvement of existing laboratory analyses.

General competence

The student...

• can find relevant scientific literature and acquire information on medical laboratory analyses.
• can present and inform about various medical laboratory analyses.

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The student will receive and submit assignments in Canvas, and will also communicate with both fellow students and teachers trough this learning platform. Regular online meetings/video conferences will be held. To attend the meetings, the student needs a microphone, speaker and webcam.

The course is seminar-based and consists of a physical 3-day seminar in Bergen, as well as two digital full-day seminars (from lunch to lunch).

At the physical seminar in Bergen, guided tours of laboratories and demonstration of relevant equipment and technology can be carried out.

During the seminars, teachers, guest lecturers and students will give various presentations with subsequent assignments and discussions. In addition, assignments are presented for students to work on until the next seminar. Students will perform literature searches and present selected scientific articles to their fellow students within a given topic.

Student-active work methods are:

• Prepare and give presentations at seminars.
• Assignments and cases, both individual and group work.

Students receive feedback and supervision on presentations and submitted assignments.

Compulsory learning activities

The following assignments must be finished at given time points and approved before the students can be finally examined:

• 2 presentations on different subject
• 2-3 submitted exercises on different subjects. All written work are submitted by students on Canvas before given deadlines.

Approved assignments are valid for 8 consecutive semesters after approval.

Assessment

Oral exam, 30 minutes. The oral exam can be web-based.

Grading scales A-F are used, where F corresponds to fail.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material