MABIO4710 Advanced Bioanalytical Methods Course description

The course will give the students an in-depth introduction to key methods for sample preparation and analysis of both exogen and endogen compounds in biological samples. Method development for chromatographic and mass spectrometry analyses will be central to the course. The students will also receive training in the operation and use of advanced analytical instruments that are currently used in qualitative and quantitative studies.

Analytical chemistry/bioanalysis at bachelor’s level.

Students must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health and Technology - Specialisation in Biomedicine.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student

• can explain the principles behind targeted and non-targeted analytical strategies in bioanalysis
• can describe advanced techniques for preparing biological matrices, including extraction and concentration techniques suitable for biological samples
• can describe the operation and applications of advanced analytical instruments, with emphasis on chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques
• can explain quantitative analyses and calibration procedures used in bioanalysis, including the use of isotope-labelled standards, control samples and certified reference materials
• can explain procedures for identifying biomarkers, including data extraction, data processing and analysis of large amounts of analytical data
• can describe the principles for method development and validation in bioanalysis and the quality requirements that apply to such analyses

Skills 

The student 

• can make use of relevant literature as a basis for method development in bioanalysis
• can design proposals for analytical methods where independent choices of appropriate sample preparation and instrumental techniques need to be made
• can make use of different calibration techniques and associated quality control measures in quantitative analyses
• can perform biomarker identification based on chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses
• can use statistical methods and statistical software to interpret and quality-test analysis results

General competence

The student 

• can participate in quality assurance work and method development in the bioanalytical laboratory
• can contribute to the development of technology in the field
• has an overview of technology development and future perspectives in the field
• has insight into the applications and limitations of chromatographic and mass spectroscopic analytical techniques used in bioanalysis.

The work and teaching methods used include lectures, seminars with exercises, and skills training in the form of laboratory assignments. Digital learning resources will be made available to the students.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam: 

• an assignment in groups of 2-4 students in the form of a case study with an oral presentation
• two laboratory projects with the submission of two lab reports based on specified criteria. The projects are carried out in groups of 2-4 students.

If the course is taught in English, the oral presentation of the case study must be given in English.

Supervised individual written exam, 3 hours.

The paper can be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

• A handheld calculator that cannot be used for wireless communication or to perform symbolic calculations. If the calculator’s internal memory can store data, the memory must be deleted before the exam. Random checks may be carried out.
• Collection of formulas (enclosed with the exam question paper)

Grade scale A-F.

All papers will be assessed by two examiners, one of whom must be external.

The course is offered as an individual course if there are vacant places. Admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in medical laboratory sciences, pharmacy, biotechnology, chemical engineering or molecular biology.

None.