BIO2000 Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnosis Course description

The course deals with blood sample analysis using chemical, enzymatic and immunological methods to reveal biochemical changes in the body. Emphasis is placed on laboratory skills and knowledge of methods, measurement principles and the relevance and medical significance of different laboratory investigations. Knowledge of medical biochemistry and laboratory analysis is important, since test results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The course consists of the following subject areas, specified below as the number of credits:

• Laboratory technology in medical biochemistry 8
• Laboratory diagnostics and pathophysiology 6
• Communication and ethics 1

Passed the first year of the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• describing the basic principles of methods used in medical biochemistry
• describing the principles of analysis for a selection of biochemical analyses
• describing the principles of measurement for a selection of automated analytical devices
• describing analytical processes and estimating results
• describing factors that can affect measurements and analysis results in general
• describing analytical monitoring of the quality of biochemical analyses
• describing how systematic quality assurance work can be safeguarded in medical laboratories
• describing a selection of diseases, disease processes and causes of disease
• explaining the relevance and significance of laboratory investigations for preventing, diagnosing and treating disease

Skills

The student is capable of

• using relevant documents such as procedures, product information and method applications
• assessing the quality of sample material
• planning and carrying out his or her own laboratory work
• assessing the reliability of analysis results based on biochemical, methodological and technical knowledge
• using and maintaining a selection of analytical automated devices
• performing manual laboratory analyses
• following procedures for manual analysis and automated analysis processes

Work and teaching methods used are lectures and laboratory work combined with student work carried out individually and in groups. Student work includes group assignments with case studies that are presented and discussed at seminars. The students carry out manual analysis, and analysis and maintenance work on automated analytical devices. Students will write individual logs during laboratory work in order to focus on their own work processes and write assignments that support their learning process.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum of 90% attendance in practical laboratory work
• a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled group work and seminars
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written exam, 4 hours             

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Grade scale A-F 

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 20% of the exam papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.