BIOB3210 Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics Course description

The course deals with genetics, genes, DNA structure and function, and elucidates different approaches to how the field is studied and applied clinically. Gene technology methods are used in many of the health services’ laboratories - medical genetics, microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, hematology and immunology. Among other things, the methods are used in disease diagnostics, individually adapted medication, in vitro fertilisation, and in the detection of infectious microorganisms. New technology provides increasing opportunities to map hereditary factors and risks relating to the development of disease in future. This is strictly regulated in the Biotechnology Act. Ethical aspects of genetic analyses, both at the individual and societal levels, are therefore a key part of the course. The DNA analyses are used to identify persons, for instance in forensic medicine, which is not part of the health service.

In order to carry out the analyses and process and understand the results from the different fields, it is important to have knowledge of the methods used and have background knowledge of DNA and genes. Large quantities of data from new technology also makes requirements of competence and skills in bioinformatics.

• Passed first and second year or equivalent of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, or
• Admitted to the Complementary Education in Biomedical Laboratory Science

The course deals with the professional role and practice of biomedical laboratory scientists, with a focus on pre- and post-analytical conditions, analysis instruments, control procedures, technology and automation systems, methods and analysis processes.

In medical biochemistry laboratories, it is the biomedical laboratory scientist’s responsibility to analyse biological material using advanced analysis instruments and assess the analytical quality of the test results. During practical training, emphasis is placed on introducing the students to procedures and quality assurance processes, and on the students acquiring an understanding of how analysis results contribute to the treatment of the patient. During the practical training, students will collect blood samples from patients and develop the ability to cooperate under supervision by experienced biomedical laboratory scientists with relevant skills and knowledge.

• Passed first year or equivalent of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, with the exception of the course BIOB1060

or

• Admitted to the Complementary Education in Biomedical Laboratory Science

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

Knowledge

The student

• can explain key concepts in basic statistics
• can describe the possibilities and limitations of different statistical methods and tests that are relevant for use in the laboratory
• can explain the most important elements of method validation
• can explain the most important elements of internal quality control in the laboratory
• can explain the principles and requirements related to the accreditation scheme

Skills

The student

• can choose and apply appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests on issues relevant to laboratory work
• can make assessments related to daily quality control in the laboratory
• can assess and plan which elements should form part of method validation work
• can use relevant IT tools for laboratory statistics issues

General competence

The student

• can choose and apply appropriate statistical tools for relevant issues and assessments in the laboratory

Work and teaching methods comprise a seven week long supervised external practical training period in a laboratory for medical biochemistry.

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

Knowledge

The student

• is familiar with scientific methods for research and development activity in the biomedical laboratory sciences field
• has knowledge of research and development work in an area of biomedical laboratory sciences
• is familiar with general research ethics issues of relevance to R&D projects in the biomedical laboratory sciences field
• is familiar with the laws and regulations that regulate the establishment, approval and use of biobanks in the field of medicine and health
• is familiar with risk assessments relating to the storage of personal data in R&D projects and methods for following this up in a systematic manner

Skills

The student

• can make plans for and carry out an R&D project relating to biomedical laboratory sciences under supervision and in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines
• can obtain, critically assess and integrate relevant subject matter in his/her own project work
• can understand and apply statistical methods that are relevant in biomedical laboratory sciences literature in his/her own project work
• can use relevant scientific methods and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the methods applied in his/her own project
• can document and disseminate knowledge of biomedical laboratory sciences through oral and written presentations in Norwegian
• can demonstrate accuracy in referencing and use of sources

General competence

The student

• can participate in the planning and completion of an R&D project related to biomedical laboratory sciences in binding cooperation with others
• can demonstrate independent academic and ethical reflection in areas of biomedical laboratory sciences, particularly in relation to interpreting and evaluating the results achieved during work on the bachelor’s thesis

Work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, peer assessment and bachelor's thesis in groups.

Projects are normally carried out in groups of 3-4 students. The groups will have an academic supervisor when working on the thesis. In addition, the groups will be offered writing supervision at the university of up to eight hours. The writing supervision is to help students to structure their thesis. The students will also assess each other’s texts in the work with the bachelor’s thesis.

Students meet for seminars during the period they are working on the bachelor's thesis. There will be a start-up seminar and differently themed seminars relevant for the completion of the bachelor’s thesis. At the end of the period, the students will meet to present their theses to each other.

Detailed guidelines for the bachelor’s thesis will be published in the learning platform.

In order to be permitted to take the exam, the following must have been approved:

• oral presentation of a bachelor’s project in groups, up to 25 minutes per group

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.