EPN-V2

Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Programme Programme description

Programme name, Norwegian
Bachelorstudium i bioingeniørfag
Valid from
2025 FALL
ECTS credits
180 ECTS credits
Duration
6 semesters
Schedule
Here you can find an example schedule for first year students.
Programme history

Introduction

The course is based on the first and second years of study in the study program.

Target group

The target group is everyone who wants to take a bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory sciences in order to practise as a biomedical laboratory scientist, or as the starting point for further studies.

Admission requirements

Bachelorstudiet i bibliotek- og informasjonsvitenskap er et helttidsstudie som retter seg mot studenter som ønsker å kvalifisere seg for arbeid innenfor ulike deler av biblioteksektoren eller i andre virksomheter som håndterer og formidler informasjon og kultur.

Learning outcomes

After completing the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, the candidate is expected to have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • has broad knowledge of quantitative and qualitative laboratory analyses, laboratory techniques and analysis processes used in biomedical laboratory work
  • has knowledge of laboratory equipment, advanced analysis instruments, information technology and automation systems
  • has broad knowledge of the limitations and sources of errors of laboratory methods and systems to ensure reliable analysis results, including internal quality control programmes and analysis monitoring
  • has knowledge of the application of analyses and the importance of test results both in relation to the body's normal functions and disease
  • is familiar with scientific methods for research and development in the field of biomedical laboratory sciences
  • can update their knowledge by collecting information and through contact with the academic and professional fields
  • is familiar with the laboratory medicine’s place in the health services and the distinct nature, history and development of biomedical laboratory sciences

Skills

The candidate

  • has insight into practical and theoretical biomedical laboratory sciences issues and can make well-founded choices by applying academic knowledge and results from relevant research and development work
  • can apply medical, statistical and laboratory technical knowledge to quality-ensure own work
  • can apply academic knowledge to ensure safe blood products and collect blood from donors under supervision
  • can reflect upon their own practice, seek and receive supervision
  • can acquire new knowledge, take a critical approach to academic literature from different sources and use sources in a correct manner
  • masters analysis techniques and knows how to use methods, laboratory equipment and analysis instruments used in medical laboratories
  • masters the collection of capillary and venous blood samples from adults in accordance with the applicable regulations, and contributes to safety and predictability for the patient when taking a blood sample
  • masters professional forms of communication and can collect, document and disseminate subject matter orally and in writing

General competence

The candidate

  • can comply to professional ethical guidelines and reflect upon issues in their professional practice and when encountering patients
  • can make plans for and carry out biomedical laboratory tasks and projects that take place over time, alone or as part of a group
  • can work independently, systematically and in an accurate manner in accordance with ethical requirements and relevant procedures, acts and regulations
  • can document and disseminate knowledge of biomedical laboratory sciences through oral and written presentations in Norwegian
  • can participate in interdisciplinary work and cooperate with other professions with the patient’s best interests at heart, respect individual and cultural differences and contribute to ensure equal health services for all groups in society
  • can actively contribute to the development in the field of biomedical laboratory sciences and the role of biomedical laboratory scientists in society
  • is familiar with innovative thinking and innovation processes, and can contribute to systematic, quality improving and sustainable work processes

Content and structure

The Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences covers subjects in the fields of biomedical laboratory sciences, natural sciences and the social and humanistic sciences. The programme has three main focus areas:

  • laboratory medicine and medical laboratory technology
  • health and disease
  • professional role

The topics are closely intertwined in the teaching and form the basis for the skills that are necessary to practise the profession. Students will develop knowledge, skills and general competence that enable them to follow up and influence development of the discipline and what society requires of biomedical laboratory services.

First year of study: Fundamentals of biomedical analysis and laboratory medicine

In the first year of study, fundamental knowledge in laboratory technology and the natural sciences will be emphasised. A course in evidence-based practice is also included. Students take practical training in an outpatient clinic.

Second year of study: Biomedical analysis, methodology and diagnosis

The emphasis in this year of the programme is laboratory medicine and medical laboratory technology as a basis for diagnosis. This includes knowledge of methods, analysis, quality assurance and assessment of test results within the laboratory subjects. The students take external practical training at a laboratory for medical biochemistry.

Third year of study: Biomedical laboratory sciences and professional knowledge in practice

The last year of the programme emphasises laboratory medicine and medical laboratory technology focusing on professional knowledge in practice. Main topics are quality assurance, quality development, evidence-based practice and ethical reflection in relation to practising the profession and the practitioner’s professional role.

The students take external practical training in a blood bank and later in another laboratory for instance in microbiology, histopathology or immunology. The programme concludes with a bachelor’s thesis in biomedical laboratory science research and development work.

The structure of the programme

The programme is divided into 18 compulsory courses and incorporates both practical and theoretical teaching at the university and supervised external practical training. Each year of the programme has a scope of 60 credits.

The courses in the programme description build on each other to ensure progress, with increasing requirements for knowledge and understanding of biomedical laboratory sciences. All the courses conclude with a final assessment. The students are divided into two groups in parts of the second year of the programme. Reference is made to the course descriptions for more detailed information about of the content of the individual courses in the programme.

The academic year is 40 weeks long, and the expected normal workload is 40 hours per week. This includes scheduled activities, students’ own activity and exams.

Study progress

The following progress requirements apply to the programme:

  • The blood sample collection course in BIOB1000 must be approved in order to be able to take the two days’ practical training in an outpatient clinic with blood sample collection from patients.
  • The first year of study must be passed before the student can start the second year*
  • The second year must be passed before starting the third year**

*Exception from the progression requirement:

  • The second year of study can be started even if the course BIOB1060 is not passed

** Exception from the progression requirement:

  • The course BIOB1050 can be started even if the second year of study is not passed
Optional course Spans multiple semesters

2nd year of study

BA bioingeniør, 2. år, klasse A

3. semester

BA bioingeniør, 2. år, klasse B

3. semester

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching activities should stimulate active learning and engagement. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students’ own efforts. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and practical skills training. Normal study progress requires students to be make great personal efforts in the form of study groups and individual work.

The work and teaching methods will facilitate the integration of knowledge, skills and general competence and have the greatest possible transfer value to professional practice. Health and natural sciences theory is placed in the context of biomedical laboratory science and is related to the profession right from the start of the programme. A major part of the programme covers problem-based assignments relevant to the profession, which require problem-solving, activity, reflection and cooperation.

Several forms of digital learning resources are used in the programme, such as the digital platform Bokskapet, digital lectures, video clips, podcasts, tests and assignments. Such resources can for instance be used prior to laboratory courses as preparation for the laboratory assignments, or as preparation prior to seminars organised as the ‘flipped classroom’ (see below). This form of teaching requires the students to meet prepared for class. Digital exams are used in several courses.

The most important work and teaching forms used in the programme are described below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs.

Practical training is described in a separate chapter, see below.

Self-study, student cooperation and group work

Learning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchanging ideas, presentations, discussions, peer assessment, writing assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take the initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Written assignments

Assignments are written individually and in groups. Students work on different forms of written assignments throughout the programme. Through these, the students learn to see connections, develop more in-depth knowledge and understanding, and develop their terminology. It is expected that students supplement subject matter from teaching activities and the syllabus with research and scholarly articles, reference works and online resources. In some courses, the students will assess each other’s work and provide feedback to each other. Laboratory reports

A laboratory report is documentation of laboratory work performed. Students will be followed up with supervision and feedback on the reports they submit. Students will also be given feedback from fellow students on some of the assignments.

Logs

A log is written individually in connection with laboratory work. It is intended to help the student to focus on everything that is done during this work. Students are given feedback on the logs they submit.

Portfolio

A portfolio is a systematic collection of the student's own work. They are used to structure the student's learning and are helpful to acquire knowledge in a specific course, and to see the relationship between different parts of the programme.

Project work

Project work provides experience of some of the challenges inherent in scientific work methods. Students will develop skills in the systematic use of methods, including theoretical basis, data collection, analysis, discussion, written formulation and verbal communication. Students develop research questions and work both independently and in groups. Reflection notes

Reflection notes are written to help the students to develop the ability to critically assess and reflect on their own learning.

Lectures

Lectures are used to provide an overview, go through difficult material, point out connections and discuss relevant issues. Lectures also shed light on necessary theory to understand the background, execution and interpretation of results from the laboratory exercises and their significance. The lectures can be digital in some of the courses.

Seminars

In seminars, students are able to engage in relevant topics to deepen their knowledge and practise their skills in academic formulation and reflection. This is done through academic contributions, solving assignments and discussion.

Flipped classroom

In some courses, part of the teaching is organised as a flipped classroom. It entails for instance that a lecture is substituted with digital learning resources such as video clips or digital lectures. These are made available to students in advance and the students prepare by watching the films before attending class. In this way, more time can be dedicated to problem-solving activities with the course lecturers. The students can use demonstration videos to familiarise themselves with methods and approaches before the laboratory courses.

Practical training

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 the main functions of each layer in the TCP/ IP model

 

  • can explain how the most important network protocols work

 

  • is familiar with the operational and infrastructure-related possibilities that virtualization and cloud-based solutions provide

 

Skills The student is capable of:

  • configuring computer networks
  • using network tools to study network traffic
  • programming sockets
  • using automation tools to roll out applications and their underlying infrastructure
  • using cloud-based services as a development platform
  • using monitoring systems to monitor the performance and stability of applications and operating environments

 

General competence:

The student is capable of:

  • understanding and communicating issues relating to networks and computer systems.
  • understanding and communicating the importance and necessity of using good cloud computing methods and technologies

Internationalisation

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

  • Two compulsory individual assignments

Guidance for the assignments will be provided in the labs.

Work requirements

The course is equivalent (overlaps 10 credits) with ITPE2410. The course overlaps 3 credits with DATS / ITPE2400. When practicing the 3-time rule for registration for the exam, experiments used in equivalent subjects count.

Assessment

Grade scale A-F.

Other information

1) One internal examiner.

2) Two internal examiners.

External examiners are used regularly.