MABIOD4200 Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology Course description

The course forms a theoretical and practical basis for assessing choices and methods that are relevant both in current and future medical diagnostics and research. This comprises immunological, biochemical, cell and molecular biology methods. A selection of these methods are used in the practical work.

An individual home exam consisting of three exercises.  Each of the exercises are between 800 and 1200 words. The maximum length of the exam submission is 3000 words.  

The submission is assessed as a whole and given one single pass/fail grade, but the three individual assignments that constitute the exam must receive a pass grade in order to pass the exam.

The exam submission must be written in either English or a Scandinavian language.

The exam can be appealed.

New/postponed exam: In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. Students are required to submit a new exam, not an improved version of their previous exam submission. In case of a second failed exam or legal absence, the third and final exam attempt will be an oral examination.

New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme. The course is also offered as an individual course.

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

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of selected methods in biochemistry and cell biology, their possibilities and limitations
• is capable of discussing theory and principles for advanced in vivo and in vitro protein analyses
• has up to date knowledge of proteomics
• has knowledge of advanced microscopy techniques and their areas of application
• has advanced knowledge of different methods for preparation of transgenic animals, and can explain the laws and regulations that regulate the production of such animals

Skills

The student is capable of

• assessing biochemical and cell biological methods’ suitability, their strengths and weaknesses in an independent manner
• using and critically interpreting results from selected methods in the field of biochemistry and cell biology in an independent manner
• conducting bio-informatic searches in web-based sequence databases
• writing a research report in a scientific manner

Competence

The student is capable of

• critically assessing relevant methods in biomedical research and diagnostics
• designing a research study in biochemistry and cell biology
• making use of, discussing, and disseminating advanced research literature
• critically assessing the ethical dilemmas of using animals in research

Work and teaching methods include lectures, laboratory courses, seminars with oral student presentations and discussions, group work and self-study.

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

• attendance at the course introduction
• minimum attendance of 80% at the laboratory course
• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars
• written, individual laboratory report in accordance with specified criteria

No additional course-specific requirements.

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

Knowledge 

Upion successful completion of this course the student understands: 

• basic concepts, mechanisms, and tools behind digitalization
• how digitalization shapes public and private life
• the role of technological innovation and development in equity and justice, sustainable development, and civic engagement
• how technological infrastructures shape and support society and the welfare state.

Skills 

Upon successful completion of this course the student can: 

• apply critical and analytical strategies to evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of existing and potential technologies 
• reflect on social, ethical, and political consequences of technological change
• provide examples of local and global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study
• analyse and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used in different contexts.
• identify and discuss central sustainability challenges with digital technologies

General Competence 

Upon successful completion of this course the student can: 

• discuss ethical, social, and political challenges arising at the intersection of technology and society
• understand how digitalisation and digital technologies facilitate and shape interdisciplinary collaboration
• examine contemporary, real-world cases from multiple perspectives 
• evaluate the potential impact of new technologies and digitalization processes on an individual and societal level
• understand the importance of user-oriented perspectives in the use and development of technology
• communicate concepts and models related to the use of technology in a structured manner.

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession.

English will be the primary language of communication.

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