Entry requirements

180 credits in biology, bio-/medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical biosciences, medical science or equivalent education giving relevant knowledge in cell biology, genetics biochemistry and molecular biology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• explain the process and methods of biomarker discovery and validation of different biomarkers
• describe in detail different types of biomarkers, their applications and clinical relevance
• account for known biomarkers for important human diseases and how these biomarkers in detail contribute to diagnose or treat the disease

Competence and skills

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• account for and critically evaluate current theories, methods and techniques within the research field, their practical execution and application
• independently formulate and process scientific questions as well as describe relevant laboratory techniques related to biomarker discovery and validation
• show ability to use different publicly available databases, such as the Human Protein Atlas, to explore experimental data associated with biomarkers

Judgement and approach

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• critically evaluate experimental data associated with biomarkers and judge a candidate biomarker's potential to be used within a certain disease area
• independently compile, critically analyse and evaluate research results within the field and present these both orally and in writing

 

Content

The course aim to provide an insight into the current knowledge, future potential use and development of biomarkers as both prognostic and diagnostic tools in health care. Different types of biomarkers will be discussed as well as the methods for discovery and validation of biomarkers in for example blood and tissue samples. Biomarkers for different diseases will be described, such as biomarkers for cancers, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Biomarkers in disease epidemiology and pathology will be covered. Biobanking, ethical considerations as well as current clinical methods related to diagnostics will be illustrated. Ongoing research on molecular biomarkers, as well as the development of novel methods and technologies, will be discussed. The Human Protein Atlas will be described and used in practical exercises for identification of biomarkers in different cancers.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in English in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars, laboratory exercises, practical computer assignments and other theoretical and practical exercises such as presentations and written reports.

Assessment

The examination will be based on two course modules: The module "Theory and seminars" and the module "Laboratory session". The final grade for the whole course will be based on both course modules.

• The module "Theory and seminar" requires active participation and will be examined by a written examination given at the end of the course.
• The module "Laboratory session" requires completed laboratory practicals and approved written report.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.