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

The course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of molecular diagnostic methods and their use in research and medicine.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for and evaluate current methods and techniques within the research field, their practical execution and application in research and diagnostics
• theoretically formulate and process scientific questions in the research field and apply appropriate molecular methods
• compile, critically analyse and evaluate research results and present these both orally and in writing.

Content

The course will provide an insight into the applications, strategies and implications of molecular analysis methods in research and medicine. Current opinions and research findings, as well as development of novel methods and technologies, will be conveyed and discussed throughout the course. Different methods for protein analysis, including a variety of affinity-based protein detection methods, will be covered. Molecular tools and technologies such as e.g. affibodies, their use in cancer therapy and LigandTracer, showing protein-cell interactions in real-time, will be discussed. Molecular diagnostic methods will also be practically illustrated using Proximity ligation assays (PLA) for detection of proteins in solution as well as detection of complex formation in situ. Methods and tools used in the Human Proteome Project, e.g. high-throughout in situ detection of protein expression in different tissues and cancers will be treated. The development of novel molecular diagnostic methods for different diseases, including nanotechnology based diagnostics, and their application in medical clinics will be discussed.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in English in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars, laboratory exercises, computer

practicals and other theoretical and practical exercises such as problem-oriented exercises and presentations related to current research fields.

Assessment

Modules: Theory and seminars 4.5 credits; Laboratory sessions 3 credits

The module laboratory sessions require completed laboratory practicals and related literature assignments. The theoretical module and seminars require active participation. A written examination is given at the end of the course. To pass the requirements of the curriculum, all assigned tasks must be completed.

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.