Entry requirements

Cell biology. Molecular bioinformatics. Methods in Biochemistry. Alternatively, Chemistry 30 credits (including biochemistry and physical chemistry 10 credits) or similarly.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student should:

• Have knowledge about modern biomedical measuring methodology based on electric, optical, and mechanic registration of bio-specific interactions.
• Be able to compare critically different techniques with emphasis on sensitivity and selectivity.
• Be able to construct, validate, and use biosensors.

Content

Problem-solving in Analytical chemistry; Sources of errors; Biological specificity;

Binding-constants, The rate of adsorption/desorption, diffusion; enzymkinetics; protein

immobilisation; electrochemical and optical sensors/transducers; potentiometric methods, the

use of the oxygen electrode in biosensor systems; redox-enzymes in amperometric methods;

conductimetric methods; applications of the quartz microbalance; optical methods: UV/Vis,

fluorescence, luminescence, IR; fiberoptics, surface plasmon resonance, sensors based on

antibodies. Diagnostics and other biosensor applications are discussed critically with special

emphasis on sensitivity and stability.

Literature seminars: Every student presents and discusses a scientific article on biosensors. Laboratory work: Computer simulation, surface

plasmon resonance, total internal reflection and conductometry. Laboratory lessons including a sensor design project.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory lessons

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course 3 credits. Laboratory work and literature seminars are assigned 4.5 credits.