Entry requirements

150 credits including knowledge corresponding to at least 60 credits in the subjects chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical science or medicine. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe and explain the goals, tools and effects of automation for different types of applications in life sciences
• Design and evaluate the transition from a manual lab protocol to an automated protocol
• Design protocols and perform pipetting using automated liquid handling instruments
• Use automated microscopes to automate imaging and analyze, interpret, and summarize the results in writing of good Enlish standards
• Configure and execute protocols to manage samples using a robotic arm
• Orally present and discuss results, in good English, and give constructive feedback to other participants

Content

The course gives an introduction to theory and methods for automation of laboratory protocols, mainly in a biology-related laboratory environment. The course gives an overview of different types of automation within bioscience, instruments, robots and associated biological applications. The course proceeds with elements for design of and conversion of existing protocols to automated protocols. Theoretical elements are intermixed with practical parts that includes liquid handling using pipetting robot, sample handling with robot arm, and automated microscopy.

Instruction

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Instruction in the form of lectures, laboratory work and group exercises. Mandatory parts: Laboratory work and group exercises. Written presentation of some laboratory work. The course is given in English.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. To pass the course is required a passed written exam (5 hp) and passed compulsory assignments (2,5 hp). 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.