Course content

This course will focus on the following topics:

• Biobanks: classifications, common and distinctive features of the different types of biobanks
• National regulations and international conventions concerning biobanks, use of human biological materials and personal data
• Research biobanks: formal and practical aspects of the establishment, operation and use
• Ethical aspects of utilization of human biological materials; The role of Research Ethics Committees
• Different types of consent as basis for biobanking; alternatives to consent
• Logistics and quality management; quality assurance and quality control of collection, storage , retrieval and use of samples
• Methods for analysis of human biological materials; assessment and interpretation of data
• Extraction and quality assessment of DNA and/or RNA from various sources
• Collection and storage of data; databases and data security
• Statistical and epidemiological methods in biobank related research
• The role of biobanks in health surveys like HUNT, Mother-Child etc.
• Research for the future: National and transnational genetic and epidemiological research collaboration.

Learning outcome

After completing the course MOL3009, the student should be able to:

• describe and explain universal and special features of the different types of biobanks
• explain the different conditions and requirements that must be fulfilled with regard to operation and use of research biobanks
• describe quality management, quality assurance, logistics and data management related to biobanks
• discuss ethical issues and policy guidance regarding research involving human biological materials
• outline the main features of laws and other directives which are relevant for biobanking
• discuss the use and the potential utility values of biobanks
• outline how to establish and operate a biobank
• describe in detail the application process for the establishment of a research biobank
• sketch the plan for a research project using human biological material

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminar, group exercises, laboratory exercise, excursion, term paper. The language of teaching and examination is English. If less than 5 students students sign up, the course will be cancelled.

Compulsory assignments

• Seminar / Excursion / Laboratory Exercise / Project Work
• Laboratory report
• Term paper

Further on evaluation

Retake of exam: The student must have completed the mandatory activities and assignments to take the exam.

Students with legitimate leave of absence at the final examination and students who receive the grade F may re-sit the examination in the following semester.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in Medical Genetics and Cell Biology.

Course materials

Collection of articles, chapters from various books and official documents.

Credit reductions