Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the students
1. have sound theoretical knowledge about methods used in biotechnology laboratories
2. have a good understanding of relevant regulations and safety aspects when working in biotechnology laboratories
3. will be able to perform basic microbiology and biochemistry laboratory experiments
4. will be able to plan and conduct basic experimental work by themselves

Credits: 5

Schedule: 07.09.2020 - 15.10.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Heli Viskari

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Heli Viskari

Contact information for the course (valid 14.08.2020-21.12.2112):

Throughout the course the students can contact responsible teacher Heli Viskari, heli.viskari@aalto.fi. Other contact information will be annonced in the beginning of the course.


CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This course provides the theoretical background and basic practical skills required for working in biochemistry and microbiology, use of aseptic technique in the laboratory, culturing pro- and eukaryotic cells, isolation, identification and microscopy of the cells, working with proteins and performing analytics with different instrumentation.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The main focus of the course will be in acquiring solid theoretical and practical skills in basic methods used in biotechnology. This will be done by cell and molecular level experiments and by analysing the outcome with several techniques and devices. In addition to hands-on laboratory work the students will also write reports of the experimental results as well as give an oral presentation according to given instructions. Emphasis is also given on in silico work and analyses.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Experimentation, planning, practical implementation, assignments, reporting.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Grading is based on attendance (both hands-on and remote teaching), completion of the laboratory experiments and reporting of results and other assignments.

    Preliminary grading scale: Max 100 points distributed as follows:

    Activity and attendance in the laboratory and in remote sessions 20

    Reports (written and oral) 30 + 30 = 60

    Other assignments 15

    Self- and group assessment at the end of the course 5


Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Total 135h = 5 cr

    Laboratory work and other experimentation

    Lectures
    Reporting (written and/or oral)
    Assignments and self-study

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Please note that these hours are estimations, depending on each experimental success and working pace of each student.

    Lectures (remote and in-between laboratory work) 10-12 h

    Laboratory work and other experimentation, e.g. in silico exercises 70-75 h; hands-on laboratory work will cover two weeks of the total course / student

    Reporting (written and oral) 30 h

    Assignments and self-study 18 h


DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    To be announced later

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course
    laboratory manual will be given to students in the beginning of the course, other learning material during the course.

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Laboratory safety course CHEM-A1010 or CHEM-E0140 (or alternatively, laboratory safety as part of courses CHEM-A1000 or CHEM-E0100 taught before Academic Year 2017-2018) must have been passed before performing any laboratory works in this course.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    4 Quality Education

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    First half of the course: in silico experiments and biochemistry techniques. After the biochemistry part you will write the written report.

    Second half of the course: molecular biology with the emphasis on cloning. Reporting system: oral presentation. The oral presentation seminar takes place during the last week of the course.

    First week of the course is held remotely in Zoom. After that the students will work in small groups in the laboratory (every other week) and perform remote exercises (every other week).