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: 13.09.2021 - 21.10.2021
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Heli Viskari, Jenny Thors
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
Throughout the course the students can contact responsible teacher Heli Viskari, heli.viskari@aalto.fi. Other contact information will be announced in the beginning of the course.
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
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 for whole curriculum period:
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 for whole curriculum period:
Total 135h = 5 cr
Laboratory work and other experimentation
Lectures
Reporting (written and/or oral)
Assignments and self-studyapplies 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; according the preliminary scheduling hands-on laboratory work will cover two weeks (six days) of the total course / student
Reporting (written and/or oral) 30 h
Assignments and self-study 18 h
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
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.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
4 Quality Education
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Priority is given to the degree students in Biotechnology major. If there is space, other students (Aalto degree students and exchange students) with sufficient background in chemistry and biology can be admitted to the course. After the registration period the teacher of the course will inform registered students if they are accepted into the course.
Teaching Period:
2020-2021 Autumn I
2021-2022 Autumn I
Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=CHEM-E3110
Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.
Sisu
Details on the schedule
applies in this implementation
Below is presented a preliminary plan for course scheduling. Due to corona restrictions (e.g. maximum capacity of the lab space) this might still change.
First half of the course: molecular biology with the emphasis on cloning, both hands-on and remote work. Each student will spend one week (three days) in the lab, one day a week.
Second half of the course: biochemistry techniques, both hands-on and remote work. Each student will spend one week (three days) in the lab, one day a week.
Reporting modes for both parts will be announced in the beginning of the course.