MF9135 – Biomarkers in clinical research
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The purpose of the course is to introduce the use of biomarkers in clinical research today and tomorrow, as well as presenting the principles for their quantification in selected analyses. Such understanding is fundamental for the selection of appropriate choice of analysis and interpretation of data obtained.
Biomarkers can be molecules in various biological materials, embedded in extra- or intracellular compartments. Additionally, digital biomarkers are increasingly relevant, as examplified by next generation sequencing data, images, sensory output.
The lecturers are typically clinicians leading clinical research projects, spanning from pediatric studies to forensic medicine; from laboratory medicine to quality assessment in primary health care.
The one-week course provides a rapid presentation of most relevant biomarkers used in clinical research, with various technologies presented in a clinical relevant background.
Learning outcome
The candidate will achieve competence in biomarkers and corresponding relevant analysis tools for clinical research project. Emphasis is given to emphasize how analyses of selected biomarkers depend on proper choice of method and proper sample preparation. The course is aimed to critically be able to judge the robustness of the data from the choice of method.
Knowledge and skills
This course will give you knowledge about:
- Biomarkers heterogeneity: what to measure depends on the stability of the sample, resolution of method and preparation of the sample.
- Understanding the underlying principles of antibody-based analyses
- Understanding the underlying principles of nucleic acid-based techniques
- Understanding the underlying principles of functional assays and correlating pitfalls.
- Understanding the underlying principles of mass-spectrometry analyses and
- Understand the principles, limitations and pitfalls associated with platform analyses
- Critical selection of Method
- Critical view on reference range
- Novel biomarkers
- Therapy biomarkers
Admission
How to apply:
- PhD candidates admitted to a PhD programme at UiO:
- Apply in StudentWeb
- Applicants who are not admitted to a PhD programme at UiO:
- Must apply for a right to study PhD courses in medicine and health sciences in S?knadsWeb before they can apply for this course.
- External applicants should apply for a right to study minimum 3 weeks before the course application deadline.
- When a right to study is granted, external applicants apply for this course in StudentWeb.
- See information about how to apply for at right to study and how to apply for PhD courses here: How external applicants can apply for elective PhD courses in medicine and health sciences.
Reply to course application:
- This course has registration type Automatic reply.
- Applicants to a course with registration type automatic reply, will upon registration immediately receive a reply in StudentWeb as to whether the application is granted, the course is full, or if the applicant do not meet the formal prerequisite knowledge.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The student should hold a MSc, MD or similar and be enrolled in the PhD program.
Teaching
The course will run for 5 full days and mainly based on lectures and group work.
The compulsory literature will be provided after registration, and include a mixture of hand-outs, published literature and web-based resources.
You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance at lectures will be registered.
Examination
A take-home exam will be given at the end of the course. There will be 1-2 days of preparatory.
The exam paper is in English, but it is optional for the candidate to answer the exam in Norwegian or English
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.