Course content

This course will cover fundamentals in micro- and nanotechnologies for biomedicine such as diagnostics, research and therapy. The course will include lectures on subjects such as biosensor fundamentals, nucleotide sequencing technologies, microfluidic and microfabrication basics, surface bioconjugation and biopatterning, hydrogel structuring, microdroplet technology, biomaterials, stem cell biology, organs-on-chips, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems. This course focuses mainly on technology with uses within biomedicine.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed the course MOL3014 should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

• understand how micro/nanotechnology can be tailored and used for biomedical purposes.
• understand the problems and possibilities for analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, cells and tissues by micro fabricated devices and nanotechnological solutions, including microdroplets.
• outline 2D/3D fabrication procedures and general considerations for microfluidics.
• understand biomaterials and their interaction with cells, body fluids and tissues.
• understand basic stem cell biology and corresponding requirement for tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip.
• understand the need, obstacles and solutions for polymeric, lipidous and solid nanosized drug delivery systems.
• understand the biocompatibility and toxicological aspects of nanosized materials.

Skills

• find, analyze, and critically evaluate various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.

General Competence

• apply knowledge and skills in new academic and professional contexts.
• communicate complex academic issues clearly and precisely, using appropriate language and terminology, both to specialists and the general public.

Learning methods and activities

The syllabus of the course is defined by the learning objectives. The course is mainly based on lectures with dedicated time set aside for group discussions. The curriculum is lecture handouts and appropriate review papers describing the learning outcomes.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic skills in molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, physics. Most suited for students who have completed courses in basic molecular and cell biology.

Course materials

All course material is based on lectures and review articles.