Methods in biotechnology (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Methods in Biotechnology will be implemented as a conventional lab implementation consisting of three larger work topics.

PRELIMINARY CONTENT:
1) Bioreactor cultivation of E. coli and production of mEGFP protein.
2) Downstream and purification (heat treatment + affinity chromatography) of mEGFP including gel and total protein analysis.
3) Production of hydrogel ceramic composite, 3D printed implant, crosslinking with different times and rheological analyses of material properties.

The reporting consists of one video report and one conventional laboratory report both made by group. Deadline for video reporting is two weeks from the end of downstream labwork. Hydrogel 3D printing and rheology labwork report (conventional) deadline is 15.1.2025.

Objective

The participants are able to prepare biomaterials for tissue engineering and to describe the specific features of the preparation process. The participants are able to manufacture typical molecules for diagnostics or other industrially important molecules by bioprocesses. The participants are able to use the most important analytical methods used in biomaterials characterization, genetic engineering, diagnostics and bioprocesses

Content

- laboratory works (analytical methods and preparation) in tissue engineering, diagnostics, bioprocesses and genetic engineering

Location and time

Weeks 47-50, Lemminkäisenkatu

Materials

Most of the material will be available on Its-learning environment. Some material student need to find itself according to instructions on Its

Teaching methods

Laboratory work in groups, team-based learning in groups

Exam schedules

No exam, assessment is based on reporting, study plans, overall performance in laboratory and laboratory notebook.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Hands on practical training.
Sustainable development aspect is taken into consideration for example in laboratory work scaling, reagent consumption and waste management.

Completion alternatives

2-4 students may conduct the course by working in the the research group (Biomaterials and Diagnostics). This type of the implementation has to be agreed separate with the instructors (Jani Pelkonen and Kari Haajanen).

Student workload

Approximation:
Preparing and self study for labworks: 28 h
* pretasks for labworks and self study
Laboratory works: 72 h
* three topics, one topic per week and three lab days (8 h) per week (-> 72 h)
Reporting: 30
* Compiling the laboratory report

Evaluation methods and criteria

Video and written report assessed on scale 0 – 5 (group evaluation).
Overall performance in laboratory during the 3 working weeks and Laboratory notebook (incl. written study & analysis plans i.e. weekly schedules incl. daily tasks) can affect +/- 1 grade individually.

Failed (0)

There are clear deficiencies in the work plans, or they have not been made, and the planned schedule is not being followed.
Laboratory work cannot be performed without guidance.
Essential entries are missing from the laboratory notebook.
Laboratory reports have significant deficiencies or have not been completed.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

There are deficiencies in the work plans and/or it is difficult to adhere to the planned schedule.
Continuous guidance is needed in laboratory work.
There are deficiencies in the entries of the laboratory notebook.
There are deficiencies in the laboratory reports.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

There are minor deficiencies in the work plans, and there are occasional challenges in adhering to the planned schedule.
Minimal guidance is needed in laboratory work.
There are minor deficiencies in the entries of the laboratory notebook, but observations and conclusions are presented.
The laboratory reports meet the assignment requirements, but there are some or minor deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The work plans are comprehensive, and the planned schedule is adhered to.
Laboratory work is independent and competent.
The entries in the laboratory notebook are comprehensive, and the observations and conclusions are well-founded.
The laboratory reports meet the assignment requirements, and they are clear and comprehensive. The discussion of the results and the conclusions presented in the reports are well-founded.