Course syllabus

BLS, Laboratory Medicine Methods, 15 credits

Course code: BL026G Credits: 15
Main field of study: Biomedical Laboratory Science Progression: G2F
    Last revised: 14/03/2019
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 25/11/2015 Reading list approved: 14/03/2019
Valid from: Autumn semester 2019 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After completing this course the student will have:

  • knowledge and understanding of the research process
  • knowledge and understanding of methodology in medical diagnostics in selected areas of laboratory medicine
  • skills and ability to write a scientific report
  • good evaluation skills and a good attitude to research ethics

Main content of the course

  • research methodology
  • information retrieval
  • methodology for analysis and diagnostics of different medical conditions

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of laboratory sessions and seminars.
Mandatory attendance at seminars and laboratory training. In the event of absence from compulsory modules, the course coordinator will determine the way in which the module is to be completed.
The language of tuition is English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Biomedical Laboratory Science Reports, 15 credits (Code: A001)
Two written reports


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Biomedical Laboratory Science Reports
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To receive the mark Pass with Distinction for the entire course, two out of three examination must have received a Pass with Distinction grade.

Specific entry requirements

BLS 30 Credits and Medicine 60 Credits or equivalent. Additional requirements: English Course B/English Course 6.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Completion of all mandatory elements of the course. Mandatory elements must normally be completed before sitting the final exam. In exceptional circumstances, mandatory elements may be completed after sitting the exam. Normally, all mandatory elements must be completed before the student can credit the points for the course. If a student cannot complete a mandatory element, he or she may request an exemption. The student has the right to appeal a negative decision. If a mandatory element can be completed in another way, this is to be clearly stated.

Right to re-examination.
1. A student who fails the final exam has the right to take the exam again. The exam must be taken again at the earliest two weeks and at the latest five weeks after notification of the initial result.
2. If the course will no longer be offered, or its content or scope has been changed significantly, there will be three opportunities to take the exam in the course within 18 months of the date on which the course changed/ceased to be offered.
3. Students who have been failed on two occasions for a course or sub-course have the right to request the Head of the Department to appoint another examiner to mark the exam.
4. Students who have been given a Pass grade on an exam may not take the exam again in order to improve their grade to Pass with Distinction.
5. Take-home exams or assignments submitted after the due date will not be marked. Instead the student will be required to take a new exam or submit a new assignment.

The course concludes with a course evaluation. Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 1 Section 14

For information on the right to re-examination, see (in Swedish) the examination regulations at Örebro University.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Wilson Keith & Walker John (2005/6 ed)
Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cambridge: University of Cambridge

Additional Reading

Biblioteksguiden
http://www.ub.oru.se/

Day, Robert A, Gastel Barbara (2006)
How to write and publish a scientific paper
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Hammar Niklas Latest editions
A short course in biostatistics
Lund: Student literature

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Current scientific publications relevant to the student's area of study.