Advanced flowcytometry in laboratory medicine

The course is offered as a freestanding course. The course may be included in a Master’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science, either one year (60 hec) or two years (120 hec).

Progressive specialisation
A1N, Advanced level, with only first-cycle (Bachelor’s level) courses as entry requirements.

Eligibility for the course requires a Bachelor’s degree or a professional degree comprising 180 higher education credits in Biomedical Laboratory Science, or an equivalent qualification within the fields of medicine, pharmacy, health care, or natural sciences, as well as English 6/English, level 2.

The course aims to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of flow cytometry. Basic principles of flow cytometry will be covered and different types of instrumentation and techniques will be presented. Furthermore, workflows, sample handling, quality assurance, troubleshooting, validation, and data analysis in flow cytometric investigations will be discussed. Different types of diagnostic applications will be addressed, including through study visits to clinical settings that use flow cytometry. During the course, students will be able to analyse demonstration samples, using flow cytometry, and practice results analysis using, for example, FlowJo.

Knowledge and Understanding
- explain in detail the theory of flow cytometric techniques
- describe in detail applications of flow cytometry in laboratory diagnostics (e.g. microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine)
- account for sources of error, quality assurance, and validation of flow cytometric methods

Skills and Abilities
- perform various flow cytometric applications
- interpret and analyse obtained results
- troubleshoot the method and propose corrective actions

Judgement and Approach
- discuss safe sample handling, quality assurance, and environmental aspects
- critically argue how a selected application addresses a diagnostic question
- discuss advantages and disadvantages of flow cytometry from a methodological perspective

Teaching is conducted through lectures, group exercises, seminars, demonstrations and laboratory work.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English

The course is examined through:
• Laboratory work/demonstrations*
• Seminars/group exercises*
• One written examination assignment

*The number of sessions is specified in the study guide.

Failed components may be retaken on a make-up occasion in connection with the course or the next time the course is offered.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U). In order to get the grade Pass (G) for the full course, the student must receive the grade Pass on all compulsory parts as well as the written assignment.

Course evaluation is carried out through a written questionnaire on Gothenburg University's learning platform, as well as orally in dialogue with the students. The course coordinator summarises and compiles an analysis of the course evaluation and makes suggestions for developing the course. Analysis and suggestions are reconnected to the students and published on Gothenburg University's learning platform.