2BIO033 Methods in Cell and Reproductive biotechnology
- Course code2BIO033
- Number of credits10
- Teaching semester2026 Autumn
- Language of instruction and examinationEnglish
- CampusHamar
- Required prerequisite knowledge
The student must be admitted to the master programme in Biotechnology. The subject is also offered as an individual subject i.e., for Erasmus students. The student must have a general course in cell biology or similar on the BSc level.
The course provides a broad basis for understanding and using methods in cell biology in research, clinical diagnostics, and industry, including technology within livestock breeding. The laboratory component includes both lab demonstrations and hands-on lab exercises, giving students experience with selected cell biology techniques. Students will be trained to keep a proper lab notebook, design flowcharts for experimental procedures, and prepare clear figures and tables from lab data. Group work and presentations will help the students to sharpen their scientific communication and presentation abilities.
The actual content of the course is updated every year to accommodate the most recent methods, but some examples of the topics covered are:
- Introduction to cell biology – the mammalian cell
- Culture of mammalian cells
- Cell signaling
- Antibodies: structure, antigen binding and labeling
- Antibody production
- Immunological methods
- Flow cytometry
- Imaging: Microscopy and CASA
- Gamete development and preservation
- Sperm in the female tract and fertilization
- Sperm cell evaluation
- Assisted Reproductive technologies (ARTs)
- E.g. different methods of embryo production
Learning outcome
Upon passing the course, students have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Students
- have thorough knowledge of scientific theory in reproduction and the principles of reproductive biotechnology both in animal breeding and human medicine.
- have thorough knowledge of the basic principles and applications of selected methods in cell biology.
- have knowledge that can be applied in industry and in further scientific education.
Students
- can understand the principles and applications of technologies in cell biology and reproductive biotechnology.
- can understand and use scientific literature in cell biology and reproductive biotechnology.
- have knowledge on how to plan an experimental study in cell biology and reproductive biotechnology.
- can reflect on advantages and disadvantages using the selected methods.
- can perform practical experiments in selected methods in cell biology.
- can practice critical evaluation of the data and the conclusions.
- can analyze and present experimental data both in oral and written form.
Students
- have thorough knowledge in cell biology methods and reproductive biotechnology, the application thereof in industry and science, in veterinary and human medicine.
- can apply the knowledge and skills for planning experiments in the selected methods.
- have thorough skills and knowledge in cell biology and reproductive biotechnology suitable for working in industry and science.
- have the ability to work separately and in teams.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work /Case studies
- Demonstration of selected methods
- Practical laboratory work
- Written assignments and/or presentations
- Use of Canvas learning platform
- Self-study
- Attendance of at least 90% for scheduled laboratory exercises, seminars, and group activities.
- Written and/oral assignment must be passed.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written examination with supervision | ECTS - A-F | Individual | 4 Hour(s) |