Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biological Sample Management
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be addressed either in person or via videoconference with the course tutor.
Introduction
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the management of biological samples used in biomedical research and clinical laboratories. It covers all stages of the sample management process, from collection and identification to processing, storage, transport, and disposal, ensuring quality, traceability, biosafety, and compliance with ethical and legal requirements.
The course contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting practices that ensure the quality of biological samples for research and diagnosis; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by fostering the implementation of quality management systems and innovation in sample management processes; and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging the responsible management of biological resources and laboratory waste.
Pre-course requirements
Students are expected to have acquired the basic knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and fundamental laboratory techniques covered in previous years of the degree programme.
Objectives
- To provide students with the fundamental knowledge required for the comprehensive management of biological samples in biomedical research and clinical laboratory settings.
- To enable students to apply the principles of quality, traceability, and biosafety throughout the biological sample management process.
- To familiarise students with the ethical, legal, and regulatory framework governing the use of biological samples and the operation of biobanks.
- To promote a critical understanding of the importance of the pre-analytical phase and quality control in ensuring reliable and reproducible biomedical research results.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN14 - Identify the principles of biomedical sciences related to health, as well as the basic concepts and tools that have an impact on Biomedical Sciences and allow them to work in any of its fields (biomedical companies, bioinformatics labs, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the different types of biological samples and their requirements for collection, processing, storage, and transport.
- Apply the principles of quality, traceability, and biosafety in the management of biological samples.
- Recognise the pre-analytical factors that may affect the quality and integrity of biological samples.
- Interpret the main ethical and legal requirements related to the management and use of biological samples in biomedical research.
- Evaluate the importance of quality management systems and biobanks in ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of biomedical research.
Syllabus
Block 1. Introduction to Biological Sample Management
- Types of biological samples.
- Sample management workflow.
- Importance of the pre-analytical phase.
Block 2. Sample Processing and Quality
- Collection, processing, storage, and transport.
- Traceability and quality control.
- Quality management systems.
Block 3. Ethical, Legal and Biosafety Aspects
- Informed consent and confidentiality.
- Applicable regulations.
- Biosafety and waste management.
Block 4. Biobanks and Biomedical Research Applications
- Organisation and operation of biobanks.
- Use of biological samples in biomedical research.
Practical sessions
- Simulation of the biological sample management workflow, including sample reception, identification, registration, processing, storage, and traceability, applying quality management and biosafety principles.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course content will be delivered through three different teaching and learning activities:
- Lectures – 10 hours: the instructor delivers theoretical content to the entire class through lecture-based sessions.
- Case-Based Learning (CBL) – 6 hours: students work in groups to solve clinical cases provided by the instructor. During the sessions, each group presents and discusses its conclusions, with active guidance from the instructor, who introduces additional concepts whenever necessary.
- Laboratory Practical Sessions – 4 hours: students perform experimental laboratory activities to apply the concepts covered in the lectures under the supervision of the instructor.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students taking the course for the first time:
Case-Based Learning: 25%
Laboratory report: 15%
Final examination: 60%
The instructor reserves up to 10% of the final grade to be awarded based on subjective criteria such as engagement, participation, respect for basic rules, and professional attitude.
2) Students in the second or subsequent examination periods:
The grades obtained for the Case-Based Learning activities and laboratory practical sessions will be retained, and the final examination will account for 70% of the final grade. Students repeating the course who wish to retake Case-Based Learning activities and/or the laboratory practical sessions during the third or fifth examination period may do so by informing the course coordinator in advance.
General points to be considered regarding the assessment system:
- To be eligible for grade averaging, students must obtain a minimum grade of 5.0/10 in the final examination.
- In addition to the above, students must obtain an overall average grade of 5.0/10 or higher to pass the course.
- Due to the continuous assessment system, students who have not attended at least 75% of the scheduled teaching hours cannot be assessed.
- Improper use of electronic devices (including recording or distributing images or audio of students or instructors during teaching sessions, as well as using such devices for recreational or non-educational purposes) may result in removal from the classroom.
- Examinations will include multiple-choice questions (4 answer options; +1 for each correct answer and −0.33 for each incorrect answer) and essay or short-answer questions.
4) Class attendance:
- Regular attendance at lectures and Case-Based Learning sessions is recommended.
- Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, although it is strongly recommended.
- Removal from a lecture or a Case-Based Learning session may negatively affect the student's continuous assessment.
- Attendance at Case-Based Learning sessions is not compulsory; however, students must attend at least 75% of the sessions to obtain the grade corresponding to this assessment activity.
- Attendance at laboratory practical sessions is compulsory. An unexcused absence will result in failure of the course.
5) Honours (Matrícula d'Honor): When awarding Honours, particular consideration will be given to students' participation and engagement in the different learning activities, as well as their respect for the course regulations.
6) Improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptop computers may result in removal from the classroom. Improper use includes recording or distributing images or audio of students or instructors during teaching sessions, as well as using these devices for recreational or non-educational purposes.