Introduction to biomedical laboratory science and its role in health science and helth service. The basic aspects of the scope and of miomedical scientists work and their ideology regarding the work will be discussed. A clinical laboratory will be visited.

Anatomical methodology and descriptive terms. Terms of orientation with reference to the anatomical position. Fundamental principles of human body structure. Origins of the human body (embryology). Structure and function of the cell. Tissues.
Locomotor system. Nervous system. Cardiovascular system. Respiratory system. Lymphatic system. Digestive system. Urinary system. Endocrine system. Muscular system. Sensory systems. Reproductive system. Immune system. Hormonal system.

General Chemistry: Atom, molecule and ions. Chemical formula and reactions formula. Source of the Elements. Heat of Reaction. Gasses. Atomic theory. The Periodic System. Chemical binding. Molecules. Liquids and solids. Mixtures. Reactivity. Chemical equilibrium. Reactions speed.

Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry. IUPAC nomenclature. Isomer and stereochemistry. Typical reactions of alkan, alken, dien, alkyn, alcohol, aldehyd, keton and aromatic carbohydrate.

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

Lectures: Homeostasis and control systems. Electrophysiology: membrane potentials and conduction. Endocrinology and nervous systems. Sensory physiology. Muscles: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles.

Students introduced to the basic applications of physics in health sciences. Example solutions to problems related to forces, motion, energy, etc., which will allow students to pursue further study and work in the health sciences.

Physics: Motion. Forces, Newton's law. Work, energy and power. Degree of heat, heat transport and thermodynamics. Hydrodynamics. Electrical forces and fields. Electricity, voltage and circuit. Magnetic field. Optics.

Lectures and electronic assignments based on the textbook material.

Course content:

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cyle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

The duties and responsibilities of biomedical scientists are discussed; ethics in health care, confidentiality and student non-disclosure agreements.

The importance of phlebotomy procedures will also be discussed, including sample types received by the laboratory, quantitative measurement of analytes and principles of techniques and laboratory safety.

The course is divided into three parts: scientific/data literacy, presentation of scientific data, and teamwork.

I. Teamwork

An overview of the basic methods and tools of quality management. Teamwork will be discussed and applied.

II. Presentation of scientific data

The basic methods for writing scientific articles and reports, and preparing and giving presentations. Data base search and reference management software will be covered. Students will apply these methods and tools on assignments.

III. Scientific / data literacy

An overview of statistics and the origin of data. Graphical representation of data and data distribution types. Confidence intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. An overview of study design, and sampling as a representation of a population. Risk factors, risk, and relative risk. Interpretation of research results for an individual. Interpretation of research results in scientific papers and assessment of possible error sources.

The course requires active participation. The material will be covered in lectures. Methods and tools are trained in tutorials and with assignments that are delivered in speech and/or writing.

Lectures. Cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction.

Practical lesson. Cardiovascular system. Participation is obligatory, lab report must be submitted, and online exam taken.

Project lessons. Twice during the course. Participation is obligatory

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

• Solubility and solubility equilibrium.
• Complexions.
• Intermolecular forces of liquids and solids.
• Fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
• Electromagnetic radiation and interactions with compounds.
• Light absorption.
• Spectrometry of electromagnetic radiation.
• Beer's Law. 
• Various spectrometries, UV spectrophotometry, spetrofluorimetry, flame emission spectrometry, fluorescence, flame detection, atomic absorption spectrometry.
• Electrochemistry. Various electrical measurements, both voltage and current. Electrophoresis.
• Liquid and gas chromatography.
• Radioactivity.
• Automatic analysis technology.

This course will cover the basic concepts of genetics as well as the cellular processes associated with it. The structure of DNA, RNA and proteins will be covered, as well as how the cell replicates the genetic material, transcribes it and translates it into proteins. The structure of chromosomes and the regulation of the cell cycle will be discussed. Mutations and the processes that cells use to repair DNA damage will also be reviewed. Genetic variability will also be discussed and how genetic variability is the basis of the evolution of organisms. Mendelian heredity and the relationship between genotype and phenotype will be discussed. The main methods of genetic engineering will be taught so that students gain an understanding of them. It is important that students gain a good understanding of the content of this course as it is the basis for courses taught later in the study, e.g. Blood Pathology, Genetics II and Molecular Genetics.

A practical course in general chemistry: Equipments and safety in the chemistry laboratory. Acid-base properties and pH measurements. Determination of an equilibrium constant and quantification of iron using spectrophotometry. Colligative properties, melting point depression. Electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrolysis. pH determinations by spectrophotometry of a two component solution.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures supported by lab demonstrations. Workshops, assignments, independent learning.
Resume of immunology. Ordinary organs and types of cells in the immunity system. Antibody, antigen and receptors. B and T lymphocytes, development and function. Antigen presenting cells. MHC molecules. Cytokines. Immunological recognition. Lymph and cell immunity. Immunity disease, immunity deficiency, autoimmunity, vaccination. Immunological methods.

The lectures will cover essential elements in the whole process of biochemical research in clinical biochemistry.

Activities, structure, standardisation and maintenance of automated measuring instruments, results of biochemical research, clinical and medical limits of research, interferences in biochemical measurements, interpretation of results of biochemical tests and selection of measurement methods in clinical biochemistry.

The lectures will cover management, information systems, communication, quality control and automation of laboratories in clinical biochemistry. Students will learn about standard methods used in phlebotomy technology, transport and storage of blood samples at a clinical biochemistry department.

In this laboratory course, emphasis is on the different methodological techniques used in biochemical measurements in clinical biochemistry. The students perform practical exercises based on quantitative measurements of various elements of blood or other bodily fluids, e.g. enzymes, ions, proteins, drugs and hormones. Practical exercises are for example photometric measurements, standardisation of methods, electrochemical measurements, protein electrophoresis, measurements with high-pressure chromatography and antibody measurements.

In lectures emphasis is placed on fundamentals factors in clinical chemistry - patho physiology. The course explores the relationship between the structure and function of various body systems and the biochemistry of the human body. Topics includes ions, enzymes, vitamins, salts minerals, blood gases, and lipid metabolism; function of kidney, liver, heart, and digestive organs; diseases with regards to clinical chemistry tests on body fluids, both with regards to analysis and treatment of diseases; measurements of drugs, toxicology; molecular diagnostics and diseases of genetic origin. Students will learn the correlation between chemistry test results and clinical symptoms of diseases.

Main topics are the heart, the lungs and kidneys. In clinical physiology work and communication with the patients is more direct than in other disciplines in biomedical science, therefore an emphasis is on patient care and communication.

The heart: structure and blood circulation ( location, chambers, valves and vessels)
The cardiac cycle, normal pressure in chambers and the main vessels, cardiac output, diastole and systole and heart sounds; the conductive system and arrhythmia; acquired and congenital heart diseases .How different cardiac tests are used to diagnose heart diseases ( EKG, pacemaker studies, Holter, stress tests, electrophysiological studies, coronary angiography and echocardiography. The students will also be introduced to the most common drugs used in different heart diseases, heart surgery and other treatment resources.

The lungs: The respiratory system anatomy, and function. Pulmonary ventilation inhalation and exhalation, Lung volume and capacities, Oxygen transport, gas exchange, saturation, gas laws, blood gas measurements and interpretation, acidosis and alkalosis. Lung diseases how they are diagnosed and treated (tests and drugs).

The kidneys: the structure and physiology. Glomerular filtration rate, tubular re-absorption and secretion. Hormonal regulation. Fluid balance. Electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Kidney failure, consequence; and treatment resources.

Blood and marrow in healthy human. The formation of blood cells in marrow. The formation and destruction of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 - folinacid and iron concentration. Classification of white blood cells and different level of formation. Red blood cells. Research of body fluids. Analysing diseases and treatment. Coagulation system, platelets and fibrinolysis. Coagulations disorders and treatment.

The course is based on lectures covering the methods of hematology,  hands-on work in the laboratory, essays, presentations and teamwork involving scientific literature and case studies.

1) Lectures: PowerPoint presentations and other teaching material e.g. peer-reviewed articles and videos covering methods in hematology, are published on the Canvas homepage. The course is partly based on stand-alone lectures and, in addition, laboratory training is typically preceded by oral presentations outlining the subject and aims.  

2) Laboratory training:

• General hematology methods:
  Blood cell counting using a microscope
  Manual blood analysis methods
  Automated complete blood count
  Preparation of the blood smear and morphology analysis of normal samples and samples from patients.
  Microscopic examination of blood smears from the main types of anemia and malignant blood/bone marrow diseases. 
• Body fluid analysis:
  Cells and non-cellular factors in urine and other body fluids.
  Microscopic evaluation
  General studies of urine and feces
  Results of tests and diagnosis
• Coagulation studies:
  General discussion concerning the coagulation system
  The meaning of different types of coagulation tests
  The relation of the coagulation system to clinical tests and diseases. 
• Training in a clinical laboratory.
  Students are presented to standardized procedures concerning:
  Automated complete blood count (CBC) instruments
  Blood smear preparations
  Automated microscopic analysis technique for analysis of blood cells.
  Automated coagulation tests
  Body fluid analysis with various methods
  Diagnosis of malignant blood/bone marrow diseases using flow cytometry
  Phlebotomy in a clinical setting

3) Essay and presentation: Selection of a highly specialized subject in the field of hematology as well as focus and structure is done in collaboration with teachers. After submission of the essay, the material is presented to fellow students and teachers by an oral presentation.

4) Teamwork: Projects concerning important definitions in hematology or peer-reviewed scientific articles in the field that are finalized with a common presentation.  

5) Case studies: Problem-based-learning approach applied to the diagnosis of anemia and malignant hematological diseases on the basis of symptoms and the outcome of clinical tests. 

Basic properties of photon- and particle radiation, radioactive decay and half-life, radiation dose and radiation measurements.  Biological effects of ionizing radiation and basic principles in the handling of radioactive material.  Basic concepts of radiation protection and classification of laboratories where radioactive material is handled.   General introduction of the use of radionuclides in research, for medical imaging and in therapy.

The lectures are the basis for practical training. They cover the treatment of tissue samples until they are visible in a microscope for specific diagnostic of diseases. The lecture topics include purpose of fixation, different work procedures, cutting techniques and the purpose of staining. Furthermore immunological staining procedures.

Introduction to pathology.
General pathology: Cell injury, adaptation and cell death. Inflammation, including acute inflammation and inflammatory response, chronic inflammation and specialized chronic inflammatory response. Tissue repair, including healing of bone fractures. Defencts in tissue growth and neoplasia, types and classification of neoplasia. Thrombosis, embolism and infraction.

Specialised pathology: Diseases of the heart and vessels, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary system and pancreas, urinary tract and genital organs, breast, endocrine system, lymphatic system, cytogenetics.

Overview of blood bank practices; Blood donations, production of blood components, tests on blood components, use of blood components, adverse effects of blood transfusion, direct and indirect Coombs test, main blood groups and blood group antibodies, screening and identification of blood group antibodies, blood group antibodies in pregnancy, elution and titer of blood group antibodies. Overview og HLA, stem cells and studys of stemcells in the Blood Bank in Reykjavík.

History of genetics. Structure of chromosomes, life cycles, Mendel's laws, sex-linked inheritance. Gene mutations and chromosomal variations. Structural and functional analysis of genes and chromosomes. Recombination mechanisms. Extra chromosomal inheritance. Recombinant DNA technology.

Laboratory Work: Primer design, DNA isolation from blood, PCR amplification, sequencing, DNA cloning in bacteria, restriction enzyme analysis for variant detection.

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and microbiological methodology. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens, the methodology used in microbial analyses and the skills to apply the methods with appropriate quality assurance. The course LEI602G Microbiology – infectious diseases is taught parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects.

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and practical training. Furthermore, the students work on projects, most are teamwork. The lectures and the practical training is intergraded. Typical day starts with a lecture on the subject of the day, the relevant pathogens/specimens and analyses, and then the students perform the analyses. It is necessary that the students have prepared well prior to performing the analyses. The method descriptions include purpose, background, analytical process, reading of results, interpretation of results, limitations, quality and security assessment. An analytical process includes sequence of actions needed from the time a specimen is taken until the results have been obtained and sent to the doctor of the patient – all in appropriate time frame. The course includes following items:

1. Basic methods in bacteriology/mycology
   Culture, microscopy, viable count and susceptibility testings
2. Diagnostic analyses of bacterial strains
   Characteristics and identification methods of important pathogen groups/genus/species
3. Diagnostic analyses of patient specimens
   Treatment of samples, analyses of specimens from  different  sampling sites, including appropriate quality and security assessment
4. Diagnostic methods in virology
5. Molecular methods in microbiology
6. Clinical microbiology in hospital laboratory

Evaluation of results:
Students provide the results of their analyses by completing special forms. The students deliver their projects by introduction and/or reports. Activity in teamwork and peer review is an important part of student evaluation. In clinical microbiology the students produce log-book and/or project work. Thus, the part of the evaluation is constant, but there is also a practical exam and a written final exam (see further description on this page).

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and infectious diseases. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens and their relations to infectious diseases, preventions and treatment. The course LEI601G Microbiology – methodology is taught in parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects. 

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and includes following parts:

1. Bacteriology – basics
2. Bacteriology – species/groups and bacterial infections in diverse organs and organ systems 
3. Virology and viral infections
4. Mycology and fungal infections
5. Parasitology and parasitic infections          

Work in the course mainly includes reading, but its subjects are connected to project work in the course LEI601G Microbiology – methods.

Structure of chromosomes. Organisation of the genetic material. DNA- replication and repair. Recombination. Molecular cloning. Transcription and control of gene expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Oncogenes.

Laboratory work: Molecular genetics of plasmids and bacteria

Introduction to biomedical laboratory science and its role in health science and helth service. The basic aspects of the scope and of miomedical scientists work and their ideology regarding the work will be discussed. A clinical laboratory will be visited.

Anatomical methodology and descriptive terms. Terms of orientation with reference to the anatomical position. Fundamental principles of human body structure. Origins of the human body (embryology). Structure and function of the cell. Tissues.
Locomotor system. Nervous system. Cardiovascular system. Respiratory system. Lymphatic system. Digestive system. Urinary system. Endocrine system. Muscular system. Sensory systems. Reproductive system. Immune system. Hormonal system.

General Chemistry: Atom, molecule and ions. Chemical formula and reactions formula. Source of the Elements. Heat of Reaction. Gasses. Atomic theory. The Periodic System. Chemical binding. Molecules. Liquids and solids. Mixtures. Reactivity. Chemical equilibrium. Reactions speed.

Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry. IUPAC nomenclature. Isomer and stereochemistry. Typical reactions of alkan, alken, dien, alkyn, alcohol, aldehyd, keton and aromatic carbohydrate.

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

Lectures: Homeostasis and control systems. Electrophysiology: membrane potentials and conduction. Endocrinology and nervous systems. Sensory physiology. Muscles: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles.

Students introduced to the basic applications of physics in health sciences. Example solutions to problems related to forces, motion, energy, etc., which will allow students to pursue further study and work in the health sciences.

Physics: Motion. Forces, Newton's law. Work, energy and power. Degree of heat, heat transport and thermodynamics. Hydrodynamics. Electrical forces and fields. Electricity, voltage and circuit. Magnetic field. Optics.

Lectures and electronic assignments based on the textbook material.

Course content:

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cyle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

The duties and responsibilities of biomedical scientists are discussed; ethics in health care, confidentiality and student non-disclosure agreements.

The importance of phlebotomy procedures will also be discussed, including sample types received by the laboratory, quantitative measurement of analytes and principles of techniques and laboratory safety.

The course is divided into three parts: scientific/data literacy, presentation of scientific data, and teamwork.

I. Teamwork

An overview of the basic methods and tools of quality management. Teamwork will be discussed and applied.

II. Presentation of scientific data

The basic methods for writing scientific articles and reports, and preparing and giving presentations. Data base search and reference management software will be covered. Students will apply these methods and tools on assignments.

III. Scientific / data literacy

An overview of statistics and the origin of data. Graphical representation of data and data distribution types. Confidence intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. An overview of study design, and sampling as a representation of a population. Risk factors, risk, and relative risk. Interpretation of research results for an individual. Interpretation of research results in scientific papers and assessment of possible error sources.

The course requires active participation. The material will be covered in lectures. Methods and tools are trained in tutorials and with assignments that are delivered in speech and/or writing.

Lectures. Cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction.

Practical lesson. Cardiovascular system. Participation is obligatory, lab report must be submitted, and online exam taken.

Project lessons. Twice during the course. Participation is obligatory

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

• Solubility and solubility equilibrium.
• Complexions.
• Intermolecular forces of liquids and solids.
• Fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
• Electromagnetic radiation and interactions with compounds.
• Light absorption.
• Spectrometry of electromagnetic radiation.
• Beer's Law. 
• Various spectrometries, UV spectrophotometry, spetrofluorimetry, flame emission spectrometry, fluorescence, flame detection, atomic absorption spectrometry.
• Electrochemistry. Various electrical measurements, both voltage and current. Electrophoresis.
• Liquid and gas chromatography.
• Radioactivity.
• Automatic analysis technology.

This course will cover the basic concepts of genetics as well as the cellular processes associated with it. The structure of DNA, RNA and proteins will be covered, as well as how the cell replicates the genetic material, transcribes it and translates it into proteins. The structure of chromosomes and the regulation of the cell cycle will be discussed. Mutations and the processes that cells use to repair DNA damage will also be reviewed. Genetic variability will also be discussed and how genetic variability is the basis of the evolution of organisms. Mendelian heredity and the relationship between genotype and phenotype will be discussed. The main methods of genetic engineering will be taught so that students gain an understanding of them. It is important that students gain a good understanding of the content of this course as it is the basis for courses taught later in the study, e.g. Blood Pathology, Genetics II and Molecular Genetics.

A practical course in general chemistry: Equipments and safety in the chemistry laboratory. Acid-base properties and pH measurements. Determination of an equilibrium constant and quantification of iron using spectrophotometry. Colligative properties, melting point depression. Electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrolysis. pH determinations by spectrophotometry of a two component solution.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures supported by lab demonstrations. Workshops, assignments, independent learning.
Resume of immunology. Ordinary organs and types of cells in the immunity system. Antibody, antigen and receptors. B and T lymphocytes, development and function. Antigen presenting cells. MHC molecules. Cytokines. Immunological recognition. Lymph and cell immunity. Immunity disease, immunity deficiency, autoimmunity, vaccination. Immunological methods.

The lectures will cover essential elements in the whole process of biochemical research in clinical biochemistry.

Activities, structure, standardisation and maintenance of automated measuring instruments, results of biochemical research, clinical and medical limits of research, interferences in biochemical measurements, interpretation of results of biochemical tests and selection of measurement methods in clinical biochemistry.

The lectures will cover management, information systems, communication, quality control and automation of laboratories in clinical biochemistry. Students will learn about standard methods used in phlebotomy technology, transport and storage of blood samples at a clinical biochemistry department.

In this laboratory course, emphasis is on the different methodological techniques used in biochemical measurements in clinical biochemistry. The students perform practical exercises based on quantitative measurements of various elements of blood or other bodily fluids, e.g. enzymes, ions, proteins, drugs and hormones. Practical exercises are for example photometric measurements, standardisation of methods, electrochemical measurements, protein electrophoresis, measurements with high-pressure chromatography and antibody measurements.

In lectures emphasis is placed on fundamentals factors in clinical chemistry - patho physiology. The course explores the relationship between the structure and function of various body systems and the biochemistry of the human body. Topics includes ions, enzymes, vitamins, salts minerals, blood gases, and lipid metabolism; function of kidney, liver, heart, and digestive organs; diseases with regards to clinical chemistry tests on body fluids, both with regards to analysis and treatment of diseases; measurements of drugs, toxicology; molecular diagnostics and diseases of genetic origin. Students will learn the correlation between chemistry test results and clinical symptoms of diseases.

Main topics are the heart, the lungs and kidneys. In clinical physiology work and communication with the patients is more direct than in other disciplines in biomedical science, therefore an emphasis is on patient care and communication.

The heart: structure and blood circulation ( location, chambers, valves and vessels)
The cardiac cycle, normal pressure in chambers and the main vessels, cardiac output, diastole and systole and heart sounds; the conductive system and arrhythmia; acquired and congenital heart diseases .How different cardiac tests are used to diagnose heart diseases ( EKG, pacemaker studies, Holter, stress tests, electrophysiological studies, coronary angiography and echocardiography. The students will also be introduced to the most common drugs used in different heart diseases, heart surgery and other treatment resources.

The lungs: The respiratory system anatomy, and function. Pulmonary ventilation inhalation and exhalation, Lung volume and capacities, Oxygen transport, gas exchange, saturation, gas laws, blood gas measurements and interpretation, acidosis and alkalosis. Lung diseases how they are diagnosed and treated (tests and drugs).

The kidneys: the structure and physiology. Glomerular filtration rate, tubular re-absorption and secretion. Hormonal regulation. Fluid balance. Electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Kidney failure, consequence; and treatment resources.

Blood and marrow in healthy human. The formation of blood cells in marrow. The formation and destruction of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 - folinacid and iron concentration. Classification of white blood cells and different level of formation. Red blood cells. Research of body fluids. Analysing diseases and treatment. Coagulation system, platelets and fibrinolysis. Coagulations disorders and treatment.

The course is based on lectures covering the methods of hematology,  hands-on work in the laboratory, essays, presentations and teamwork involving scientific literature and case studies.

1) Lectures: PowerPoint presentations and other teaching material e.g. peer-reviewed articles and videos covering methods in hematology, are published on the Canvas homepage. The course is partly based on stand-alone lectures and, in addition, laboratory training is typically preceded by oral presentations outlining the subject and aims.  

2) Laboratory training:

• General hematology methods:
  Blood cell counting using a microscope
  Manual blood analysis methods
  Automated complete blood count
  Preparation of the blood smear and morphology analysis of normal samples and samples from patients.
  Microscopic examination of blood smears from the main types of anemia and malignant blood/bone marrow diseases. 
• Body fluid analysis:
  Cells and non-cellular factors in urine and other body fluids.
  Microscopic evaluation
  General studies of urine and feces
  Results of tests and diagnosis
• Coagulation studies:
  General discussion concerning the coagulation system
  The meaning of different types of coagulation tests
  The relation of the coagulation system to clinical tests and diseases. 
• Training in a clinical laboratory.
  Students are presented to standardized procedures concerning:
  Automated complete blood count (CBC) instruments
  Blood smear preparations
  Automated microscopic analysis technique for analysis of blood cells.
  Automated coagulation tests
  Body fluid analysis with various methods
  Diagnosis of malignant blood/bone marrow diseases using flow cytometry
  Phlebotomy in a clinical setting

3) Essay and presentation: Selection of a highly specialized subject in the field of hematology as well as focus and structure is done in collaboration with teachers. After submission of the essay, the material is presented to fellow students and teachers by an oral presentation.

4) Teamwork: Projects concerning important definitions in hematology or peer-reviewed scientific articles in the field that are finalized with a common presentation.  

5) Case studies: Problem-based-learning approach applied to the diagnosis of anemia and malignant hematological diseases on the basis of symptoms and the outcome of clinical tests. 

Basic properties of photon- and particle radiation, radioactive decay and half-life, radiation dose and radiation measurements.  Biological effects of ionizing radiation and basic principles in the handling of radioactive material.  Basic concepts of radiation protection and classification of laboratories where radioactive material is handled.   General introduction of the use of radionuclides in research, for medical imaging and in therapy.

The lectures are the basis for practical training. They cover the treatment of tissue samples until they are visible in a microscope for specific diagnostic of diseases. The lecture topics include purpose of fixation, different work procedures, cutting techniques and the purpose of staining. Furthermore immunological staining procedures.

Introduction to pathology.
General pathology: Cell injury, adaptation and cell death. Inflammation, including acute inflammation and inflammatory response, chronic inflammation and specialized chronic inflammatory response. Tissue repair, including healing of bone fractures. Defencts in tissue growth and neoplasia, types and classification of neoplasia. Thrombosis, embolism and infraction.

Specialised pathology: Diseases of the heart and vessels, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary system and pancreas, urinary tract and genital organs, breast, endocrine system, lymphatic system, cytogenetics.

Overview of blood bank practices; Blood donations, production of blood components, tests on blood components, use of blood components, adverse effects of blood transfusion, direct and indirect Coombs test, main blood groups and blood group antibodies, screening and identification of blood group antibodies, blood group antibodies in pregnancy, elution and titer of blood group antibodies. Overview og HLA, stem cells and studys of stemcells in the Blood Bank in Reykjavík.

History of genetics. Structure of chromosomes, life cycles, Mendel's laws, sex-linked inheritance. Gene mutations and chromosomal variations. Structural and functional analysis of genes and chromosomes. Recombination mechanisms. Extra chromosomal inheritance. Recombinant DNA technology.

Laboratory Work: Primer design, DNA isolation from blood, PCR amplification, sequencing, DNA cloning in bacteria, restriction enzyme analysis for variant detection.

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and microbiological methodology. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens, the methodology used in microbial analyses and the skills to apply the methods with appropriate quality assurance. The course LEI602G Microbiology – infectious diseases is taught parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects.

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and practical training. Furthermore, the students work on projects, most are teamwork. The lectures and the practical training is intergraded. Typical day starts with a lecture on the subject of the day, the relevant pathogens/specimens and analyses, and then the students perform the analyses. It is necessary that the students have prepared well prior to performing the analyses. The method descriptions include purpose, background, analytical process, reading of results, interpretation of results, limitations, quality and security assessment. An analytical process includes sequence of actions needed from the time a specimen is taken until the results have been obtained and sent to the doctor of the patient – all in appropriate time frame. The course includes following items:

1. Basic methods in bacteriology/mycology
   Culture, microscopy, viable count and susceptibility testings
2. Diagnostic analyses of bacterial strains
   Characteristics and identification methods of important pathogen groups/genus/species
3. Diagnostic analyses of patient specimens
   Treatment of samples, analyses of specimens from  different  sampling sites, including appropriate quality and security assessment
4. Diagnostic methods in virology
5. Molecular methods in microbiology
6. Clinical microbiology in hospital laboratory

Evaluation of results:
Students provide the results of their analyses by completing special forms. The students deliver their projects by introduction and/or reports. Activity in teamwork and peer review is an important part of student evaluation. In clinical microbiology the students produce log-book and/or project work. Thus, the part of the evaluation is constant, but there is also a practical exam and a written final exam (see further description on this page).

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and infectious diseases. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens and their relations to infectious diseases, preventions and treatment. The course LEI601G Microbiology – methodology is taught in parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects. 

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and includes following parts:

1. Bacteriology – basics
2. Bacteriology – species/groups and bacterial infections in diverse organs and organ systems 
3. Virology and viral infections
4. Mycology and fungal infections
5. Parasitology and parasitic infections          

Work in the course mainly includes reading, but its subjects are connected to project work in the course LEI601G Microbiology – methods.

Structure of chromosomes. Organisation of the genetic material. DNA- replication and repair. Recombination. Molecular cloning. Transcription and control of gene expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Oncogenes.

Laboratory work: Molecular genetics of plasmids and bacteria

Introduction to biomedical laboratory science and its role in health science and helth service. The basic aspects of the scope and of miomedical scientists work and their ideology regarding the work will be discussed. A clinical laboratory will be visited.

Anatomical methodology and descriptive terms. Terms of orientation with reference to the anatomical position. Fundamental principles of human body structure. Origins of the human body (embryology). Structure and function of the cell. Tissues.
Locomotor system. Nervous system. Cardiovascular system. Respiratory system. Lymphatic system. Digestive system. Urinary system. Endocrine system. Muscular system. Sensory systems. Reproductive system. Immune system. Hormonal system.

General Chemistry: Atom, molecule and ions. Chemical formula and reactions formula. Source of the Elements. Heat of Reaction. Gasses. Atomic theory. The Periodic System. Chemical binding. Molecules. Liquids and solids. Mixtures. Reactivity. Chemical equilibrium. Reactions speed.

Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry. IUPAC nomenclature. Isomer and stereochemistry. Typical reactions of alkan, alken, dien, alkyn, alcohol, aldehyd, keton and aromatic carbohydrate.

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

Lectures: Homeostasis and control systems. Electrophysiology: membrane potentials and conduction. Endocrinology and nervous systems. Sensory physiology. Muscles: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles.

Students introduced to the basic applications of physics in health sciences. Example solutions to problems related to forces, motion, energy, etc., which will allow students to pursue further study and work in the health sciences.

Physics: Motion. Forces, Newton's law. Work, energy and power. Degree of heat, heat transport and thermodynamics. Hydrodynamics. Electrical forces and fields. Electricity, voltage and circuit. Magnetic field. Optics.

Lectures and electronic assignments based on the textbook material.

Course content:

Lectures: Topics, concepts and methods in biochemistry and cell biology. Genetic material, genome and genes, DNA replication and DNA metabolism. RNA, gene expression, transcription and protein translation. Proteins and enzymes. Metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Nutrition, bioenergetics.  Construction and properties of the cell membrane, membrane transport, cell organelles and intracellular transport, cell communication (signaling), the cytoskeleton, cell cyle, cell death and cell division.

Laboratory practicals: Pipettes og measuring techniques, spectrometry in enzymology, isolation of proteins and determination of protein concentration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme kinetics.

The duties and responsibilities of biomedical scientists are discussed; ethics in health care, confidentiality and student non-disclosure agreements.

The importance of phlebotomy procedures will also be discussed, including sample types received by the laboratory, quantitative measurement of analytes and principles of techniques and laboratory safety.

The course is divided into three parts: scientific/data literacy, presentation of scientific data, and teamwork.

I. Teamwork

An overview of the basic methods and tools of quality management. Teamwork will be discussed and applied.

II. Presentation of scientific data

The basic methods for writing scientific articles and reports, and preparing and giving presentations. Data base search and reference management software will be covered. Students will apply these methods and tools on assignments.

III. Scientific / data literacy

An overview of statistics and the origin of data. Graphical representation of data and data distribution types. Confidence intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. An overview of study design, and sampling as a representation of a population. Risk factors, risk, and relative risk. Interpretation of research results for an individual. Interpretation of research results in scientific papers and assessment of possible error sources.

The course requires active participation. The material will be covered in lectures. Methods and tools are trained in tutorials and with assignments that are delivered in speech and/or writing.

Lectures. Cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction.

Practical lesson. Cardiovascular system. Participation is obligatory, lab report must be submitted, and online exam taken.

Project lessons. Twice during the course. Participation is obligatory

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

• Solubility and solubility equilibrium.
• Complexions.
• Intermolecular forces of liquids and solids.
• Fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
• Electromagnetic radiation and interactions with compounds.
• Light absorption.
• Spectrometry of electromagnetic radiation.
• Beer's Law. 
• Various spectrometries, UV spectrophotometry, spetrofluorimetry, flame emission spectrometry, fluorescence, flame detection, atomic absorption spectrometry.
• Electrochemistry. Various electrical measurements, both voltage and current. Electrophoresis.
• Liquid and gas chromatography.
• Radioactivity.
• Automatic analysis technology.

This course will cover the basic concepts of genetics as well as the cellular processes associated with it. The structure of DNA, RNA and proteins will be covered, as well as how the cell replicates the genetic material, transcribes it and translates it into proteins. The structure of chromosomes and the regulation of the cell cycle will be discussed. Mutations and the processes that cells use to repair DNA damage will also be reviewed. Genetic variability will also be discussed and how genetic variability is the basis of the evolution of organisms. Mendelian heredity and the relationship between genotype and phenotype will be discussed. The main methods of genetic engineering will be taught so that students gain an understanding of them. It is important that students gain a good understanding of the content of this course as it is the basis for courses taught later in the study, e.g. Blood Pathology, Genetics II and Molecular Genetics.

A practical course in general chemistry: Equipments and safety in the chemistry laboratory. Acid-base properties and pH measurements. Determination of an equilibrium constant and quantification of iron using spectrophotometry. Colligative properties, melting point depression. Electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrolysis. pH determinations by spectrophotometry of a two component solution.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures supported by lab demonstrations. Workshops, assignments, independent learning.
Resume of immunology. Ordinary organs and types of cells in the immunity system. Antibody, antigen and receptors. B and T lymphocytes, development and function. Antigen presenting cells. MHC molecules. Cytokines. Immunological recognition. Lymph and cell immunity. Immunity disease, immunity deficiency, autoimmunity, vaccination. Immunological methods.

The lectures will cover essential elements in the whole process of biochemical research in clinical biochemistry.

Activities, structure, standardisation and maintenance of automated measuring instruments, results of biochemical research, clinical and medical limits of research, interferences in biochemical measurements, interpretation of results of biochemical tests and selection of measurement methods in clinical biochemistry.

The lectures will cover management, information systems, communication, quality control and automation of laboratories in clinical biochemistry. Students will learn about standard methods used in phlebotomy technology, transport and storage of blood samples at a clinical biochemistry department.

In this laboratory course, emphasis is on the different methodological techniques used in biochemical measurements in clinical biochemistry. The students perform practical exercises based on quantitative measurements of various elements of blood or other bodily fluids, e.g. enzymes, ions, proteins, drugs and hormones. Practical exercises are for example photometric measurements, standardisation of methods, electrochemical measurements, protein electrophoresis, measurements with high-pressure chromatography and antibody measurements.

In lectures emphasis is placed on fundamentals factors in clinical chemistry - patho physiology. The course explores the relationship between the structure and function of various body systems and the biochemistry of the human body. Topics includes ions, enzymes, vitamins, salts minerals, blood gases, and lipid metabolism; function of kidney, liver, heart, and digestive organs; diseases with regards to clinical chemistry tests on body fluids, both with regards to analysis and treatment of diseases; measurements of drugs, toxicology; molecular diagnostics and diseases of genetic origin. Students will learn the correlation between chemistry test results and clinical symptoms of diseases.

Main topics are the heart, the lungs and kidneys. In clinical physiology work and communication with the patients is more direct than in other disciplines in biomedical science, therefore an emphasis is on patient care and communication.

The heart: structure and blood circulation ( location, chambers, valves and vessels)
The cardiac cycle, normal pressure in chambers and the main vessels, cardiac output, diastole and systole and heart sounds; the conductive system and arrhythmia; acquired and congenital heart diseases .How different cardiac tests are used to diagnose heart diseases ( EKG, pacemaker studies, Holter, stress tests, electrophysiological studies, coronary angiography and echocardiography. The students will also be introduced to the most common drugs used in different heart diseases, heart surgery and other treatment resources.

The lungs: The respiratory system anatomy, and function. Pulmonary ventilation inhalation and exhalation, Lung volume and capacities, Oxygen transport, gas exchange, saturation, gas laws, blood gas measurements and interpretation, acidosis and alkalosis. Lung diseases how they are diagnosed and treated (tests and drugs).

The kidneys: the structure and physiology. Glomerular filtration rate, tubular re-absorption and secretion. Hormonal regulation. Fluid balance. Electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Kidney failure, consequence; and treatment resources.

Blood and marrow in healthy human. The formation of blood cells in marrow. The formation and destruction of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 - folinacid and iron concentration. Classification of white blood cells and different level of formation. Red blood cells. Research of body fluids. Analysing diseases and treatment. Coagulation system, platelets and fibrinolysis. Coagulations disorders and treatment.

The course is based on lectures covering the methods of hematology,  hands-on work in the laboratory, essays, presentations and teamwork involving scientific literature and case studies.

1) Lectures: PowerPoint presentations and other teaching material e.g. peer-reviewed articles and videos covering methods in hematology, are published on the Canvas homepage. The course is partly based on stand-alone lectures and, in addition, laboratory training is typically preceded by oral presentations outlining the subject and aims.  

2) Laboratory training:

• General hematology methods:
  Blood cell counting using a microscope
  Manual blood analysis methods
  Automated complete blood count
  Preparation of the blood smear and morphology analysis of normal samples and samples from patients.
  Microscopic examination of blood smears from the main types of anemia and malignant blood/bone marrow diseases. 
• Body fluid analysis:
  Cells and non-cellular factors in urine and other body fluids.
  Microscopic evaluation
  General studies of urine and feces
  Results of tests and diagnosis
• Coagulation studies:
  General discussion concerning the coagulation system
  The meaning of different types of coagulation tests
  The relation of the coagulation system to clinical tests and diseases. 
• Training in a clinical laboratory.
  Students are presented to standardized procedures concerning:
  Automated complete blood count (CBC) instruments
  Blood smear preparations
  Automated microscopic analysis technique for analysis of blood cells.
  Automated coagulation tests
  Body fluid analysis with various methods
  Diagnosis of malignant blood/bone marrow diseases using flow cytometry
  Phlebotomy in a clinical setting

3) Essay and presentation: Selection of a highly specialized subject in the field of hematology as well as focus and structure is done in collaboration with teachers. After submission of the essay, the material is presented to fellow students and teachers by an oral presentation.

4) Teamwork: Projects concerning important definitions in hematology or peer-reviewed scientific articles in the field that are finalized with a common presentation.  

5) Case studies: Problem-based-learning approach applied to the diagnosis of anemia and malignant hematological diseases on the basis of symptoms and the outcome of clinical tests. 

Basic properties of photon- and particle radiation, radioactive decay and half-life, radiation dose and radiation measurements.  Biological effects of ionizing radiation and basic principles in the handling of radioactive material.  Basic concepts of radiation protection and classification of laboratories where radioactive material is handled.   General introduction of the use of radionuclides in research, for medical imaging and in therapy.

The lectures are the basis for practical training. They cover the treatment of tissue samples until they are visible in a microscope for specific diagnostic of diseases. The lecture topics include purpose of fixation, different work procedures, cutting techniques and the purpose of staining. Furthermore immunological staining procedures.

Introduction to pathology.
General pathology: Cell injury, adaptation and cell death. Inflammation, including acute inflammation and inflammatory response, chronic inflammation and specialized chronic inflammatory response. Tissue repair, including healing of bone fractures. Defencts in tissue growth and neoplasia, types and classification of neoplasia. Thrombosis, embolism and infraction.

Specialised pathology: Diseases of the heart and vessels, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary system and pancreas, urinary tract and genital organs, breast, endocrine system, lymphatic system, cytogenetics.

Overview of blood bank practices; Blood donations, production of blood components, tests on blood components, use of blood components, adverse effects of blood transfusion, direct and indirect Coombs test, main blood groups and blood group antibodies, screening and identification of blood group antibodies, blood group antibodies in pregnancy, elution and titer of blood group antibodies. Overview og HLA, stem cells and studys of stemcells in the Blood Bank in Reykjavík.

History of genetics. Structure of chromosomes, life cycles, Mendel's laws, sex-linked inheritance. Gene mutations and chromosomal variations. Structural and functional analysis of genes and chromosomes. Recombination mechanisms. Extra chromosomal inheritance. Recombinant DNA technology.

Laboratory Work: Primer design, DNA isolation from blood, PCR amplification, sequencing, DNA cloning in bacteria, restriction enzyme analysis for variant detection.

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and microbiological methodology. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens, the methodology used in microbial analyses and the skills to apply the methods with appropriate quality assurance. The course LEI602G Microbiology – infectious diseases is taught parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects.

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and practical training. Furthermore, the students work on projects, most are teamwork. The lectures and the practical training is intergraded. Typical day starts with a lecture on the subject of the day, the relevant pathogens/specimens and analyses, and then the students perform the analyses. It is necessary that the students have prepared well prior to performing the analyses. The method descriptions include purpose, background, analytical process, reading of results, interpretation of results, limitations, quality and security assessment. An analytical process includes sequence of actions needed from the time a specimen is taken until the results have been obtained and sent to the doctor of the patient – all in appropriate time frame. The course includes following items:

1. Basic methods in bacteriology/mycology
   Culture, microscopy, viable count and susceptibility testings
2. Diagnostic analyses of bacterial strains
   Characteristics and identification methods of important pathogen groups/genus/species
3. Diagnostic analyses of patient specimens
   Treatment of samples, analyses of specimens from  different  sampling sites, including appropriate quality and security assessment
4. Diagnostic methods in virology
5. Molecular methods in microbiology
6. Clinical microbiology in hospital laboratory

Evaluation of results:
Students provide the results of their analyses by completing special forms. The students deliver their projects by introduction and/or reports. Activity in teamwork and peer review is an important part of student evaluation. In clinical microbiology the students produce log-book and/or project work. Thus, the part of the evaluation is constant, but there is also a practical exam and a written final exam (see further description on this page).

The course consists of two main parts, microbiology and infectious diseases. These parts are intergraded and provide the basis for knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of different pathogens and their relations to infectious diseases, preventions and treatment. The course LEI601G Microbiology – methodology is taught in parallel, it is connected to this course and deepens the understanding of its subjects. 

Teaching/learning procedures:
In the teaching is based on lectures and includes following parts:

1. Bacteriology – basics
2. Bacteriology – species/groups and bacterial infections in diverse organs and organ systems 
3. Virology and viral infections
4. Mycology and fungal infections
5. Parasitology and parasitic infections          

Work in the course mainly includes reading, but its subjects are connected to project work in the course LEI601G Microbiology – methods.

Structure of chromosomes. Organisation of the genetic material. DNA- replication and repair. Recombination. Molecular cloning. Transcription and control of gene expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Oncogenes.

Laboratory work: Molecular genetics of plasmids and bacteria