Biospecimen Research Methods

Overview

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The success of your research depends on the quality of the biospecimens you use. Get ahead of the competition, increase your chances of being published in high impact journals, and open doors to opportunities for working in leading biomedical research laboratories or biobanks. This biology and life sciences course will enable you to collect, recognize and utilize a quality human biospecimen.

Over 6 weeks, professionals, with extensive experience in biobanking from the University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer, will teach you the international best practices for biobanking and research involving human biospecimens; based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) and International Society of Biological Environmental Repositories standards (ISBER).

Syllabus

Week 1: Overview of Biospecimen Research

This week module covers the fundamentals around biospecimen collection, including defining biospecimens, biobanks, biobanking and the key issues to consider when planning your research study using biospecimens.

Week 2: Biospecimens Collection and Processing

This week covers the different types of biospecimens commonly collected for research and the procedures involved in biospecimen collection and processing, including how to choose the best processing and preservation format for your research application.

Week Module 3: Biospecimen Storage and Distribution, Facility Design, and Safety

This week module covers the biospecimens storage options, facility requirements and proper procedures for storing different types of biospecimens.

Week Module 4: Data Systems and Records Management

This week module covers the standard processes for the collection, access and retention of biospecimen data.

Week Module 5: Ethics, Privacy and Informed Consent

This week module covers the ethics and privacy concerns using biospecimens and personal health-related information. Detailed instructions on how informed consent is conducted is also covered.

Week 6: Conclusion and Final Exam

This module covers the conclusion of the course and the final exam. Access to the final exam is only available to verified learners.

A supplementary course handbook is only available to verified learners. This handbook contains course material along with additional material to enhance learning.