Introduction to immunoassays in diagnostics, 1 ECTS, Summer 2022

University of Turku

In this course, you will learn the basics of immunoassays used in diagnostics.

Target group: 

Any student of the Jobitti network who is interested in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostics and/or in the use of antibodies in laboratory techniques.

Entry requirements: 

Basic knowledge of biomolecules.

Learning outcomes:

After the course students are able to:

  • describe how antibodies can be utilized to detect and quantitate molecular structures in immunoassays
  • in general level explain how different factors affect the affinity binding and performance of immunoassays
  • describe various examples of the use of immunoassays in different settings

During this course, the participants develop the following general skills:

  • critical reading and analysis of scientific literature
  • self-management skills

What is expected of you during the course?

  • read the provided online materials
  • watch the short videos
  • perform tasks
  • test your knowledge with self-scoring quizzes

Content:

The course will briefly introduce the student into these topics:

  • Antibody structure and affinity
  • Immunoassay principles
  • Sensitivity of immunoassays
  • Different types of reporters
  • Examples of settings for use & matching technological applications
    • Manual sandwich ELISA for research
    • Automated immunoassay analysers at hospital laboratories
    • Multiplexed assays for biomedical research
    • Simple, rapid and affordable lateral flow tests
    • High throughput assays for drug candidate screening
    • Immunogenicity assessment of biopharmaceuticals

Learning methods:

27 h independent work online to study online materials (text + videos), optional tasks, mandatory quizzes.

Teaching language: English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria: 

Grade 0-5. Evaluation is based on self-scoring quizzes (50% required from each quiz to pass the course with grade 1).

Timetable: 

You are free to complete the course at your own pace in the summer within the course period that is to be announced later.

For more information, please contact saara.wittfooth@utu.fi.

  • Teacher
    Saara Wittfooth
Kotiorganisaatio/hanke: Turun yliopisto