Biospecimen Research Methods from edX

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).

What you'll learn

Develop the knowledge to better collect and process human biospecimens to enhance research credibility
How to plan a successful research study using biospecimens
How to properly store and manage biospecimen data
Understand the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking
Gain applicable hands-on techniques related to informed consent, data management, biospecimen collection and storage

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop the knowledge to better collect and process human biospecimens to enhance research credibility
How to plan a successful research study using biospecimens
How to properly store and manage biospecimen data

Understand the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking
Gain applicable hands-on techniques related to informed consent, data management, biospecimen collection and storage

Develop the knowledge to better collect and process human biospecimens to enhance research credibility
How to plan a successful research study using biospecimens
How to properly store and manage biospecimen data
Understand the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking
Gain applicable hands-on techniques related to informed consent, data management, biospecimen collection and storage

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the fundamentals of biospecimen collection, processing, storage, distribution, data management, ethical and privacy issues

Offers hands-on techniques related to informed consent, data management, biospecimen collection and storage

Covers the latest international best practices for biobanking and research involving human biospecimens based on NCI and ISBER standards

Taught by professionals with extensive experience in biobanking from the University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer

Develops knowledge in ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking

Requires students to come in with extensive background knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Biospecimen Research Methods with these activities:

Review Basic Statistics

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Strengthen your statistical foundation by reviewing basic concepts and techniques.

Browse courses on Statistical Analysis

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Revise key statistical concepts such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
Practice solving simple statistical problems.

Peer Study Group

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Engage with peers to discuss concepts, share insights, and clarify your understanding.

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Connect with classmates to form a study group.
Organize regular meetings to discuss course material.
Collaborate on projects and assignments.
Provide feedback and support to one another.

Study NCI standards on biobanking

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This will strengthen the learning of fundamental aspects of biobanking and research.

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Access the National Cancer Institute's website for biobanking guidelines.
Read the NCI's "Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources"
Take notes and highlight important information.

Three other activities

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Practice applying the informed consent process

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Practicing the informed consent process will help you become more comfortable with the process and ensure that you are obtaining consent in a way that is both ethical and legally compliant.

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Create a mock informed consent form
Role-play the informed consent process with a colleague or friend

Data Management Practice

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Improve your data management skills by retrieving, organizing, and analyzing data.

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Review data management protocols and standards.
Practice data entry and data cleaning tasks.
Perform data analysis using statistical software.

Create a presentation on the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking

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Creating a presentation will allow you to synthesize your understanding of the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking and communicate it effectively to others.

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Research the ethical and privacy issues related to biobanking
Develop a presentation outline
Create slides for your presentation
Practice your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Biospecimen Research Methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Laboratory Director

A Laboratory Director is a perfect fit for someone who has completed Biospecimen Research Methods. This role typically requires an advanced degree as well as previous management experience. This course may help build the foundation of knowledge needed for this career. It will specifically be helpful for the management of the storage as well as the collection of biospecimens.

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Clinical Research Associate

The work of a Clinical Research Associate is closely related to that of a laboratory director. This role will require a bachelor's degree but may benefit from an advanced degree such as a master's. This course may help build a foundation to aid in a successful career in this field.

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Quality Assurance Manager

A Biospecimen Research Methods course may be helpful to a Quality Assurance Manager, especially for an entry-level position. The skills acquired may be used to ensure quality management for processes.

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Regulatory Affairs Manager

Similar to a Quality Assurance Manager, a Regulatory Affairs Manager may benefit from taking this course. It can be crucial for training in international regulations. Based on the information provided, it is suggested that one takes this course before pursuing a career as a Regulatory Affairs Manager.

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Data Analyst

Understanding how to work with data is important for a Data Analyst. This course may help you understand the storage and management of biospecimen data.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist may benefit from this course. With a bachelor's degree and potentially an advanced degree, a Research Scientist can use this course to gain the knowledge needed to start a successful career in this field.

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Biostatistician

Biostatistics is a specialized field that requires a master's degree or higher. Taking this course, however, may help in understanding how to collect, process, and analyze biospecimen data.

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Medical Writer

This course may be helpful for a Medical Writer with a bachelor's degree. The knowledge acquired may be utilized for grant writing and the dissemination of research.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer may benefit from taking this course. It may aid in understanding the scientific process and communicating this to a wider audience.

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Clinical Data Manager

This course may be helpful for a Clinical Data Manager. Understanding biospecimen collection and storage can aid in managing the research process.

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Medical Science Liaison

A Medical Science Liaison may use the knowledge acquired from this course to aid in establishing relationships with healthcare professionals.

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Healthcare Consultant

Completing this course can provide valuable insight into the research process and can be helpful for a Healthcare Consultant.

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Biomaterials Scientist

This course may help a Biomaterials Scientist have a better understanding of the collection and preparation of biospecimens.

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Laboratory Technician

Understanding biospecimen storage, and processing are essential for a Laboratory Technician. Taking this course may be helpful for a successful career.

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Clinical Laboratory Scientist

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist may benefit from taking this course. It can be helpful for understanding the collection and processing of biospecimens.

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Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Biospecimen Research Methods.

Returning Individual Research Results to...

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This guide provides guidance on the collection, storage, and management of biospecimens for research purposes. It valuable resource for researchers who are new to the field of biobanking.

Returning Individual Research Results to...

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Biospecimen Research Methods

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