3 ECTS credits
75 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4012877DNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (D) Master - preliminary level.
The course contains following parts :
1. Introduction and legislation : the importance that society accords to biosafety is framed in the general context of quality and safety needs. From that perspective, the current relevant legislation (European, federal, regional) and some additional reference texts are explored.
2. Biological aspects : Brief summery of experiences with laboratory acquired infections. The criteria which are used to classify pathogenic organisms into risk categories are discussed; they will also be applied to genetically modified organisms.
3. Technical aspects : The concept of "containment" is the central issue in this chapter. Some important tools and techniques to realize containment are discussed: microbiological safety cabinets, sterilisation and desinfection techniques, as well as waste management.
4. Risk assessment : The objective identification of biological risks is followed by the estimation of the manipulation risks. Systematically, we follow a logic which leads to the determination of the risk level of the activity and its corresponding level of containment.
5. Risk management : All elements discussed during previous chapters are now used to realize a bio-safe professional working environment, in full compliance with the principles of quality management.
The hearing colleges are supplemented with a visit to an academic or a hospital lab, in order to enable students to observe how the proper containment measurements are chosen and put into practice as a result of a systematic risk assessment.
Prof. Walter KEMPENAERS
VUB
Tel : 02 629 15 25
email : Walter.Kempenaers@vub.ac.be
This course explicitely contributes to the following competences of the Biology curriculum :
Evaluate the societal relevance
Report in various way
Problem solving as a thinking process
Recognise and work out bio-ethical implications
After finishing this course, the student will be aware of biosafety issues and will perceive them as a positive opportunity to enhance quality in scientific research.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
SELF Practical Assignment determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the SELF Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
As an exam task the student will visit a research activity in a VUB-lab. Following an interview with the labo reponsible he will draft a biorisk analysis en assess whether the present containment measures are in accordance.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity