Bioanalytical Sciences

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

The Bioanalytical Sciences course focuses on the state-of-the-art and novel analytical approaches that are used in the field of bioanalysis. During the course, we will cover a large diversity of bioanalytical applications in the field of clinical toxicology, forensic toxicology (including doping analysis), therapeutic monitoring, and biomarker discovery. We will discuss how to implement a bioanalytical procedure that is suited for the characterization and/or quantitation of endogenous or exogenous compounds in complex biological fluids. Approaches and procedures with respect to sampling, sample preparation, separation, detection (e.g., mass spectrometry), and interpretation will be discussed. For all aspects covered, real-life applications will be discussed to illustrate them.

During the group assignment, students will learn how to develop an adequate analytical procedure - from the sample collection to the data analysis - in a specific bioanalytical application. Students will present their approach and findings in a poster format and during a presentation (methodology presentation). 

Study materials

Literature

• Videos, Powerpoint slides, tutorials, (review) articles provided during the course.

Practical training material

• Recorded videos (concept lectures), live lectures with case studies, online quizzes.

Objectives

• Get familiar with the bioanalytical techniques and strategies used in clinical and toxicological fields.
• Be capable of developing a bioanalytical strategy based on a clinical/toxicological question, from the sampling to the data analysis and interpretation.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Case studies
• Presentation/symposium

1. Concept lectures

Concept Lectures are pre-recorded lectures introducing the theoretical knowledge that is evaluated during this course. These lectures are placed on Canvas and can be watched either during the time allocated time or at a later stage. Concept Lectures, together with the slides and additional resources, are available on Canvas through the entire course.

2. Live lectures

Live Lectures take place on campus. During these lectures, the theoretical concepts are summarized and illustrated using real case studies, to help students applying their knowledge on real bioanalytical applications. These Live Lectures are interactive, encouraging exchange between students and students and the teacher. All Live Lectures are also streamed live via Zoom, recorded and placed on Canvas afterwards. 

3. Weekly quizzes

Online Quizzes help the students test their knowledge and practicing for the exam. Quizzes are taken online every week. They are made available on Canvas on Fridays and can be taken either during the allocated time or at a later stage. 

4. Group assignment

During the course, students will work on an assignment in small groups (max 5 students/group). During this group assignment, students will have to develop and present a comprehensive analytical strategy for the analysis of a selected set of compounds (endogenous or exogenous) in a biological matrix. Topics are related to real-life applications to forensic toxicology, doping, clinical chemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, and biomarkers discovery.  Students will have to think about the biological/clinical question (why?), the compounds to be measured (what?), and the analytical workflow they need to develop to measure those compounds (how?). This group assignment will help students (i) improving their understanding of the concepts presented during the lecture, (ii) stimulate their scientific curiosity and critical thinking, (iii) extend their literature search skills, (iv) train their communication skills (deliverables: poster and presentation).

Learning activities

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).

Assessment

The final grade will be calculated based on the following:

• Exam: 55% of the final grade (individual grade)
• Quiz: 5% of the final grade (individual grade)
• Methodology presentation: 20% of the final grade (group grade)
• Poster: 20% of the final grade (group grade)

Students need at least a 5.0 for the combined grade exam + quiz (ponderation 11:1 for exam:quiz, rounded to 0.1) and at least a 5.0 for the assignment grade (ponderation 1:1 for presentation:poster, rounded to 0.1). No more than one 5.0 is allowed in total. The final grade has to be at least a 6.0 to successfully validate the course Bioanalytical Sciences.

The exam will be a written exam and will consist solely of multiple-choice questions.  The exam takes place on-campus. This is a closed-book exam (i.e., no notes, slides or book allowed). More information will be given during the course.

Consequences of not meeting deadlines for the group assignment will be discussed with the coordinator. 

The online quizzes are mandatory. Exceptions to this rule may be made after discussion with the coordinator. 

Assignments

Poster

• The students will prepare a poster that presents their bioanalytical strategy. Students deliver one poster per group (group grade). Students submit their first draft via email to the coordinator. They receive extensive feedback on their first draft. They submit their second draft as final draft.

  The poster will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Content (scientific quality) 25%
  • Structure of the poster 25%
  • Language use and readability 25%
  • Poster layout 25%

Methodology presentation

• During the last two weeks of the course, students will have to present their developed bioanalytical methodology in front of examiner(s). The presentation will last 5 min, followed by 10 min of Q&A. the presentation is a group presentation. Guidelines on the presentation format/slides are available in the course handbook.  Students’ understanding will be evaluated during this presentation and the Q&A session.

  The Methodology presentation will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Structure and visual quality of slides 15%
  • Scientific quality                              25%
  • Answers to questions 60%

Quizzes

• During the course, there will be five online Quizzes (available on Canvas). These Quizzes will contain multiple choice questions, which will help students train their knowledge acquired during the lectures and prepare for the final exam, which will be composed of similar multiple-choice questions. Each question of each quiz contains a small explanation on why an answer is correct or not correct. 

  Quizzes are mandatory and should be taken individually (individual grade).

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Additional information

Recommended prior knowledge: Basic knowledge of biochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. Isabelle Kohler