Online course "Biobanking - basics for theory and practice"
The German Biobank Network (GBN) offers the online course "Biobanking - Fundamentals for Theory and Practice" on the edX Edge training platform. This is based on the online course "Biospecimen Research Methods" from the Canadian Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER). The Canadian version has been translated into German and adapted to German regulations and circumstances. "Biobanking - Basics for Theory and Practice" is a learning programme for employees from all biobanking areas that uses methods such as videos, quizzes, infographics and self-tests. Participation is open to all employees of GBN partner and observer biobanks. Since 2024, the GBN version of the introductory course has also been available in English for non-German-speaking biobank employees and students.
The course covers all important biobanking topics such as acceptance, release, storage, processing of biosamples and data systems. It is particularly suitable for new employees and consists of five modules:
- Overview of research with biosamples
- Biospecimen collection and processing
- Storage and provision of biosamples
- Data systems and documentation management
- Ethics, data protection and informed consent
In all chapters, the course also refers to additional resources: course participants can find more detailed information on a topic in the starter kit, download suitable templates from the QM manual or watch the recording of a more in-depth webinar on the OpenILIAS online platform.
Each module takes approximately two to four hours to complete. At the end of each module there is a quiz that applies the knowledge learnt to an application example. At least 60% of the total points from the quiz questions must be achieved for a certificate to be issued.