B8778 - Applied Experimental Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows and is able to apply the main basic techniques for culturing animal cell lines; knows and is able to apply the methods of cell culture in 2d and 3d for maintaining primary and stabilized cell cultures; is able to perform the quantitative PCR (Real Time) technique for gene expression evaluation; is able to apply methods to process data generated by the experiment; is familiar with the principles of experimentation in biomedical research and is able to plan an experimental design; knows which organisms can be used as model systems.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVITY IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY”

At the end of the integrated course, the student:

• knows how the biochemical laboratory works
• knowledge of the basic rules for safety in the biochemical laboratory and compliance with environmental sustainability principles;
• is able to safely use the instruments used in the biochemical laboratory for macromolecules studies;
• knows the techniques of nucleic acid sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of genomic dataknow and apply the main basic techniques for culturing primary cell lines
• knows and can apply the methods of culture in 2d and 3d for the maintenance of primary and stabilized cell cultures
• is able to perform quantitative PCR (Real Time) technique for evaluation of gene expression
• is able to apply methods for processing the data generated by the trial
• knows the principles of experimentation in biomedical research and is able to plan an experimental design
• knows which bodies can be used as model systems.

For a better understanding of the contents it is recommended that the student has already acquired knowledge about: structure of the main biological macromolecules, knowledge of the biology and physiology of eukaryotic cells, calculations to carry out dilutions and to set up a PCR reaction, use the main instruments of the biological laboratory (micro-pipettes, centrifuges, optical microscope).

Module 1: Prof. Chiara Bernardini

The programme is as follows:

Theoretical lessons:

• In vitro models: history of cell cultures (2 hours)

• Role of cell cultures in animal biotechnology (1 hour)

• Cell types in culture: primary cell culture and stabilized lines (2 hours)

• Main methods used: from 2d to 3d (3 hours)

• Cell culture laboratory: the sterility (4 hours)

• Management and maintenance of cellular lines (4 hours)

Laboratory:

• Preparation of material necessary for the maintenance of animal cell lines (2 hours)

• Thawing an animal cell line (2 hours)

• Expansion, counting, growth curve (4 hours)

• Assessment of cell viability, freezing (4 hours)

• Analysis of results (4 hours)

Module 2: Prof Augusta Zannoni

The programme is as follows:

Theoretical lessons:

• Real Time PCR theory (2h)

• Choosing the appropriate chemistry Analysis efficiency, (2h)

• Absolute and relative gene expression (2h)

• Choice of gene reference and calculations for data normalization (2h)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Gene expression experiment using real-time PCR, data normalization and data analysis of relative gene expression (Laboratory, 16h)

• Database consultation (NCBI) and primer search, sequence alignment (Practical Sessions, 3h)

• Data processing and statistical analysis of the data obtained from the laboratory activity (Practical Sessions 3h),

• Description of the main animal models used in research, basic concepts for understanding and planning a biomedical experiment (Practical Sessions 6h)

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material is available on the virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

http://www.gene-quantification.de/habilitation.html

Textbook: Statistical analysis of biological data (M. Whitlock and D. Schluter, Ed. Zanichelli)

Scientific publications provided by the professor

Teaching methods

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the

successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study

environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of

the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear.

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVITY IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY consists of 2 parts:

First part: written test including module 1 and module 2 of APPLIED EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. The written test consisting of 45 questions, 41 multiple-choice and 4 open-choice, the latter mainly related to the laboratory activity carried out in modules 1 and 2.Maximum duration of the exam 90 minutes

The evaluation of the answers of the test involves: exact answers 1 point; wrong answers -0.50; no answers 0; answers to open questions up to a maximum of 3.

The test is considered to be passed with a minimum score of 23 points equivalent to 18/30. The praise is awarded upon achievement of 33 points.

During the test, the use of support material or devices such as calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers is not allowed, except for those that may be permitted by the teacher.

Second part is relative to Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the the average of the grades from the various parts of the exam, expressed out of 30). A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact within 5 working days of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade 1 time by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is prof. Chiara Bernardini.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, films, dedicated software, classroom quizzes, computer lab, cell culture and molecular biology lab.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

See the website of Chiara Bernardini

See the website of Augusta Zannoni

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Bernardini

See the website of Augusta Zannoni