28900 - Molecular Biology Laboratory I

Academic Year 2010/2011

  • Docente: Elena Baraldi
  • Credits: 2
  • SSD: BIO/11
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Biotechnology (cod. 8005)

Learning outcomes

Students should learn the basic techniques used in a molecular biology laboratory: PCR, recombinant plasmid DNA production, nucleic acids and protein electrophoresis, bacteria   tramsformation.

Course contents

PCR and DNA mutagenesis, DNA purification, restriction and ligation. DNA electrophoresis on agarose gel.  E.coli electroporation and culture . Plasmid elements. Plasmid purification. Recombinant plasmid analysis. Chain termination method for DNA sequencing.

Readings/Bibliography

Students can eventually enrich explanations provided during the lab course, by counsulting  ‘ Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction' by Terry A. Brown, Blakwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford

Teaching methods

Students are divided in groups of 3-4 persons. A tutor or the teacher will follow the lab work of two groups. Each student inside a group will individually carry out  the lab project. Exercises will be distributed and made during the lab time in order to allow students to think and better learn the theory behind each experience.

Assessment methods

Stdents will be asked to write a brief and exhaustive assay on the lab project.

Teaching tools

Molecular biology lab, fully equipped with all the tools and instruments necessary to allow each student to individually carry out all the work reported in the course program

SMART system for oral explanation

 

Office hours

See the website of Elena Baraldi