B2028 - Laboratory of Cellular Biology

Learning outcomes

The course covers the logic and basic techniques of scientific experimentation and observation in the biological field. At the end of the course the student knows how to organise a scientific experiment and how to report and critically evaluate experimental data, the concepts of precision and accuracy and their verification. At the end of the course the student is able to correctly use the basic instruments of the biological laboratory including balance, centrifuge and optical microscope, to apply simple laboratory procedures such as enrichment and purification of cells and sub-cellular fractions, reactions and staining for their identification, gel electrophoretic separation, Western-blot and spectrophotometry. The student will also be able to work under sterile conditions and apply basic cell culture techniques.

Course contents

The course enables students to acquire theoretical and practical skills in basic biological laboratory techniques, commonly used molecular techniques for protein analysis and basic techniques for handling animal cells in culture. Subsequent analysis of experimental data provides the student with critical skills on the results obtained.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

• behave safely in the laboratory
• prepare aqueous solutions of known molarity and osmolarity
• correctly use the basic instrumentation of a biological laboratory (micropipettes, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometer, electrophoretic chambers, optical microscope, phase contrast microscope, laminar flow hoods, incubators);
• set up cell slides (smear and staining),
• identify cells subjected to osmotic stress;
• prepare density gradients for cell separation;

• prepare biological samples by breaking plant and animal tissue and subsequent separation of cellular components
• use differential centrifugation for enrichment of cell component suspensions;
• operate correctly in a sterile environment for cell culture
• use cell counting methods
• seed, detach and freeze cell cultures
• analyse the cell cycle 
• quantifying protein concentration in biological samples using colorimetric methods
•  electrophoretically separate protein mixtures 
•  identify, by Western blot analysis, an induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70)

 

Readings/Bibliography

Resources on Moodle platform Virtuale

Frontal lessons

Practical training in laboratory

Teaching methods

The course consists of 3 CFU of lectures (24 hours) and 4 CFU of practical laboratory activities (60 hours), the latter activity will be delivered by dividing the students into two groups that will be communicated in class.

The course provides students with Integrative Digital Didactics (DDI) through the Virtual Platform to support all students in their learning activities and in preparation for examinations. The DDI includes formative assessment tests, video documentation and in-depth material. The lecturers supervise the use of the resources remotely.

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this training activity requires all students  (including international incoming students, eg. ERASMUS) to complete modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and to participate in module 3 of specific training on health and safety in the workplace. Information on the dates and procedures for attending module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the course website.

Assessment methods

The final evaluation is aimed at defining the achievement of the following learning objectives:

- To know the basic equipment and its use

- To know the correct procedures for working under sterile conditions

- To critically evaluate the results obtained

The assessment will take place by means of a written test consisting of 3 open questions (maximum 5 pts per question) and 12 closed multiple-choice questions (1 pt per question, no penalty for wrong or missing answers). Minimum threshold for passing: 15 points equivalent to 18/30. Honours are awarded on reaching 25 points.

The student has the right to refuse to record the proposed passing grade 1 time (according to the university didactic regulations ART.16, paragraph 5)

Students with special needs and/or certifications must contact the lecturer by email, entering DSA office in C/C.

Teaching tools

PPT presentations

Written procedures for practical laboratory activities

Supplementary teaching material on Virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Monica Forni

See the website of Francesca Sparla

See the website of Giovanna Farruggia