B8429 - Working in the Biochemistry Laboratory

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

By the end of the course, the student is able to use basic biochemical laboratory equipment and carries out appropriate assays in accordance with good laboratory practice and laboratory safety. In particular, the student is able to extract proteins and nucleic acids from biological samples, and to quantify proteins and nucleic acids.

Contenuti

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate skills in veterinary biosecurity, an understanding of proper laboratory practices within a quality assurance framework, and techniques for handling and approaching animals that prioritize the safety of both the animal and the operator. Additionally, the student develops zoological knowledge and zootechnical classification of animals relevant to veterinary practice, along with a critical perspective on their ethical use.

The Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.12, 1.17, 1.29.

Specific Course contents:

B8429 - Working in the Biochemistry Laboratory - [https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/dottorati-master-specializzazioni-e-altra-formazione/insegnamenti/insegnamento/2025/542790] Augusta Zannoni

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Risk and safety in a laboratory (chemical and biological); Basic equipment of a laboratory Understanding of SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) and scientific protocol, Use of laboratory notebook (2h)

  Practical/Laboratory Sessions:

• Dilution of a concentrated solution; precision and accuracy of the measures; use of basic instrument (vortex, centrifuge, pipette, spectrophotometer); preparation of a saline solution (3h)
• Osmotic fragility of erithrocytes; Evaluation of macrohematocrit; DNA extraction from blood sample and spectrophotometric quantification (3h)

Testi/Bibliografia

• Slides and other material available in virtual platform, practical protocol, Standard Operantig Procedure (SOPs).

Metodi didattici

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Lectures, lab work

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.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The assessment for the Integrated Course unit "The Background for the Veterinary Profession"consists of

"The Background for the Veterinary Profession" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30. The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

• The second part is an OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) aimed at evaluating the acquisition of practical and verbal competences in specific topics of the Integrated Course. This practical part of the exam will consist in 15 different stations, each testing a specific skill. Each station has a fixed duration of 5 minutes and, if completed successfully, can earn up to 2 points. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the OSPE. The result of the OSPE will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by averaging the scores of the two assessments. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Students can register for the exam through the online 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.

In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks.

In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion. This should be done by informing the course contact via email within 5 working days from the exam. The designated course contact for this course is Eleonora Nannoni.

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.

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.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Power point presentations, virtual labs, databases, protocols, Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) , related to practical laboratory activities.

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

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Augusta Zannoni