66437 - Applied Experimental Biology

Learning outcomes

The student knows the organisms that can be used as model for studying basic mechanisms. The student is able to perform basic activities in cell culture and gene expression experiments. The student is able to plan an experimental design and knows how to process data generated by experimentation.

Course contents

The course is divided into modules:

• Experimental design  

1.      Ethical and practical aspects. Why you need to care about design.
2.      Control of the variability
3.      Experimental Unit Definition
4.      Identification of appropriate controls
5.      Determination of sample size
6.      Taking measurements
7.      Types of Experimental Design
8.      Basic statistical tests
9.      What happen if we use animals? Planning the experiment according to the "3RS"
10.      Publication of results

• Evaluation of gene expression by Real Time PCR

1.      Primers desig
2.      Choosing the appropriate chemistry
3.      Selection of housekeeping gene
4.      Efficiency analysis
5.      Data processing

• Cell Culture

1. Different types of cell cultures
2. Cell culture lab
3. Cell lines maintainance
4. Principals methods utilized

Readings/Bibliography

• Ruxton G.D.,  Colegrave N.,  Experimental Design for the Life Sciences. Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-928511-2
• Festing, M.F.W. et al, The Design of Animal Experiments: Reducing the Use of Animals in Research Through Better Experimental Design. Laboratory Animals Ltd ISBN  1-85315-513-6

• http://www.gene-quantification.de/habilitation.html
• http://www.biomart.cn/upload/asset/2008/07/16/1216204807.pdf
• http://www3.appliedbiosystems.com/cms/groups/mcb_support/documents/generaldocuments/cms_040980.pdf

Teaching methods

Preparatory Lectures followed by cooperative learning groups on fundamental topics for theoretical aspects.
Molecular biology lab for practical aspects.

Assessment methods

The principal learning outcomes will be assessed:

-  knowledge of the organisms that can be used as model for biomedical researches

- ability to plan an experiment and to process data

 - knowledge of basic mechanisms of gene expression

- knowledge of basic molecular tools in diagnosis

The final grade will be composed of:

40% on the active participation during lecture and laboratory activities;

60% on oral discussion about lecture topics.

This teaching  is part of an Integrated Course, the final grade will be proportional to the CFU of each teaching:

35106 Policy and Legislation in Animal Biotechnology  3CFU 20%

66437 Applied Experimental Biology 6 CFU 40%

66435 Applied Molecular Biology  6 40%

Teaching tools

Lectures files and material for lerning groups.
Hands on in a fully equipped lab.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Forni

See the website of Augusta Zannoni

See the website of Chiara Bernardini