Biology Laboratory Techniques I

Code

7621

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Department

Departamento de Ciências da Vida

Credits

5.5

Teacher in charge

Isabel Maria Godinho de Sá Nogueira, Nuno Alberto Fernandes Ferreira Neves

Weekly hours

5

Total hours

105

Teaching language

Português

Objectives

The main goal of the course is focused in the linkage between student’s integration in a cell and molecular biology laboratory with the practice of basic methologies in use in this area.

This objective will be permanently accompanied by training in standard safety lab procedures (in prevention and accident) and by the theoretical and practical foundations of the scientific method and scientific writing, and of the basic lab work necessary for researh. In articulation with TLB II (7624), more centred on molecular biology, this course prepare for specific and more differentiated courses.    

Prerequisites

 

Attendance to Introductory Biology and Chemistry for Life Sciences is strongly encouraged.

 

Subject matter

1.      Introduction to main equipment and chemical compounds in the laboratory.

2.      Safety procedures: prevention and accident. Hazards in a molecular cell biology laboratory.

3.      The Scientific Method: definition, sequential steps and practical appliance.

4.      Communicating scientific information: characterization of poster presentations, spoken presentations, reports and papers. Focus on Results and Discussion.

5.      Introduction to Cell Culture Techniques.

Asepsis. Culture media.Physiological conditions.  Culture of bacteria and yeasts. 

6.      Introduction to Cytology and Microscopy Techniques.

Introduction to transmission bright-field microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy: optics, image formation, operative mode, micrometry.                        

Differential detection of cells and organelles: staining techniques.                       

Cell cycle analysis in plants.                       

Fertilization analysis in C. elegans.                        

Fixed vs in vivo biological material: comparative microscopy techniques.  

Bibliography

Becker, W.M. et al. (2005). The World of the Cell (6^th ed.). Benjamin Cummings Publ. Co.

Anderson, C. (1995). Basic Experimental Chemistry. Kendall/Hunt Publ. Co.

Richwood, D. et al. (1997). Cell Biology Essential Techniques. Willey & Sons.

Teaching method

Theoretical and practical appraches to all themes discussed (oral and multimedia presentations). Biology laboratory practical classes.

Evaluation method

1. Attendance to classes to assure evaluation and grading.

1.1. The course is composed by three modular units and mandatory attendance is required to at least 2/3 of classes for each module.

- Classes initiate 10 min pass the hour and attendence to each class is considered only within this time frame. Attendence is recorded in adequate data sheets.

1.2. Each Professor colaborating in TLB I will assign student''''''''s material for the practical course. This material should be brought to each practical session and is a student''''''''s responsability.

2. Evaluation and Grading

2.1. At the end of each of the three modules there will be a written exam covering the themes discussed during classes.

2.2. The minimum grade for each module examination is 7.5/20; the minimum average grade between the three modular examinations is 9.5/20. Students that do not achieve these grades will be evaluated by a single Final Exam, covering all themes of the course, during the second evaluation period.

2.3. The Fnal Exam taking part during the first evalaution period is only for students that state their decision in favour of this matter by mail to nafn@fct.unl.pt before the first modular examination.

Courses

• Biologia Celular e Molecular