Biology Laboratory Techniques I
Code
10649
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Ciências da Vida
Credits
3.0
Teacher in charge
José Paulo Nunes de Sousa Sampaio, Rosario Mato Labajos
Weekly hours
3
Total hours
48
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 is strongly encouraged.
Subject matter
Module 1. Introduction to main equipment and chemical compounds in the laboratory. Safety procedures: prevention and accident. Hazards in a molecular cell biology laboratory. Measurement of weight and volume. Preparation of solutions. Basic notions of spectrophotometry. pH determination. Buffer soluutions. Beer -Lambert Law. Calibration curves: applications on quantitative analyis. Communicating scientific information: characterization of poster presentations, spoken presentations, reports and papers. Focus on Results and Discussion.
Module 2. Introduction to Cell Culture Techniques. Asepsis. Culture media. Physiological conditions. Lab culture of bacteria and yeasts. The scientific method
Module 3. 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 plant meristems and in epithelial cells of humans. Fixed vs in vivo biological material: comparative microscopy techniques.
Bibliography
Becker, W.M. et al. (2005). The World of the Cell (6thed.). 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 approaches to all themes discussed (oral and multimedia presentations). Biology laboratory practical classes.