Molecular and Cellular Methods in Immunology
The PhD course is offered by
| Course offered (semester) | Spring. Note: course will only be arranged if at least 2 students sign up for the course. Maximum capacity is 6 students. |
| Number of credits | 10. |
| Who may attend | PhD candidates. |
| Place | Department of clinical science, Laboratory Building, 5th floor, Haukeland University Hospital.
|
Language of instruction
English.
Course content
Aim
Introduction to some general methods used in immunological research by using them actively in the lab. The practical part of the course should enable the students to understand methods used in scientific papers introduced in the theoretical part of the course. In addition, the methods used will be introduced in seminars by the course leaders.
Content (theoretical part):
- The course leaders will give a theoretical introduction into some of the most commonly used immunological methods.
- Student colloquium: The students present 1-2 papers each, discussing the aim and methods used in the forum.
Content (practical part):
- Calculation of molarities, preparation of buffers.
- Isolation of leukocytes from blood using density gradient centrifugation. Isolation and cultivation of monocytes (cell culture), in vitro generation of macrophages.
- Western blot analysis of signaling pathways using stimulated cells.
- ELISA. Quantification of cytokins produced by the cells.
- Immunostaining. Visualisation using fluorescently labeled secondary antibody.
- Quantification of copy number using PCR: Comparison of standard PCR with quantitative real time PCR.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, the participants should know the most commonly used immunological methods and understand the aim and theory behind those techniques.
Skills
Upon completing the course, the participants should be able to plan and perform experiments using the most commonly used immunological methods.
Competence
Upon completing the course, the participants should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to engage in further tasks related to research.
Pre-requirements
Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation. Priority will be given to students having taken the related course Human Immunology (HUIMM903/HUIMM303).
Recommended previous knowledge
Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation. Priority will be given to students having taken the related course Human Immunology (HUIMM903/HUIMM303).
Part of training component
PhD.
Form of assessment
Oral presentation of given articles and written lab report (composed of Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion). Both have to be approved by the course leader.
Programme
- Articles, textbook.
- Theoretical introduction to the lab (1,5 h).
- 10 days in the lab (60 h) and 6 colloquium (9 h).
Contact
Silke Appel. Phone: 55974633. E-mail: silke.appel@gades.uib.no.
Academic responsibility
Bergen Research School in Inflammation, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of clinical science
Lecturers
Silke Appel, others.
Reading list
To be announced.