Molecular and Cellular Methods in Immunology
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 8
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- HUIMM306A
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Aim:
The course aims to introduce methods used in immunological research.
The course is taught over a 4-week period, which is followed by a written report.
The 4-week period includes independent study of the provided course material including protocols and
background material required to understand each method (40hrs, week 1). This is followed by a seminar
by the course leaders introducing the core methods, and an open discussion of the material. The second
and third week is dedicated to practical laboratory work (80hrs, week 2 and 3) where students will gain
hands-on experience of the methods studied in week 1 (see "content- practical"). The practical part of the
course will give students a deeper understanding of the methods introduced in the theoretical part of the
course. In the final week (40hrs, week 4) students will process their research results from week 2-3.
Additionally, each student will be given a published research paper by the course coordinator,
encompassing the topics covered during the course. At the end of week 4, students will attend a student
colloquium where they will present and discuss their results and conclusions from week 2-3. Further,
students will give a presentation on the assigned research paper.
Final assessment of the course requires the submission of an in-depth report (summarizing 4 weeks of
material) in a scientific format of the research conducted during the course. This report requires student to
demonstrate a deep understanding of the methods utilized and results generated and put them in context
with previous work.
Content (theoretical part): Course material will be provided.
The course leaders will give a theoretical introduction into some of the commonly used immunological methods. - Student colloquium: The students present and critically evaluate theirs and each-others results and present and evaluate 1 research paper each.
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.
- ELISAQuantification of cytokines produced by the cells.
- Immunostaining
- Visualization using fluorescently labeled secondary antibody.
- Quantification of copy number using PCR: Comparison of standard PCR with quantitative real time PCR.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student is able to/has:
Knowledge: Upon completing the course, the participants should understand the aim and theory behind
commonly used immunological methods.
Skills: Upon completing the course, the participants should be able to plan and perform experiments
taught within the course.
Competence: Upon completing the course, the participants should be able to apply their knowledge and
skills to engage in further tasks related to research.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
- Articles, textbook (40 h).
- Theoretical introduction to the lab (8 h).
- 10 days in the lab (60 h) and colloquium (8 h).
- Preparation for colloquium (40 h)
- Preparation of reports (3 weeks ¿ 120h)
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
Grading Scale
A-F