Molecular and Cellular Methods in Immunology

Ph.D. -course

Course description

Course 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.

Theoretical part:

  • Course material will be provided.
  • The course leaders will give a theoretical introduction into some of the most 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.

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 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.

Study period

Spring.

There is no direct registration for this course. Each person that would like to attend has to contact Richard Davies as there is a limited number of spaces.

Credits (ECTS)

8 ECT

Course location

Department of Clinical Science, Laboratory Building, 5th floor, Haukeland University Hospital.

Grading Scale
A-F
Language of instruction
English
Pre-requirements

Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation is required.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Priority will be given to students having taken the related course Human Immunology (HUIMM903/HUIMM303).

Form of assessment
Oral presentation of given articles and results, in addition to a written lab report (composed of Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion). Both oral presentations and written lab report must be approved by the course leader.
Who may participate

PhD candidates.

There is no direct registration for this course.

Each person that would like to attend has to contact Richard.Davies@uib.no as there is a limited number of spaces.

Programme
  • Articles, textbook (40 h)
  • Theoretical introduction to the lab (8 h).
  • 10 days in the lab (60 h) and 6 colloquium (8 h).
  • Preparation for colloquium (40 h).
  • Preparation of reports (3 weeks - 120 h)
  • Reading list
    To be announced.