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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Methods in Cell Culture
Module Code BE453
School School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Rosaleen Devery
Semester 2: Rosaleen Devery
Autumn: Rosaleen Devery
Module TeacherRosaleen Devery
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
To introduce students to basic techniques in animal cell culture and molecular biology.

Learning Outcomes
1. Work aseptically with a human colon cancer cell line; Prepare cell culture media; Perform a direct cell count and distinguish between viable and dead cells, Set up 96-well microtitre plates for the measurement of cell viability, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation, prepare chromosomes and perform a western blot experiment.
2. Describe the technical aspects that are important for animal cell culture
3. Transfect a cell line with a plasmid which carries the beta-galactosidase-coding gene linked to a strong eukaryotic promoter.Identify transfected cells by staining for beta-galactosidase activity using the colourless chromogenic substrate X-gal. Set up a cDNA synthesis reaction and perform PCR
4. Describe an efficient gene transfection protocol
5. Trouble shoot western blots, transfection and PCR experiments



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lab48No Description
Independent learning77No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Methods in cell Culture.
• Trypsinisation of SW480 adherent culture, Perform cell count and subculture cells• Measure the response of cells to serum• Microplate MTS Cell viability assay• Microplate acid phosphatase cytotoxicity assay• Chromosome preparation from SW480 cells• Solubilisation and assay of cellular protein• Transfection of SW480 cells with plasmid DNA (Superfect kit)• Extraction of RNA from SW480 cells (Qiagen Kit)• Detection of Bcl-2 protein by Western immunoblotting (iBlot method)• cDNA synthesis/Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)Complete laboratory report sheets50%Every Week
Short answer questionsn/a50%Week 11
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List
  • R Ian Freshney: 1994, Culture of animal cells : a manual of basic technique, 3rd, Wiley-Liss, New York, 0471589667
  • John R.W. Masters: 2000, Animal cell culture : a practical approach, 3rd, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 0199637962
  • Martin Clynes: 1998, Animal cell culture techniques, Springer, Berlin ; New York, 3540630082
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
GCBBSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE453
Date of Last Revision20-JAN-10
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