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Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Introduction to Animal Cell Culture Theory
Module Code	BE525
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Finbarr O'Sullivan Semester 2: Finbarr O'Sullivan Autumn: Finbarr O'Sullivan
Module Teacher	Finbarr O'Sullivan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	2.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the growing of animal cells in culture, the important parameters to be considered in the cultivation of animal cells in vitro, good laboratory procedures in the handling and growing of animal cells, and the scale up of cells. Students are expected to attend lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Have an ability to critically analyse the importance of aseptic techniques and the technology needed to implement this.
2. Assess the Q.A. issues that effect animal cell culture and implement the good laboratory practice for the correct handling of animal cells.
3. Have an ability to assess the types of cell cultures to use for specific studies.
4. Evaluate the growth media for animal cells, its constituents, the growth factors added, and how it influences cell behavior.
5. Evaluate and select the optimum methods and cell based assays to characterize cells and study different process
6. Critically analyse the problems and the processes required in scaling up animal cell cultures.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	12	A series of lectures detailing the fundamental aspects of animal cell biology
Independent learning time	37	Reading of recomended texts that further develop central core concepts highlighted during lectures
Examination	1	Exam
Independent learning time	12	Self study and exam preparation
Total Workload: 62

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

Cell Culture Technique.
Culturing animal cells; aseptic technique; cyropreservation; sub cultivation; media formulation and culture environment..

Sterility & Aseptic Techniques.
Types of microbial contamination; Methods of detection..

Primary Cell Culture.
Techniques used to isolate and grow cells in vitro; The importance of culture conditions in the growth of a selected cell type..

Cell Based Assays.
Basics of proliferation assays; Different proliferation assay protocols; Basics of Invasion and migration assays; Cell adhesion assays and In vitro models of disease..

Cell Identification.
The importance of cell identification; methods to authenticate cells..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Multiple choice questions	End of module examination to assess the understanding of core aspects of animal cell culture.	100%	n/a

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 1

Indicative Reading List

Martin Clynes: 1998, Animal Cell Culture Techniques, Springer,
Ian Freshney: 2005, Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique, 5, Wiley-Liss,
John R. W. Masters: 2000, • Animal Cell Culture: A Practical Approach, 3, Oxford University Press,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

AMPD

AMPM

AMPT

BTPD