Practical laboratory activities
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The main objective of having "practical laboratory activities" in the first year of the Biomedical Omics master's program is to introduce students to the practical aspects of omics laboratories. Students will be assigned to specific omics laboratories by the faculty; each student will attend at least three different labs each year, where they are expected to actively participate to the practical work ongoing in the laboratory.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
i) understand the scientific/clinical question at the basis of omics analyses;
ii) select appropriate laboratory protocols;
iii) perform the selected omics analysis independently.
i) understand the scientific/clinical question at the basis of omics analyses;
ii) select appropriate laboratory protocols;
iii) perform the selected omics analysis independently.
Lesson period: year
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
There are 6 CFU for the course, equivalent to 96 hours of practical laboratory activities that must be performed during the year (first and second semester).
These should be equally divided among three laboratories. Attendance to a Genomics and a Proteomics laboratory is mandatory. Students will also attend a third laboratory; the latter will be assigned by the Faculty based on the basis of availability.
In each laboratory, student will:
· Become familiar with the basic methods;
· Learn the basic use of specific equipment;
· Perform experiments under the supervision of the omics lab personnel.
These should be equally divided among three laboratories. Attendance to a Genomics and a Proteomics laboratory is mandatory. Students will also attend a third laboratory; the latter will be assigned by the Faculty based on the basis of availability.
In each laboratory, student will:
· Become familiar with the basic methods;
· Learn the basic use of specific equipment;
· Perform experiments under the supervision of the omics lab personnel.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have basic laboratory skills. No specific expertise in omics methods is required.
Teaching methods
Rotations in different omics laboratories or facilities (Genomics, Proteomics, Biochemistry, Imaging, etc.) will be organized by the faculty. Students will attend in small groups or individually, so as to ensure a hands-on experience. Students will be assigned tutors within each lab who will be responsible of following their daily practical activities.
Teaching Resources
There are no specific texts.
Protocols will be provided by the faculty and tutors.
Protocols will be provided by the faculty and tutors.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will closely follow the activities of each omics lab they attend. At the end of each internship, students will deliver:
· a brief data-report on the activity they performed in each omics lab
· a power-point presentation summarizing their activity.
Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the methods and the protocols used in each laboratory.
The evaluation will consist of "pass" or "fail" on the basis of attendance, punctuality, and quality of the data reports. Students will not receive a numerical mark.
· a brief data-report on the activity they performed in each omics lab
· a power-point presentation summarizing their activity.
Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the methods and the protocols used in each laboratory.
The evaluation will consist of "pass" or "fail" on the basis of attendance, punctuality, and quality of the data reports. Students will not receive a numerical mark.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)