Methods in Cell Biology and Biochemistry

The aim of the course is to:
- provide an adequate description of the techniques used for the "in vitro" growth and manipulation of cells and the use of different types of cell cultures in the biotechnology field;
- present the principles and applications of basic and advanced methods and approaches for the study of biologically active molecules and biochemical and molecular processes, with particular attention to biotechnological approaches used in modern biochemical and biomedical research;
- to deepen, from a methodological point of view, the knowledge acquired in the other disciplines of the course of studies carried out in the previous semesters (General and cellular biology, Biochemistry and Molecular biology).
With the theoretical part, the course contributes to the consolidation of basic knowledge of living systems at molecular and cellular level. Through laboratory exercises, students have the opportunity to become familiar with the manipulation of cells in culture in sterile conditions and with the use of basic biochemical and bio-molecular techniques, in line with the professional profiles and employment opportunities provided for the entire training.
In addition, the teaching contributes to provide the basis for the continuation of studies in the master's degree courses in biotechnology and bio-medical area.

At the end of the course, the student should have acquired the theoretical and practical knowledge relating to the main cellular and biochemical methodologies used in research and analysis laboratories in the bio-medical field. In particular, the student should have acquired basic skills for the manipulation of eukaryotic cells in sterile conditions and the ability to perform standard protocols for the analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, the student should be able to: identify the most suitable techniques or experimental approaches depending on the context of application; identify the correct or most appropriate solution through simulations of experimental cases; critically analyze the results obtained after the application of the techniques studied and or put into practice during laboratory exercises.