BIO07036 2019 Animal Cell Culture

Explain, using appropriate technical terminology, what is meant by animal cell culture and outline the key applications.

Describe the growth requirements and characteristics of cells in culture.

Outline the various growth platforms which may be used in cell culture.

Explain, illustrate and/or demonstrate how to establish, passage, freeze, recover and maintain selected cell lines.

Recognise and evaluate the QC issues and GMP requirements pertinent to cell culture laboratories.

Evaluate contamination and biosafety issues.

Execute laboratory protocols which are used in routine animal cell culture.

Analyse and report experimental concepts and data.

The module contact time will be split evenly between lectures and laboratory time.

Contact time will contain some tutorial elements which will be used to help students address problem topics and answer questions and provide feedback on assessments.

Lectures can comprise of elements such as: Powerpoint presentations, videos, articles for study and discussion on relevant topics.

The moodle platform will be used to as a repository for course material.

Active Learning:

Students will be asked to read around and contextualize relevant articles and topics.

Students will be required to research relevant information for the production of experimental reports.

Tutorials:

Occasional time will be set aside for tutorials will allow time for students to discuss the quizzes and assessments in a face to face or class format during which problems can be addressed and additional explanations provided. 

Small group writing tutorials will be provided for students who require additional help in constructing elements of reports (for example data presentation).

Laboratory work:

Students will execute relevant experimental procedures within groups. When possible, students also work individually in the laboratory on certain experiments.

The laboratory classes are preceded by introductory lectures, so students are aware of the research question at hand, requirements, learning outcomes and any relevant health and safety concerns. Students are encouraged to raise learning issues, particularly with new techniques.

This module has an end of semester exam worth 50% and a laboratory element worth 50%.

The students’ performance will be evaluated through formative and summative assessments.

Formative assessment:

The formative assessments may be delivered in class and through online quizzes so students can check their own progress. Assessments will be provided on an on-going basis throughout the semester and can be taken at a time of the students’ choosing. Typically, they will be made available at the end of particular topics during the module. Online quizzes and review questions and crosswords are provided on the moodle platform, students can access these resources at any time once made available.

Quizzes will be designed in accordance to Bloom’s taxonomy, assessing elements relevant to the level 7 module status.

Summative assessment:

Module theory will be assessed through an end of semester exam worth 50% of the module. Relevant elements of the module theory, pertaining to testing for example, will also be assessed during practical evaluation, entailing short quizzes on the practical applications of the module. The laboratory element of the module (50%) will undergo a Practical Evaluation over the semester. This evaluation will assess students’ basic laboratory skills and professional attitude, the students’ data presentation and analysis skills as well as their dissemination skills through submission of reports or individual report elements such as abstracts.

Remote proctoring of exams may be required, particularly for overseas students.

The moodle platform will be used by students to upload assignments and will be used in combination with Turnitin software.

The student must reach an assigned mark in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the module. The student must attend a minimum of 75% in the laboratory element of the module or they may be required to repeat and re-attend the module.

If a student fails to achieve 40% in the module they will be required to resit the exam, resubmit or submit laboratory reports, write a theory assignment or a combination of these.

Explain, using appropriate technical terminology, what is meant by cell culture and outline the key applications.

Cell culture history and current uses.

Describe the growth requirements and characteristics of cells in culture.

How cells are obtained. Types and constituents of cell culture media.

Outline the various growth platforms which may be used in cell culture.

Culture vessels and formats for culture growth.

Explain, illustrate and/or demonstrate how to establish, passage, freeze, recover and maintain selected cell lines.

Growth characteristics and cell passaging. Cryopreservation of cells.

Recognise and evaluate the QC issues and GMP requirements pertinent to cell culture laboratories.

Biological safety cabinets, master cell stocks and sources, contamination and consequences. Use of antibiotics and sterility assurance of cell culture.

Evaluate contamination and biosafety issues.

Biological and chemical contaminant types, identification, prevention and treatments. GMO regulations.

Execute laboratory protocols which are used in routine animal cell culture.

Standard procedures necessary for the growth, storage and recovery of cells in culture.

Analyse and report experimental concepts and data.

Presentation of data through elements such as abstracts, introductions and discussions, encompassing elements of graph, image and data tables