Cell biology and technology

Specific objectives –Module 2 Knowledge and ability to understand. Specific objectives include: • Learning basic principles of flow-cytometry; • Getting acquainted with flow-cytometry instrumentation commonly used in research and biomedical laboratories; • Learning basic techniques on viable and fixed samples for the study of cell cycle and of cell death and differentiation; • Acquiring basic knowledge for the use of result analysis softwares. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The course aims at making students acquainted with the general concepts governing the functioning of a flow cytometer and at giving them insight into the main optical parameters measurable by means of flow cytometry. At the end of the course students will be able to understand the general concepts of flow cytometry and of its possible fields of application. They will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the main sample preparation techniques employed in the study of cell cycle and cell proliferation, death and differentiation. Moreover, by means of practical exercises, students will be introduced to planning, execution and analysis of experiments based on the studied techniques. Making judgments: Students, through the study of examples of applications reported in literature, acquire an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them, critically, within the framework of the knowledge already acquired. Communication skills: Students learn to use an appropriate scientific terminology for the presentation of the results of flow cytometry experiments to both a lay public and to experts. Learning skills: The ability to learn is stimulated by continuous reference to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for its enhancement as well as by constant cross talk between the two modules. At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate methods and equipments for the investigation of significant cellular phenomena, such as cell proliferation, death and differentiation in the field of flow cytometry.