516-301 Practical Cell Biology

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Objectives:

This subject aims to provide a theoretical background and practical experience in a variety of techniques commonly used in studying cell biology. Upon completion of this subject students should:

• comprehend the theoretical foundations of a range of techniques used in studying cell biology; the information about cell biology that can be obtained using particular techniques;

• develop skills in performing techniques used to study cell biology; communication skills to describe the theoretical foundations and practical requirements of methods used to study cell biology; an appreciation of the scientific and methodological rigour needed to study cell biology;

• appreciate the advantage of a thorough knowledge of the theory of a technique in order to fully understand the cell biological data acquired using that technique; the strengths and limitations of techniques used to study cell biology; the scientific basis of the knowledge of cell biology; the importance of one's own observations.

Content:

Light microscopy: tissue processing for light microscopy, sectioning and staining, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, photographic techniques. Electron microscopy: tissue processing for electron microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Cell and tissue culture. Quantitative morphology: morphometry, stereology.

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