Spring. Note: course will only be arranged if at least 2 students

Sign up for the course. Maximum capacity is 6 students.

Bergen Research School in Inflammation, Broegelmann Research Laboratory.

Lab.building/ BB-building & Haukeland University Hospital.

Aim:

Introduction to some general methods used in immunological research by using them actively in the lab. The practical part of the course should enable the students to understand methods used in scientific papers introduced in the theoretical part of the course. In addition, the methods used will be introduced in seminars by the course leaders.

Contents:

Theoretical part:

-The course leaders will give a theoretical introduction into some of the most commonly used immunological methods.

-Student colloquium: The students present 1-2 papers each, discussing the aim and methods used in the forum.

Practical part:

-Calculation of molarities, preparation of buffers

- Isolation of leukocytes from blood using density gradient centrifugation. Isolation and cultivation of monocytes (cell culture), in vitro generation of macrophages.

- Western blot analysis of signaling pathways using stimulated cells.

- ELISA. Quantificatin of cytokins produced by the cells.

- Immunostaining. Visualisation using fluorescently labeled secondary antibody.

- Quantification of copy number using PCR: Comparison of standard PCR with quantitative real time PCR.

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, the students should know the most commonly used immunological methods and understand the aim and theory behind those techniques.

Skills

Upon completing the course, the students should be able to plan and perform experiments using the most commonly used immunological methods.

Competence

Upon completing the course, the students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to engage in further tasks related to research.

Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation. Priority will be given to students having taken the related course Human Immunology (HUIMM903/HUIMM303).

Some background in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and centrifugation. Priority will be given to students having taken the related course Human Immunology (HUIMM903/HUIMM303).

Articles, textbooks

Theoretical introduction to the lab (1.5 h)

10 days in the lab (60 h) and

6 colloquium (9 h)

The course gives 10 credits upon completion.

Oral presentation of given articles and written lab report (composed of Introduction, Materials and

Methods, Results, Discussion). Both have to be approved by the course leader.

E-mail: Silke.Appel@uib.no

Adm. e-mail: Studie@kliniskmedisin.uib.no or Elin.Heggernes@uib.no