EMB

Essential Molecular Biology - A hands-on laboratory course, 10_^th Edition

Date:  23 January - 10 February 2017

This course covers the fundamental principles and techniques used in experimental research in the area of Molecular Biology. Essentially practical in nature, it aims at the learning of current genomics and proteomics techniques, as well as the acquisition of skills in laboratory experimentation required for scientific research in biomedicine.

By end of the course the participants must be able to:

·   Master the basic practices in laboratory work.
·   Carry out experimental work and interpret results proficiently and confidently in the    
    areas of genomics and proteomics.
·   Apply the acquired knowledge to the design of a laboratory experimental plan.


Programmatic content:

·   Basic laboratory practice: laboratory safety, pipetting and solution preparation.

Genomics:

·   Nucleic acids extraction (DNA, RNA) from cells, tissues or fluids
·   Quantification techniques and quality control
·   cDNA synthesis by reverse transcription (RT)
·   DNA and cDNA amplification by conventional PCR and real time PCR (qPCR)
·   Recombinant DNA techniques (enzymatic restriction, transformation, molecular cloning)
·   Gene expression studies (RT-qPCR)

Proteomics:

·   Protein extraction from cells or tissues
·   Quantification techniques
·   Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
·   Western blotting
·   Isoelectric focusing
·   Purification by liquid chromatography
·   Protein co-immunoprecipitation

Participants will be able to focus their training on specific techniques by selecting defined topics from the programmatic content, with view to acquiring/developing good skills on those techniques that will be more useful from a professional and/or curricular standpoint.
 

Teaching methodology:

A theoretical introduction to each topic will be followed by the practical module, which will entail the demonstration of the laboratory technique followed by its practical execution by the participants. The learning process will develop through direct contact with the laboratory experimental techniques and by the systematic execution of all the essential steps conducing to the successful completion of the experiment.

Evaluation type and criteria:

The participants will be evaluated continuously through the execution of the laboratory work (85% of the final grade) and by the production of an original experimental project proposal (15% of the final grade).

Coordinator: Carlos Manuel Gomes Reguenga, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.

Faculty: Carlos Manuel Gomes Reguenga, Filipe Almeida Monteiro, Miguel Luz Soares, António Carlos Ferreira, Ph.D.s  in the area of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.

Target audience: Researchers, near-graduation and graduate students in the areas of Biological and Medical Sciences.

Admission criteria: Basic university training in Biological and Medical Sciences.

Dates: 23 January - 10 February 2017

Schedule: Monday to Friday - 09h00 to 18h45.

Admission:  Applications / registrations will be conducted online only, on the website of the Faculty of Medicine of Porto. Instructions for online application.

Online application:  1^st call: 15 September - 13 October 2016.
                                         2^nd call: 2 -15 December 2016.

Online registration:  1^st call: 3 -30 November 2016.
                                          2^nd call: 5- 15 January 2017.

Number of participants: 15 (max) / 6 (min).

Ranking criteria: Curricular analysis, subject of graduation, order of application. Eligibility according to the admission criteria.

Credits: 6 ECTS

Tuition fee: FMUP students and staff: 500 €; all other participants: 600 €.

Language: English / Portuguese.