BIOL 260 Lab

Description
The cell biology course provides a basic understanding of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, and the functional interaction of the cell with its microenvironment. Cell Biology laboratory is an integral component of the course. This laboratory exposes students to an overview of classical techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography and advanced cell related techniques for example western blotting and flow cytometry. The laboratory sessions will also provide students with hands on experience on selected topics or techniques. Moodle is used as a complementary teaching tool to help students better grasp the expected learning outcomes.

General Instructional Objectives (GIO)
Students should acquire the
1. Knowledge of basic and advanced techniques used in cell Biology.
2. Basic skills in applying various techniques in cell Biology.
3. Capacity to solve problems
4. And evaluate the relevance of experimental data.
5. Ability to work as a team.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to
2. Describe various techniques used in this cell biology laboratory.(Meets GIO # 1)
3. Apply acquired techniques in cell biology independently.(Meets GIO#3)
4. Conduct experiments which address research questions in cell biology. (Meets GIO # 4)
5. Carry out in a group a cell biology experimental procedure.(Meets GIO # 5)
6. Design Cell Biology experiment using techniques covered to solve a specific problem. (Meets GIO # 1 ,2,3, and 4)

Textbook & Reading Material:
Molecular Biology of the Cell (MBC). Fourth Edition, 2002 Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, Walter
1. Recent literature (suggested readings), and Web sites
2. CELL BIOLOGY INTERACTIVE CD-ROM (2002)

Student Assessment:
Laboratory Grade is 23% of course grade

Student Assessment	SLO#	Percentage
4 Quizzes	1 and 2	3%
4 lab reports as assignment	1,3 and 4	4%
Forum Discussion+ Peer Evaluation	2 and 3	3%
Independent Experiment + Project	2	3%
Mid-Term	1,3 and 4	5%
Final	1,3 and 4	5%

Laboratory Outline:
- Week 1: Microscope.
Aim: Familiarize students with the properties of the light and phase contrast microscopes.
Objective: - Experiments on measurement of cell size using micrometer
                    - Counting number if blood cells using different dilution of blood samples
Resources: - handouts
                      - links from Lange Histology

- Week 2: Membranes Permeability of RBC.
Aim: To study the effect of different chemicals on RBC.
Objective: - Experiments on RBC permeability using spectrophotometers
Resources: - handouts
                      - links from Lange Histology
                      - videos from the book
                      - Links to chapter 10.

- Week 3: Subcellular Fractionation
Aim: To extract the different organelles of the cell using centrifugation
Objective: Learn homogenization techniques and fractionation:
                     a- may be extracted by liver cells
                     b- know the potter- Elvehjem homogization technique
                     c- know the theory related to centrifugation
Resources: - handouts
                      - links from Lange Histology
                      - Links to 8.8.

- Week 4: Histochemistry.
Aim: To section & stain tissues and to learn about already stain tissues
Objective: - Learn how to use microtome
                     - Learn how to stain using H&E
Resources: - handouts
                      - links from Lange Histology
                      - powerpoint on different staining techniques
                      - Links to chapter 22.

- Week 5: Transamination using paper chromatography.
Aim: Study activity on transaminase enzyme
Objective: - Apply paper chromatography technique in biological concepts, as the enzyme activity.
                     - Use enzyme collected and perform paper chromatography
Resources: - handout.

- Week6: Amino Acid Sequence using thin layer chromatography.
Aim: Find the amino-acid sequence of a dodecapeptide using Edman degradation
Resources: - handout.

- Week 7: Cell Culture
Aim: Learn how to split cells, maintain and fix them
Objective: - Splitting technique and the observation after time intervals, after adding a chemical
Resources: - handout.
                      - links to 8.4
                      - links to table 8.2

- Week 8: Flow cytometry
Aim: Learn how to prepare cells for flow cytometry
Objective: - learn how to analyze data from cytometry
Resources: - handout.
                      - links to 8.2

- Week 9: Electrophoresis.
Aim: Learn a modern technique to identify proteins.
Resources: - handout.
                      - links to 8.13; 8.14; 8.19

- Week 10: Western Blotting & Comassie staining.
Aim: Learn how to develop and keep gathered information from electrophoresis using one of 2 techniques.
Resources: - handout.
                      - links to 8.27

- Week 11: ELISA.
Aim: - Learn how to use first and second Ab's specific to Ag
          - How to read results obtained
Resources: - handout.
                      - links to 9.16

Course Policies:
1. Attendance: You are urged to attend all laboratory lectures and sessions so you do not miss on the material presented in class and in turn your peers can benefit from your contribution to class discussions. In case of absence from any class, you are required to cover the material missed and inquire about any announcements made during your absence.

2. Exams: MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL NOT BE GIVEN UNLESS REASONS ARE DEEMED VALID BY INSTRUCTOR.

3. Drop Quizzes: Several drop quizzes will be administered throughout the semester. If you miss any drop quiz without a valid reason, you will get a zero.

4. Forums: Discussion Rooms/Information literacy:
a. With your group, you should select a discussion issue (list will be provided) of interest to you. Read articles and other resources available to you as per the WebCT posted instructions, research about the issue you selected. Prepare discussion questions that would focus your session. Share the discussion postings with others in your group. Discussions should be interactive and involving.

b. Information literacy group work: You are encouraged to contact the information services departmentat:
- Jafet Library ( Lobby Room 205)
- e-mail: libinfo@aub.edu.lb
- Ext:2629

5. Assignments: (Group Work) You are expected to submit assignments on time as indicated by Moodle assignment. Assignments such as Laboratory reports will be corrected and returned to the student on Moodle as well. Late submission of assignment will not be accepted by Moodle.

6. Communication via E-mail (Moodle): You are kindly requested to check your e-mail on regular basis. Also you are asked to check the messages and assignments on Moodle.

7. Code of Conduct: You are expected to respect your colleagues' presence in a classroom setting and not to infringe on their rights for acquiring knowledge and for promoting an environment conducive for excellence of instruction (i.e. refrain from side conversations, avoid arriving late to class and using mobile phones, and ensure proper handling of lab equipment, others )

9. Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is highly valued in this university. Any violation of academic integrity will not be tolerated and will result in serious repercussions. Please refer to AUB Policies and Procedures on academic integrity. http://pnp.aub.edu.lb/university/academic/Faculty Manual/148020156.html