Typically Offered: Each Spring semester.
Prerequisites and Other Registration Restrictions: Open only to seniors majoring in Animal Sciences (067), Biological Sciences (119) and Biotechnology (126). Two semesters each of General Biology (01:119:115-116) and Organic Chemistry (01:160:307, 308, 311) are pre-requisites. Some familiarity with biochemistry (e.g. 11:115:403-404) is recommended.
Format: Lecture and Laboratory. One 80 minute lecture is presented per week. Students are in the laboratory for two consecutive 80 minute periods, plus one 80 minute follow-up laboratory period.
Description: This course provides students with the skills and knowledge to work in a modern biological research laboratory making use of cell culture techniques. Emphasis is placed on aseptic techniques for animal cell culture, the requirements for cell growth in vitro, mechanisms underlying cellular differentiation, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and the expression of transfected DNA in cultures animal cells.
Examinations: Two hourly examinations are given during the lecture period, plus a comprehensive final exam, covering the entire course, during final exam week.
Other Requirements: Five comprehensive laboratory reports, that incorporate references from the primary literature, are also required. Students will learn the use of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel for data analysis, interpretation and presentation.