Unit information: General Laboratory Techniques in 2020/21

Unit name	General Laboratory Techniques
Unit code	SOCSM0008
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Bond
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Medical School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce theoretical aspects and practical details of laboratory methods that are highly relevant to translational cardiovascular medicine research. The following techniques will be discussed: analysis of gene function (via approaches such as siRNA gene silencing and synthetic inhibitors), gene transfer (plasmid and viral based), analysis of gene transcription (via qPCR), analysis of gene expression (via Western blotting and ELISA), immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry (light, fluorescent and confocal microscopy and quantification), cell analysis using FACS, analysis of cell proliferation, migration/invasion and apoptosis, purification and culture of several relevant cell types, detection of polymorphisms and SNPs. Apart from providing a basic introduction to laboratory research methods this unit also importantly aims to provide an overview of essential skills experimental design such as choice of negative and positive controls, and biological and experimental replicates.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module will be able to:

• Discuss the theoretical principles of main research methods relevant and applicable to translational cardiovascular medicine.
• Recognize the suitability and current limitations of various methods for research in translational cardiovascular medicine.

Teaching Information

• Synchronous and asynchronous lectures; tutorials
• Online discussion forum(s)
• Self-directed study
• Practical workshops which will take place in Bristol if possible or will be taught in an alternative online format

Assessment Information

Coursework (contributing a total of 60% to the unit) consisting of:

• 3 sets of multiple choice questions (MCQs) of a simple format (select the best answer from 4 or 5 options), contributing 10% to the unit.
• 5 sets of short answer questions, contributing 50% to the unit.

Written exams (contributing a total of 40% to the unit) consisting of:

• Short answer questions paper contributing 40% to the unit.

Reading and References

Western Blotting: B.D. Hames and D. Rickwood. Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins: A Practical Approach 3rd Edition, The Practical Approach Series, Oxford University Press, 1998.

Flow Cytometry : A Practical Approach, 3rd Edition. (Practical Approach Series). Edited by M.G. Ormerod. Oxford University Press (2000)

Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis - D Hughes and H Mehmet (Eds)

Microarray: Seo D, Ginsburg GS, Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ. Gene expression analysis of cardiovascular diseases: novel insights into biology and clinical applications. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Jul 18;48(2):227-35.

Analysis of gene expression using qPCR: Stephen A. Bustin (2010) Why the need for qPCR publication guidelines?—The case for MIQE. Methods 50 (2010) 217–226

siRNA mediated gene silencing: Lars Aagaard, John J. Rossi (2007) RNAi therapeutics: Principles, prospects and challenges. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 59 (2007) 75–86.