Course

Unit 1

Unit 1:

Introduction to Laboratory Techniques in Cell and Gene Therapy, Overview of translational research in cell and gene therapy, Importance of laboratory techniques in translational research, Laboratory safety practices and regulations

Unit 2

Unit 2:

Basic Laboratory Skills and Equipment Operation, Laboratory pipetting techniques, Measurement and calibration of laboratory equipment, Use of laboratory instruments (centrifuges, spectrophotometers, etc.)

Unit 3

Unit 3:

Molecular Biology Techniques, DNA/RNA extraction and purification methods, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR, Gene cloning and recombinant DNA technology

Unit 4

Unit 4:

Cell Culture Techniques, Aseptic techniques and cell culture environment setup, Thawing, seeding, and subculturing adherent and suspension cells, Cell counting, viability assessment, and cryopreservation

(45 classes)

Preamble:

As an introductory laboratory course, students will acquire essential techniques in stem cell culture, characterization, and differentiation. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, adherence to safety protocols, and accurate data recording, all of which are crucial for conducting stem cell research and its translational applications.

Course Outcome:

CO1: Follow essential laboratory safety protocols and demonstrate understanding of translational research in cell and gene therapy.

CO2: Perform fundamental lab techniques including pipetting, equipment calibration, and operation of key instruments.

CO3: Execute core molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and gene cloning.

CO4: Apply aseptic techniques for culturing, maintaining, and preserving adherent and suspension cells.

CO5: Assess cell viability and perform routine handling procedures such as thawing, seeding, and subculturing.

CO6: Maintain accurate lab records and analyze experimental data relevant to cell and gene therapy applications.

Program outcome

PO1: Bioscience Knowledge

PO2: Problem Analysis

PO3: Design/Development of Solutions

PO4: Conduct Investigations of complex problems

PO5: Modern tools usage

PO6: Bioscientist and Society

PO7: Environment and Sustainability

PO8: Ethics

PO9: Individual & Team work

PO10: Communication

PO11: Project management & Finance

PO12: Lifelong learning

0 – No affinity; 1 – low affinity; 2 – Medium affinity; 3 – High affinity

Program-specific outcome

PSO 1 – Emerging technologies in cell therapy

PSO 2 – Biomolecules in Medicine

PSO 3 – Molecular dysregulation in diseases

PSO 4 – Molecular technology in diagnosis and therapy

PSO 5 – Applying lab discoveries to clinical practice

PSO 6 – Advanced techniques in cell culture, gene editing, and bioprocessing

PSO 7 – Statistical methods to interpret and validate diagnostic results

PSO 8 – Integrate cell therapy into personalized medicine

PSO 9 – GMP and regulatory practices in cell therapy production

PSO 10 – Bioinformatics and biological data use

0 – No affinity; 1 – low affinity; 2 – Medium affinity; 3 – High affinity

Textbook

Nóbrega, C., Mendonça, L., & Matos, C. A. (2020). A Handbook of Gene and Cell Therapy. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Reference

Kresina, T. F. (Ed.). (2000). Gene and Cell Therapy: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Strategies. Marcel Dekker.