Module 2 of the Basic and Applied Cytometry Course aims to introduce PhD students to Applied Flow Cytometry. We want to illustrate not only the general principles of this investigation technique, fundamental in both clinical and research fields, but also its many applications, so that the doctoral student can evaluate its possible use in the context of his own research project and have way to follow in detail the use in the immunological, oncological, ecotoxicological fields, and related to the use of nanostructures. Module 2 is to be considered closely associated with Mod.1  in which the circuit parts (and the physical bases) will be deepened.

The generalities of the basic principles of the technology (Optical, Fluidic and Electronic System), fluorescence, direct and indirect immunofuorescence methods, the appropriate reagentarium of the flow cytometry laboratory, and the type of samples suitable for this analytical approach will be briefly summarised. Subsequently, various cytometric applications will be discussed, not only in the field of clinical and research applied to humans, but also in the veterinary and microbiological fields in the One Health perspective, with focus on cells of various organisms useful as bio-indicators, with emphasis on the cytofluorometric approach. The module will conclude by focusing on cytometric analysis in the field of cell functional analysis, with various applications and practical examples also related to the application of Conventional Flow Cytometry in the detection of Extracellular Vesicles (EV) or other nanodimensioned drug delivery systems.

It is recommended to attend both module 1 and module 2 at the same time

The student, once he/she has followed the course in its 2 modules, will be able to assess the possibility of using this technology and the possible benefits that the application of this investigation procedure may bring to his/her research project. Furthermore, particularly in mod.2, the doctoral student will be able to see and understand in detail, the immunological and environmental applications of flow cytometry.

Students on the course will be required to demonstrate: 

D1. Knowledge and ability to understand: Know the possible applications of cytometry. Understand and use the specific language of the discipline.

D2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: to design a possible cytometric approach to their research topics, also with the aid of additional bibliographic information.  

D3. Ability to judge: to have critical and thorough reflection on the disadvantages and advantages of the cytometric approach, depending on the field of use.

D4. Communication skills: to acquire critical and participative attitudes to the topics of the lectures.

D5. Learning ability: to develop and acquire the indispensable and adequate competences to the type of approach and to the specific reagentarium of the research (or clinical) field of interest.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

No supporting activities

Teaching

Lectures and 1 possible final exercitation

Innovative teaching methods

Problem Based Learning: in the last lesson (theoretical and practical: exercise), any technical and/or procedural problems will be proposed and students will be invited to debate and solve them, with the support of the lecturer.

Attendance

At least 2 out of 3 lessons must be attended by the student

Course books

No specific books are indicated for attending the module, however, for those wishing to study further, we recommend the text ‘Flow cytometry’ by C. Ortolani, edi-ermes

Assessment

None

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Same indications of the attending students

Course books

No specific books are indicated for attending the module, however, for those wishing to study further, we recommend the text ‘Flow cytometry’ by C. Ortolani, edi-ermes

Assessment

none

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.