Advanced Instrumental Techniques
Code: 100922Credits: 3
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | OB | 3 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Natalia Sánchez Groot
- Email :
- natalia.sanchez@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this subject.
Objectives
This subject is taught in the Degree of Biotechnology and within the topic of Experimental Methods. Corresponds to a compulsory subject of the third year (3 ECTS). It is taught to a group of about 80 students.
Advanced Instrumental Techniques, with exclusively theoretical content, is part of a topic where most of the subjects are eminently practical. Experimental Methods aims to enhance the eminently experimental nature of Biotechnology, accentuating its interdisciplinary nature. Hence, it is necessary to know the theoretical bases of the techniques, as well as their application. It is in this context, where the subject of Advanced Instrumental Techniques, defines its training objectives.
Another important aspect that determines the objectives, and especially the contents of this subject, is the existence of a previous one named Basic Instrumental Techniques, which is taught in the first year. Both subjects are complementary and with both, we aim to cover the set of techniques based on chemistry, biology and physics that a biotechnologist student needs to understand.
The general objective is to know the main advanced instrumental techniques that are used in the laboratory and that the student may need throughout their studies and professional activity. This objective can be further detailed in:
-To acquire and understand the theoretical basis of the main advanced instrumental techniques.
-To understand how to apply these techniques in the field of Biotechnology.
-To enhance the student's self-learning capacity. The student must learn to obtain information and acquire the habit of using this information critically.
-To increase the student's interest in the technical aspects of science.
Learning outcomes
- CM22 (Prioritise the instrumentation necessary for the different techniques for the separation and characterisation of biomolecules.) Prioritise the instrumentation necessary for the different techniques for the separation and characterisation of biomolecules.
- CM23 (Propose strategies for the purification of biomolecules from complex mixtures.) Propose strategies for the purification of biomolecules from complex mixtures.
- KM23 (Recognise the key microscopic characteristics that distinguish prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells, and animal cells from plant cells.) Recognise the key microscopic characteristics that distinguish prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells, and animal cells from plant cells.
- SM21 (Use prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell culture techniques and techniques for the manipulation of biological systems.) Use prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell culture techniques and techniques for the manipulation of biological systems.
Contents
1. Microscopy
Introduction to optical and confocal microscopy: physical foundations, microscopes and sample preparation. Energy transfer by resonance. Photobleaching. Evanescent field. Image analysis techniques.
2. Electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter
Interaction of radiation with matter: absorption, emission and dispersion. Electronic absorption spectroscopy: spectroscopic analysis of biopolymers and effects of conformation on absorption. Infrared spectroscopy and its application to biological molecules. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy: basic principles and application to the analysis of biomolecules.
3. Flow cytometry
Basic principles of flow cytometry. Compensation of fluorescence. Cell separation Flow cytometry by image.
4. Techniques for the study of molecular interactions
Determination of binding constants between biomolecules. Isothermal calorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Resonance of superficial plasmons. Microscale thermophoresis.
5. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Basic principles. Spectrum measurement. One-dimensional NMR of macromolecules. Two-dimensional NMR.
6. X-ray crystallography.
Crystals. Growth of crystals Principles of X-ray diffraction by crystals. Determination of macromolecular structures by X-ray diffraction.
7. Experimental design and data analysis
Importance of experimental design. Use of control samples. Treatment of experimental errors. Statistical significance and hypothesis validation. Linear and non-linear regression.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study | 43 | 1.72 | |
| Theoretical classes | 22 | 0.88 | |
| Discussion about subject topics | 6 | 0.24 |
Master classes. In some topics, problems interspersed with theoretical concepts will be solved to facilitate their understanding.
Depending on the needs of the development of the subject will be scheduled tutorials for the discussion of specific aspects of the subject.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in the Moodle virtual class | 10 | 1 | 0.04 | SM21 |
| Tests | 90 | 3 | 0.12 | CM22, CM23, KM23 |
This subject provides for two individual evaluation systems.
Continuous assessment:
Continuous assessment consists of one tests in the Moodle classroom and two multiple-choice tests in which the contents of the entire theory program of the subject will be evaluated.
- The multiple-choice tests have a retake option and a weight of 9 (5+4) out of 10 of the overall grade. It does not have a minimum grade.
- The participation in the Moodle classroom weight of 1 out of 10 in the overall grade. It has no minimum grade and no retake assessment.
- The review of the final grade will be carried out through the Moodle classroom.
-In the event that you want to improve your grade of the multiple-choice tests, this will be done on the day on which the retake is called. However, retaking the test implies the waiver of the previously obtained qualification.
- To participate in the retake of the multiple-choice tests, students must have previously been evaluated in a set of activities whose weight is equivalent to a minimum of two-thirds of the total grade of the subject or module. Therefore, students will obtain the grade of "Not Assessed" when the evaluation activities carried out have a weighting of less than 67% in the final grade.
- To pass the subject, it is necessary to obtain an overall grade equal to or greater than 5 points out of 10.
Single assessment:
- The single assessment consists of a single multiple-choice test in which the contents of the entire theory program will be evaluated. The grade obtained in this final exam will account for 100% of the final grade of the subject.
- To pass the subject, it is necessary to obtain an overall grade equal to or greater than 5 points out of 10.
- The single assessment test will be held on the same day, time and place as the multiple-choice test of the continuous assessment of the subject.
- The review of the final grade follows the same procedure as for continuous assessment.
- The retake consists of a single multiple-choice test in which the contents of the entire theory program will be evaluated. The retake of the single assessment will be carried out on the same day, time and place as the retake of the continuous assessment.
- The same \"Not Assessed\" criteria as for continuous assessment will be applied.
Use of AI:
In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted as an integral part of coursework, provided that the final outcome reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. Students must clearly identify which parts of their work have been generated using these technologies, specify the tools employed, and include a critical reflection on how these tools have influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a penalty in the assessment of the activity or more severe sanctions in cases of serious misconduct.
In the event of academic misconduct or other irregularities:
Any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic misconduct, plagiarism, or improper use of AI, unless such use is explicitly authorised in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade will result in a mark of 0 for that assessment activity. In cases where the course guide establishes a minimum mark in that assessment activity as an essential requirement for passing the course, or where multiple irregularities are detected in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student involved in such irregularities.
Bibliography
Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Andreas Hofmann and Samuel Clokie. Cambridge University Press, 8th Edition (2018)
Biophysical techniques in drug Discovery. Angeles Canales et al. Royal Society of Chemistry, 1st Edition (2017)
Principios de análisis instrumental. Douglas A. Skoog et al. Cengage Learning Editores S.A. de C.V., Sexta edición revisada (2008)
Técnicas de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular. David Freifelder. Editorial Reverté. (2010)
Fluorescence Microscopy: From principles to Biological Applications. Ulrich Kubitscheck. Wiley-Blackwell, 2nd Edition (2017)
Software
There is no software for this course.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 43 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |