Guide in PDF format

Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Cultures

Code: 106826
Credits: 6

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology	OB	2

Contact lecturer

Name :: Carme Nogues Sanmiquel
Email :: carme.nogues@uab.cat

Teaching staff

: Jose Ramon Palacio Cornide
: José Luis Corchero Nieto

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

This subject does not need any requirements.

Objectives

The subject Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Culture, is taught in the 2nd semester of the 2nd year of the degree of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in the Faculty of Sciences. This is a subject with a certain degree of specialization that is divided into three large blocks (Microbiology, Immunology and Cellular cultures) in which the students is expected to acquire some basic notions to begin with the methodologies used in the culture and manipulation of bacterial cells, in immunology laboratories and in cultures and manipulation of eukaryotic cells. That is why it is a subject with an important practical component.

Objectives of the subject:

1) To know the bacterial cell

2) To know the basic methodologies used in a Microbiology laboratory

3) To know the basic concepts of Immunology

4) To know the basic methodologies used in a Immunology laboratory

5) To know the basic equipment of a Cell Culture Laboratory

6) To know the basic methodologies used in a Cell Culture Laboratory

Learning outcomes

CM22 (Identify innovations in nanobiotechnology and their economic and social impact on the field of health.) Identify innovations in nanobiotechnology and their economic and social impact on the field of health.
CM23 (Identify the ethical and social responsibilities of developing bionanotechnology.) Identify the ethical and social responsibilities of developing bionanotechnology.
KM37 (Describe fundamental techniques in cell culture, the biology of microorganisms and the immune system.) Describe fundamental techniques in cell culture, the biology of microorganisms and the immune system.
SM32 (Use digital tools and documentary sources to obtain, analyse and present information from a critical perspective in the field of nano biotechnology, both orally and in writing.) Use digital tools and documentary sources to obtain, analyse and present information from a critical perspective in the field of nano biotechnology, both orally and in writing.
SM33 (Use the basic methodologies used in microbiology, immunology, cell culture and molecular biology.) Use the basic methodologies used in microbiology, immunology, cell culture and molecular biology.

Theory program

Microbiology

Introduction to Microbiology
Levels of organization
The bacterial cell
Techniques for observing microorganisms
Isolation and culture techniques of microorganisms
Techniques for sterilization and preservation of microorganisms

Immunology

Basic principles of immunology: innate immunity and acquired immunity. The immune system: anatomy, cells, and molecules.
Components of innate immunity. Mechanisms of innate immunity. Connection between innate and acquired immunity.
Components of acquired immunity. Mechanisms of acquired immunity.
Immune response to pathogens

Cell Cultures

Introduction to cell cultures
Types of cell cultures
Physical and biological conditions for cell cultures
Cell characterization techniques
Biocompatibility study techniques

Practical Program

Microbiology

Microorganism counting
Methods for isolating microorganisms
Microorganism observation
Microorganism identification
Ubiquity and microbial diversity

Immunology

Separation of peripheral blood leukocytes
Cell counting using a Neubauer chamber and vital staining
Determination of cell concentration and viability in the sample

Cell Cultures

Culturing a cell line
Freezing/thawing a cell line
Induction and detection of apoptosis in a cell line
Detection of actin filaments. Fluorescence microscopy observation.
Confocal laser scanning microscope observation of cells incubated with nanoparticles.

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Classes teoricas	31	1.24	CM22, CM23, KM37, SM33
Individual study	77	3.08	CM22, KM37, SM32, SM33
Laboratory classes	27	1.08	SM32, SM33
Personalized tutorials	4	0.16	CM22, CM23, KM37, SM32, SM33
Laboratory quizzes	4.5	0.18	KM37, SM32, SM33

The subject of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Cultures consists of theoretical master classes and practical laboratory sessions.

The theoretical master classes (31 h) will be conducted using audiovisual material prepared by the professor, which students will have access to on the Virtual Campus (CV) of the UAB before the sessions.

The practical classes are designed to help students learn how to use laboratory instruments and complement their theoretical training. Students will participate in a total of 9 practical sessions, totalling 27 h. They will work in groups of 2. In some sessions, they will need to fill out a sheet with the results. At the end or during the practical sessions, the results from different groups will be shared and discussed collectively.

In the case of the cell culture module, students will need to submit a PowerPoint presentation. In this assignment, they should present the results and discuss whether they meet the expected outcomes, providing reasoning.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title	Weight	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Laboratory exam	20	1	0.04	CM23, KM37, SM32, SM33
Theory exam	75	4	0.16	CM22, CM23, KM37, SM33
Delivery of practical laboratory results	5	1.5	0.06	CM23, SM32, SM33

To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum final grade of 5 out of 10. The scheduled assessment activities are as follows:

Theory

Theory accounts for 75% of the final course grade and is assessed through two examinations.

1) First theory examination: This exam accounts for 37.5% of the final course grade and assesses approximately half of the content covered in the theory lectures. A grade of 5 or higher in this exam allows it to be averaged with the second theory examination and the practical examination. Grades below 5 require students to retake the examination for this part of the theory component.

2) Second theory examination: This exam accounts for 37.5% of the final course grade and assesses approximately half of the content covered in the theory lectures. A grade of 5 or higher in this exam allows it to be averaged with the first theory examination and the practical examination. Grades below 5 require students to retake the examination for this part of the theory component.

Failure to attend either of these examinations will result in a grade of No Avaluable (Not Assessed), as each examination carries a weight greater than one-third of the final course grade. Students in this situation will not be eligible for the resit examination.

Practical training

Practical sessions account for 25% of the final course grade and are assessed through an examination on the techniques used and results obtained in the laboratory, as well as through questionnaires completed during the practical sessions.

Attendance at laboratory practical sessions is mandatory. The practical component consists of 9 sessions. Failure to attend one, two, or three sessions will result in a reduction of the practical grade by 20%, 50%, and 80%, respectively. Failure to attend four or more sessions will result in failure of the practical component.

3) Examination on laboratory techniques and results: This examination accounts for 20% of the final course grade. A grade of 5 or higher in this examination allows it to be averaged with the theory examinations. Grades below 5 require students to retake the examination for this component.

4) Laboratory questionnaires: These account for 5% of the final course grade. During the practical sessions, one or more questionnaires will be completed on laboratory activities and the contents of the cell culture module.

Final Course Grade

Final Grade = First Theory Examination (37.5%) + Second Theory Examination (37.5%) + Practical Examination (20%) + Laboratory Questionnaires (5%)

Retake the examination

Students who obtain a grade below 5 in either theory examination or in the practical examination must retake the failed examination(s).

To pass the retake examination, students must obtain a grade of at least 5 in each recovered component.

Students who receive a grade of Not Assessed are not eligible for resit assessment.

Students who obtain a grade below 5 in any theory and/or practical component will fail the course. The grade recorded in the official transcript will be the grade of the failed exam.

For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks such as literature or information searches and text editing. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using these technologies, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how they influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in assessed activities will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total penalty in the activity grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.

Any irregularity committed during an assessment activity (academic fraud, 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 that assessment being graded as 0. If the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement for passing the course, or if multiple irregularities occur within the assessments of the same course, the final course grade will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student involved in such irregularities.

Bibliography

- Barnes, David W. [i altres]. (1998). Animal cell culture methods. Academic Press

Disponible en línia

- Freshney, R. Ian. (2016). Culture of animal cells : a manual of basic techniques and specialized applications. (7th ed.) Wiley-Blackwell

Disponible en línia

- Freshney, R. Ian. (2010). Culture of animal cells : a manual of basic technique and specialized applications. (6th ed.) Wiley-Blackwell