C-ID Descriptor
Methods in Eukaryotic Cell Culture Techniques

None

One or more of the following: Non-majors general biology course with lab, Molecular and Cellular Biology (C-ID BIOL 190), Chemistry (C-ID CHEM 120S), Introductory Biotechnology with Lab (C-ID BIOT 101), Applied Biotechnology with Lab (C-ID BIOT 150B)

Lecture

• Principles behind cell culture techniques and how cells are used in biotechnology. 
• Basic theories of cell culture, including cell biology and cell cycle
• Sources and types of cells
• Primary cell lines versus continuous cell lines
• Microscopy (compound, inverted, phase-contrast)
• Biosafety cabinet and aseptic techniques, preventing contamination
• Equipment and vessels used in cell culture (Including CO₂ incubator, water baths)
• Cell counting and assessment of cell culture health
• Calculations relating to cell concentrations, plating efficiency, cell density, and growth curves
• Survival and cytotoxicity - including stains and data analysis techniques
• Transfection
• Analysis or verification of cell identity
• Principles of stem cell biology and differentiation
• Induction of differentiation
• Assay design
• Cryopreservation and resuscitation
• Documentation, observation and analysis of experimental results

• Proper use and care of laboratory equipment for cell culture (microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, laminar flow hood, hemocytometers)
• Proper handling of cell cultures using aseptic techniques
• Maintain viable cell cultures via passaging, freezing, and subculturing
• Monitor gauges and recording instruments to ensure that specified Conditions are maintained
• Thaw or begin fresh cultures from stock
• Monitor cell growth & assessment of health (be able to identify contamination)
• Feed, passage/transfer cells
• Maintain suitable environmental conditions for cell growth
• Count cells using hemocytometer or similar device
• Prepare cells for storage (suitable media/freeze etc.)
• Maintain laboratory notebook and associated documentation
• Order, verify, store, obtain & handle raw materials according to procedures
• Discard outdated materials according to procedures
• Clean and /or sterilize laboratory and supplies

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the purpose of and prepare media using various components
• Describe basic theory of cell culture
• Demonstrate ability to prepare and maintain cells in culture employing aseptic technique in a laminar flow hood
• Properly operate and care for laboratory equipment for cell culture
• Count cells, perform calculations, and analyze data related to cell growth and survival
• Keep an industry-standard scientific notebook

At least three of the following:

• Examinations with objective and written components.
• Lab practical examinations.
• Assess lab notebook
• Written reports on experiments
• Oral presentation or group discussion of experiments

A.R. Ian Freshney.  Culture of Animal Cells: A manual of basic technique.  6^th edition.  John Wiley and Sons, 2010.

Alberts et al.  Essential Cell Biology –4^th edition. Garland Science. 2013