Teaching

Courses lectured 

We are currently responsible for the following courses at Tampere University:

      BT.INT.812 Methods in Single Cell Biology, Period 4, 5 cr

BBT.MB.602 Functional Genomics, Period 2, 5 cr

BBT.INT.812 Methods in Single Cell Biology (5 cr)

Course responsible: Andre S. Ribeiro

Moodle: https://moodle.tuni.fi/course/view.php?id=35374

Learning Outcomes: The student will be introduced to a variety of experimental techniques and analysis tools in quantitative, single cell biology studies. The aim is to provide understanding on techniques of single cell observation and on how to interpret the results. The focus of this course will be the manipulation and measurements of gene expression in prokaryotic systems using live cell multi-modal microscopy systems and flow cytometry. The model organism will be Escherichia coli. Finally, students will gain understanding of the objectives, applicability and limitations of the methods used in quantitative single cell biology studies. Several of the lectures will be in a laboratory, so that the students become knowledgeable in handling the devices, such as microscopes and flow cytometers.

After the course, the student will be able to:

 1) Identify, list and define common techniques used in genetic engineering and gene expression analysis, 

 2) Interpret data generated from the techniques discussed, classify strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies, summarize results and methods, infer consequences of results, and explain procedures.

 3) Apply the acquired knowledge to better interpret experimental results.

 4) Analyze results of gene expression measurements. Compare methodologies for verifying a hypothesis or measuring a variable.

 5) Compare and appraise related methods in single-cell gene expression studies and interpret and comment conclusions in such studies.

 6) Create and develop an experimental procedure in single-cell biology studies using the methods learned, that can address simple questions regarding gene expression in single cells.

 7) Have basic knowledge of microscopy and flow-cytometry techniques.

Requirements to complete course and evaluation: To pass the course, the student is required to: a) Pass in all grading requisites. b) Attend at least 80% of the lessons. c) In each lecture, deliver a 1-2 pages report on the previous lecture. d) Pass the final assignment (project and its 30 min presentation in the last lecture). Attendance, participation, and Project work. Grade is PASS/FAIL Passed/failed = 6/0 

There is no final exam in this course.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of molecular biology and/or systems biology. 

Remarks: The course is suitable for postgraduate studies. The course is lectured every year.  

Additional Information: Only 6 students can attend the course every year, due to space limitations in the laboratory. The following criteria will be used to select which students will attend the course. From those enrolled and attending the first lecture, we will select according to the order of enrollment in the course. If you do not attend the first lecture, the next person in the list will be given priority.

BBT.MB.602 Functional Genomics (5 cr)

Course responsible: Andre S. Ribeiro

Moodle: https://moodle.tuni.fi/course/edit.php?id=37457

Learning Outcomes: In this course, the student will learn about core mechanisms of regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and how they affect phenotypes, and their interaction with the environment. 

Specifically, the students will learn about prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, epigenetic memory, mitochondrial genomics, cancer genomics, RNA-omics, spatial genomics, and gene networks from specialists in the fields. In the end, the students should be able to conceive and implement methods from functional genomics to address research challenges in this and similar areas of research, and to understand ongoing biological adaptations to global environmental changes. Moreover, the students should be able to use the knowledge to produce projects and pitches for the bioindustry.

Requirements to complete course and evaluation: 

The grading (1-5) will be based on: 

i) Final Exam (must pass); 

ii) Research Project Pitches; 

iii) Report on a presentation attended at the “Annual MET research Day”;

iv) Journal club: short presentations. 

Study material

Supporting scientific publications

Prerequisites: To attend this course the student should have passed the course BTK4301 Molecular genetics and have a Bachelors’ level knowledge of Molecular Biology. Having completed the courses BBT.042 Introduction to Bioinformatics and/or the course BBT.MJS.102 Systems Biology (5 cr) will be valuable. 

Remarks: The course is suitable for postgraduate studies.

Additional information related to course: The course is lectured every year.