The course aims to provide students with fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge of two advanced analytical technologies widely used in diagnostics and biomedical research: chromatography and flow cytometry. The course offers advanced technical training that prepares students to work in clinical analysis laboratories, biomedical research facilities, molecular diagnostics centers, and quality control laboratories in the pharmaceutical sector.
The course is designed to introduce students to technologies widely used in clinical practice, with a particular focus on:
Attendance and active participation in the course activities—both lectures and laboratory sessions—will enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to approach the various types and methodologies of cytometric measurements used in the biological field.
Chromatography Course
The course aims to introduce students to the full range of chromatographic techniques and the principles of mass spectrometry, with a particular focus on gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. Topics include:
Validation of chromatographic methods
Application of chromatographic techniques in the biomedical laboratory
Understanding the principles of chromatographic separation
Ability to evaluate chromatographic resolution
Recognition and differentiation of the various types of chromatographic techniques
Comprehension and practical use of HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Understanding the selection and use of various detection systems in chromatography
Acquisition of the concepts of external standard and internal standard
Development of the ability to apply chromatographic techniques in practice
In addition, the course provides the theoretical foundations of the physicochemical properties of fluorochromes and their interaction with light (optical principles). Students will learn how to select and apply the correct fluorochromefor multiparametric flow cytometry applications.
The cytometry course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of a widely used analytical technique, with the following learning objectives:
Knowledge of the fundamental principles of flow cytometry and related instrumentation
Familiarity with reference standards and guidelines for performing cytometric analyses
In-depth exploration of applications in biological and medical research
Ability to read and interpret results obtained from cytometric experiments
Students are required to have met the prerequisites established by the Academic Regulations and outlined in the Manifesto degli studi.
Oral Exam
Students with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or special needs must contact the Instructor(s) and the dedicated SLD Representative at the Department before the start of classes, in order to agree on specific teaching methods and ensure the proper achievement of learning objectives and outcomes.
CHROMATOGRAPHY:
Basic Chemistry Concepts: Matter, states of matter, solutions, compounds, basic chemical reactions, chemical and physical transformations, changes of state.
Origin and History of Chromatography
Chromatographic Procedure
Mobile Phase and Stationary Phase
Chemical Interactions Between Stationary and Mobile Phases
Separation Mechanisms: Adsorption, Partition, Ion Exchange, Affinity, Exclusion
Chromatographic Resolution
Retention: Factors influencing chromatographic run
Theoretical Plates
Chromatogram
Physico-Chemical Conditions that Affect Component Separation
Classification of Chromatographic Techniques: Mobile Phase
Classification of Chromatographic Techniques: Stationary Phase
Theory of Gas Chromatography and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
CYTOMETRY:
Fluorescence and Fluorochromes: Principles and function, general knowledge of dyes for nucleic acids and proteins
Cytometer Anatomy: Fluidics, Optics, Electronics
Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Representation
Instrument Performance Procedures: Instrument control (calibration, adjustment, linearity); setting the analysis threshold, compensation
Sample Preparation: Basic knowledge for preparing samples (fresh, fixed, or frozen samples); treatment and analysis of solid tissue samples (biopsies), with particular attention to the various disaggregation techniques
Multiparametric Flow Cytometry: Sample preparation and panel setup, spill-over and compensation, autofluorescence, quenching, bleaching; antibody setting (staining index)
Data Management and Analysis: Key concepts related to the analysis of cytometric files: knowledge of different gating strategies; offline fluorescence compensation; isotype and isoclone controls, fluorescence minus one (FMO); criteria for evaluating positivity; main types of cytometric data representation.
Ricevimento: The interview with the teacher can be requested by mail or by telephone daniela.fenoglio@unige.it - telephone 010 / 3533027-3029 Study Dr. Daniela Fenoglio, at the Direzione of the Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR) - Padiglione 3, first floor-16132 Genoa
Ricevimento: Dipartimento Interaziendale Patologia Clinica. S.C. Anatomia Patologica e Citopatologia Diagnostica, Ospedale Villa Scassi, Pad. 12, C.so Scassi 1, Genova. E-mail raffaele.tassone@asl3.liguria.it. Students will be contacted as soon as possible for any arrangements.
ADRIANO DESSYPRIS (President)
MADDALENA MASTROGIACOMO (President)
NIDIA SOFIA DIAZ GAITAN
RAFFAELE TASSONE
DANIELA FENOGLIO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)
I semester 3rd year
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
The exam can take place in oral form
During the exam, the regulations regarding the assessment methods for students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or other educational needs, as indicated by the university, will be respected. (For example: additional time for written exams, use of concept maps to be submitted for approval by the instructors at least one week before the exam date)
A basic understanding of the subject matter is required for the exam to be considered passed.
It is advisable for cases with DSA certification, disabilities, or other special educational needs to contact both the Department representative, Prof. Nicola Girtler, and the teacher at the beginning of the lessons to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the objectives of the teaching, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory/exempting tools recognized by the DSA Student Service of the University.
