CODE 111274 ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026 CREDITS 3 cfu anno 3 TECNICHE DI LABORATORIO BIOMEDICO 9293 (L/SNT3) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR MED/46 LANGUAGE Italian TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 1° Semester MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di: APPLIED MEDICAL SCIENCE AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES OVERVIEW 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. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES The course is designed to introduce students to technologies widely used in clinical practice, with a particular focus on: Chromatographic techniques Principles of mass spectrometry Gas and liquid chromatography Validation of chromatographic methods 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. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES 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. Cytometry Course 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 PREREQUISITES Students are required to have met the prerequisites established by the Academic Regulations and outlined in the Manifesto degli studi. TEACHING METHODS 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. SYLLABUS/CONTENT 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. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD DANIELA FENOGLIO 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) - Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genoa MADDALENA MASTROGIACOMO LESSONS LESSONS START I semester 3rd year Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION 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) ASSESSMENT METHODS A basic understanding of the subject matter is required for the exam to be considered passed. FURTHER INFORMATION 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.
