Ateneo - UPO

An in-depth overview of the basics of sterilization, techniques for working in sterile conditions, and safety regulations in the laboratory.

Bacterial Strain Databases:
An introduction to using databases for the acquisition and management of bacterial strains, with practical explanations of how they function.

Management of Bacterial Strains:
Procedures for revitalizing and thawing bacterial strains, along with a detailed overview of the day's activities.

Preparation of Culture Media:
An analysis of the key ingredients for preparing specific culture media (LB, MRS, BHI, HHD) and instructions for autoclave use.

CFU Count and Strain Renewal:
Procedures for renewing and thawing bacterial strains, including practical activities for calculating colony-forming units (CFU).

The same reference texts for the Medical Microbiology Course with laboratory

Fundamentals of Sterilization: In-depth study of the basic concepts of sterilization, such as the removal or inactivation of microorganisms.
Techniques for working in sterile conditions: Practical and theoretical procedures to ensure sterility during laboratory activities.
Laboratory safety regulations: Essential guidelines for the prevention of risks and compliance with safety rules.
2. Bacterial Strain Databases:
Introduction to databases: Basic concepts on the use of specialized databases to track and manage bacterial strains.
Practical use: Practical explanations and demonstrations on how to access and use databases.
3. Bacterial Strain Management:
Revitalization procedures: Methods for reactivating frozen or freeze-dried bacterial strains.
Thawing strains: Techniques and tools for thawing strains safely and effectively.
Planned activities: Planning of practical laboratory activities for the daily management of bacterial strains.
4. Preparation of Culture Media:
Key Ingredients: Analysis of key ingredients to prepare specific culture media (e.g. LB, MRS, BHI, HHD).
Autoclave Instructions: Practical and theoretical procedure to correctly use the autoclave during the sterilization of culture media.
5. CFU Counting and Strain Renewal:
Procedures for the renewal of strains: Methods and tools to keep bacterial strains alive and active.
CFU Counting: Practical activity to calculate the colony forming units (CFU) and interpret the results.

Basic knowledge of microbiology and chemistry (e.g., introductory school or college level).
Familiarity with basic laboratory safety practices (use of PPE, waste disposal protocols, etc.).
Minimal hands-on laboratory experience preferred, but not required.
Bacterial Strain Database:

Basic computer skills (ability to use online databases or data management software).
Introductory microbiology knowledge to understand the classification and characteristics of bacterial strains.
Familiarity with microbiological and biological terminology.
Bacterial Strain Management:

Minimal experience in handling biological samples or sterile materials.
Knowledge of the fundamental principles of cryopreservation and thawing processes (even if only theoretical).
Ability to comply with hygiene standards and safety protocols.
Culture Media Preparation:

Basic knowledge of laboratory weighing and mixing techniques.
Familiarity with the use of an autoclave or willingness to learn its use under supervision.
Basic chemistry to understand the role of ingredients in culture media.
CFU Counting and Strain Renewal:

Introductory knowledge of serial dilution methods and bacterial colony counting.
Ability to follow laboratory protocols accurately.
Familiarity with the concept of colony forming units (CFU) and related techniques.

Frontal lessons
Practical workshops
Guided exercises
Proposal of critical situations to be solved
Simulation of typical laboratory situations.
Demonstrative videos, interactive guides, online tutorials and specific software for using databases or simulating experiments.

Teacher email: barbara.azzimonti@uniupo.it

The teacher, at the end of the lessons/workshops or after email contact, is available to discuss any doubts regarding the topics of the course.
The teacher receives students, by appointment, in his office c/o the CAAD, Department of Health Sciences, Corso Trieste 15/A, 28100 Novara.

Multiple choice quiz and lab tests

An in-depth overview of the basics of sterilization, techniques for working in sterile conditions, and safety regulations in the laboratory.

Bacterial Strain Databases:
An introduction to using databases for the acquisition and management of bacterial strains, with practical explanations of how they function.

Management of Bacterial Strains:
Procedures for revitalizing and thawing bacterial strains, along with a detailed overview of the day's activities.

Preparation of Culture Media:
An analysis of the key ingredients for preparing specific culture media (LB, MRS, BHI, HHD) and instructions for autoclave use.

CFU Count and Strain Renewal:
Procedures for renewing and thawing bacterial strains, including practical activities for calculating colony-forming units (CFU).

Learning Outcomes:
Understand the fundamental principles of sterilization and their role in preventing contamination.
Work in sterile conditions using the correct techniques.
Properly apply laboratory safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
Identify and prevent major contamination risks in the laboratory.
Bacterial Strain Databases
Learning Outcomes:
Become familiar with major databases for the acquisition and management of bacterial strains (e.g., NCBI, ATCC).
Search, retrieve, and interpret relevant information about bacterial strains.
Organize and manage microbiological data for research and laboratory applications.
Correlate data obtained from databases with experimental needs.
Bacterial Strain Management
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the process of revitalizing and thawing bacterial strains under controlled conditions.
Perform basic procedures for the safe and accurate handling of bacterial strains.
Plan and carry out daily activities related to strain management in the laboratory.
Prevent errors in strain conservation and maintenance, ensuring their viability.
Preparation of Culture Media
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the key ingredients of major culture media (LB, MRS, BHI, HHD) and their biological purpose.
Accurately weigh and mix components to prepare culture media.
Safely and correctly use an autoclave to sterilize prepared media.
Adapt the preparation of culture media to specific experimental needs.
CFU Counting and Strain Renewal
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the concept of colony-forming units (CFU) and their importance in quantitative microbiology.
Perform serial dilutions and accurately calculate the CFU of a bacterial sample.
Effectively manage strain renewal to ensure the availability of active stocks.
Integrate practical activities, such as counting and management, with the theoretical principles learned.
Cross-cutting Outcomes (applicable to all modules)
Improve teamwork skills by applying sterile techniques and collaborating on laboratory activities.
Develop a critical and scientific approach to analyzing procedures and data.
Enhance awareness of the importance of safety and precision in microbiological laboratory work.