ECACC has been offering training courses to industry, academia and government institutes since 1990. The courses are designed to introduce newcomers to cell culture (Level 1) through to the experienced cell biologist who have more specialised requirements (Level 2). The level 2 course, in particular, provides an opportunity for attendees to interact with ECACC staff and visiting lectures with expertise in a range of cell culture disciplines. Capability
Level I - A 3 day course that is covered by a combination of lectures and laboratory practical sessions. The latter will be mostly 'hands on' but some will take the form of demonstrations.
Topic areas covered included: Introduction to the biology of cultured cellsSetting up a cell culture laboratoryCell environment: media supplements, choice of growth matrixSub-culture procedures and record keepingCryopreservation and resuscitationGood cell banking practice including an introduction to authentication methodsTesting for microbial (including mycoplasma) contaminationSafety in the cell culture laboratory
Level II - The 4 day course is comprised of workshops, demonstrations and comprehensive instruction in all the fundamental skills of cell culture. The course also includes lectures on more specialised areas of current significance from guest speakers who are experts in these areas. ECACC continually evaluates the course content and makes changes where appropriate, based on observations from attendees and invited lecturers.
Topic areas covered in the past include:Stem cellsApoptosis and cell deathThe use of selective mediaSafety conditions in cell cultureBiology of cultured cells and growth analysisPrimary cell cultureComposition, use and limitation of cell culture mediaPreparation of monocolonal antibody hybridoma cell linesMicrobial contamination testing (bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma and viruses)In vitro toxicology and biocompatabilityCell immortalisation techniquesCell authentication (isoenzyme analysis, DNA fingerprinting and cytogenetics)Cell banking practices and cryopreservationLarge scale cultureHuman endothelial cell culture Primary neuronal cell culture
Resources
Each attendee will be given a tour of ECACC's facility and the courses are conducted in a relaxed informal atmosphere where discussions are encouraged. The course fees cover the cost of transportation between the hotel and ECACC, training manual (which consists of copies of lectures, programmes, glossary and references), coffee and lunches at ECACC and course dinner in Salisbury. For further details about the level I and Level II training courses and how to register,click here
|
