* * This course contributes to the Royal Society of Biology's Technical Skills Certificate

Cell culture is the process by which prokaryotic, eukaryotic or plant cells are grown under controlled conditions, the culturing of cells derived from animals.You will learn how cells are stored long term, and the techniques to thaw and set up cell cultures and passage, removal of the medium and transfer of cells to a new vessel.

Aims

Who is the course for?

Biological and medical scientists who wish to learn the basics skills to be able to culture cells. No prior knowledge of cell culturing or aseptic techniques will be required, and the purpose of the course is to offer a practical point of access to these techniques in a practical user-friendly form.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

1. Understand the different methods of cell culture, the types of cells cultured and contamination.
2. Practical application of generic methods to freeze, thaw, passage, and count cells in culture.
3. Understand the importance of refining a good aseptic technique.

Skills, qualities, and attributes

1. Learn the basics cell of culturing and able to apply them appropriately to different cell types.
2. Learn the basics of aseptic technique and able to apply to other areas of biological and medical research.

Course tutors

• Lucy Hudson: Lucy is the Operations Manager for the Department of Biology at the University of York, where she has worked for 30 years. As a technician she took a vocational career path, working across the bioscience research disciplines, from cancer to plants and immunology, from technician to laboratory manager. She manages the technical support, specialist services and facilities for more than 1,100 undergraduates, 150 researchers, 70 academics and 90 technicians. She is a member, and trustee of the Royal Society of Biology and Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology.
• James Fox. Tutor description coming soon.
• Marie Labarthe. Tutor description coming soon.