BIO600 - Tissue Culture

Subject Title
Tissue Culture

Subject Description
The in vitro cultivation of eukaryotic cells is paramount to establishing cell culture models of disease, investigating complex developmental phenomena, engineering of cell lines for specific clinical applications such as regenerative medicine, and manipulating plant derived cells for crop improvement or recombinant protein expression. This subject examines theoretical aspects of in vitro cultivation of eukaryotic cells derived from various tissues and species, with an emphasis on mammalian tissue culture principles and techniques. The principles of cellular preparation from explanted tissues, and the development of defined artificial media and cellular environments will be investigated. This will be complemented with detailed theoretical discussions with regards to subculturing using aseptic technique, cellular enumeration, the explanation of cells from living tissue, cloning cells and cryopreservation. Mammalian cell culture techniques will be complemented by the processes by which plant cell and insect cell culture is performed. Advanced techniques of matrix-facilitated cellular differentiation, three-dimensional cultivation strategies and organ-on-a-chip techniques will be introduced as well as cell culture-based models of complex developmental processes.

Credit Status
One credit towards the Honours Bachelor of Science – Biotechnology (BBTA) Degree Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.    Compare the physiology, growth and interactions of cells and tissues cultured in vitro to in vivo cells and tissues.
2.    Differentiate techniques for the propagation, enumeration and preservation of mammalian, plant, and insect cells.
3.    Describe strategies for the establishment of cell lines from primary sources such as explanted tissues and embryos.
4.    Determine appropriate courses of action to prevent, evaluate and correct issues associated with maintaining healthy cell cultures.
5.    Associate specialized culture methods with biotechnology, medical and industrial applications.
6.    Discuss regulatory, safety and ethical issues relating to cell and tissue culture processes and applications.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.