The life cycle of the research project

General description

The purpose of the course is to provide knowledge about the main stages of the idea implementation, planning and execution of the experimental part of a scientific project (preparation phase, selection and setting of methods, design and planning of individual experiments, expansion of project to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the obtained biological effects). The practical part will include the preparation of a project according to one's own idea, but with invented results that confirm the idea. The basic skills and abilities necessary for successful research include the use of laboratory equipment, experimental design, preparation of the solutions, selection of the conditions for determination of enzyme activities, filling the lab notebook as well as preparation of scientific reports and a manuscript. All these issues will be addressed during the course. Practical classes will include video demonstrations of the laboratory work and experiments.

Lectures

1. From idea to publication.

The main stages of the implementation of a scientific project are considered. Namely, from the emergence and verification of an idea to the publication of an article based on the results of a complex study, are considered.

2. From observation to discovery.

Interesting effects obtained during scientific research can be used to generate a hypothesis. A logical and consistent development of a hypothesis can lead to interesting discoveries.

3. Visualization, analysis and interpretation of research results.

Graphic presentation of research results. Comparison of groups and description of effects. Formation of conclusions.

4. Preparation of biological samples. Determination of protein concentration.

Description of homogenization equipment. Technology and rules for conducting homogenization, followed by obtaining the supernatant. Preparation of calibration curve for determination of protein concentration. Determination of the optical density of calibration and test samples. Calculation of protein concentration according to the calibration graph.

5. Determination of enzyme activity.

Preparation of the mixture to determine enzyme activity. Theoretical aspects of work, compliance with rules. Direct determination of the change in the optical density of the reaction mixture.

Seminars

1. Design and preparation of solutions

Reagents from the supplier's catalog/website and bottles
Preparation of solutions

Tasks:

Calculate the amount of reagents to prepare the solutions

2. Basic skills for working in the laboratory

Rules for working with equipment
Filling in the labbook
Weighing reagents
Working in a team

Tasks:

Fill in the labbook for the day of work

3. Visualization of the results

Types of graphs and their use

Tasks:

Preparing graphs for different experiments (different groups, time dynamics, concentrations, two-factor)

4. Determination of the enzyme activity І.

Determination of measurement conditions and medium composition
Calculation of stock solutions
Tasks:

Calculate stock solutions for the preparation of the activity determination mixture
Prepare media of different volumes

5. Determination of the enzyme activity ІІ

Selection of supernatant volumes
Calculation of activity

Tasks:

Determination of the linear range
Calculation of enzyme activity based on changes in optical density (per μL of supernatant or protein)

6. Presentation and discussion of own ideas І

7. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІ

8. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІІ

9. Presentation and discussion of own ideas IV

10. Presentation and discussion of own ideas V

Timetable

Date	Time	Lecturer	Subject
19 April, Wed	16:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Lecture 1. From idea to publication.
21 April, Fri	16:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Lecture 2. From observation to discovery.
25 April, Tue	16:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Lecture 3. Visualization, analysis and interpretation of research results.
27 April, Thu	16:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Lecture 4. Preparation of biological samples. Determination of protein concentration.
30 April, Sun	12:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 1, group 1. Visualization of the results.
30 April, Sun	15:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 1, group 2. Visualization of the results.
2 May, Tue	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 2, group 1. Calculate the amount of reagents to prepare the solutions.
3 May, Fri	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 2, group 2. Calculate the amount of reagents to prepare the solutions.
7 May, Sun	12:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 3, group 1. Basic skills for working in the laboratory.
7 May, Sun	15:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 3, group 2. Basic skills for working in the laboratory.
9 May, Tue	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 4, group 1. Determination of the enzyme activity І.
10 May, Wed	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 5, group 1. Determination of the enzyme activity ІІ.
14 May, Sun	12:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 4, group 2. Determination of the enzyme activity І.
14 May, Sun	15:00	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 5, group 2. Determination of the enzyme activity ІІ.
17 May, Wed	17:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 6, group 1. Presentation and discussion of own ideas І.Test
17 May, Wed	17:00	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 6, group 2. Presentation and discussion of own ideas І.Test
22 May, Mon	17:00	Dr. Alex Radzisheuskaya - The Institute of Cancer Research, London	Lecture 5. Uncovering the mechanisms of chromatin regulation in cell homeostasis and transcription.
24 May, Wed	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 7, group 1. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІ.
25 May, Thu	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 7, group 2. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІ.
2 June, Fri	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 8, group 1. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІI.
5 June, Mon	16:30	Ihor YURKEVYCH	Seminar 8, group 2. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІІI.
7 June, Wed moved to 15 June, Thu	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 9, group 1. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІV.
8 June, Thu	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 9, group 2. Presentation and discussion of own ideas ІV.
12 June, Mon	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 10, group 1. Presentation and discussion of own ideas V.
13 June, Tue	16:30	Oleh LUSHCHAK	Seminar 10, group 2. Presentation and discussion of own ideas V.

Lecturers

Ihor Yurkevych

Teaching Assistant at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University (PNU), Ivano-Frankivsk

Oleh Lushchak

Associate Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Precarpathian University (Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine) and visiting professor at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Traumatology (Vienna, Austria).