PUBLICATION

Immunological tools: Engaging students in the use and analysis of flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Authors
Ott, L.E., Carson, S.
ID
ZDB-PUB-140724-11
Date
2014
Source
Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology   42(5): 382-97 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
data analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, graduate students, laboratory, undergraduate students
MeSH Terms
  • Allergy and Immunology/education*
  • Allergy and Immunology/instrumentation
  • Biotechnology/education
  • Biotechnology/instrumentation
  • Curriculum*
  • Education, Graduate
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods*
  • Flow Cytometry/methods*
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Evaluation Programs
  • Students
  • Teaching/methods
  • Teaching Materials
  • Universities
PubMed
25051922 Full text @ Biochem Mol Biol Educ
Abstract
Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are commonly used techniques associated with clinical and research applications within the immunology and medical fields. The use of these techniques is becoming increasingly valuable in many life science and engineering disciplines as well. Herein, we report the development and evaluation of a novel half-semester course that focused on introducing undergraduate and graduate students to advance conceptual and technical skills associated with flow cytometry and ELISA, with emphasis on applications, experimental design, and data analysis. This course was offered in the North Carolina State University Biotechnology Program over three semesters and consisted of weekly lectures and laboratories. Students performed and/or analyzed flow cytometry and ELISA in three separate laboratory exercises: (1) identification of transgenic zebrafish hematopoietic cells, (2) analysis of transfection efficiency, and (3) analysis of cytokine production upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Student learning outcomes were achieved as demonstrated by multiple means of assessment, including three laboratory reports, a data analysis laboratory practicum, and a cumulative final exam. Further, anonymous student self-assessment revealed increased student confidence in the knowledge and skill sets defined in the learning outcomes.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping