INTRODUCTION TO THE LABORATORY TESTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS DURING THEIR PRACTICUM

In this work, we describe our experience using cell culture, such as IEC18, to understand and verify the theoretical concepts given before the practical lessons in students of Pharmacy degree. In particular, we have focused our attention on: (1) analysis of the cell line and cell medium composition requirement; (2) know the basis of cell handling; and finally, (3) conduct a simple experiment with this cell line and interpret the results. After the application of this methodology, students become familiar with the lab work and specifically cell culture handling. In this work, students become familiar with different cell lines as well as the lab instrument used in cell culture. The supervisors checked their work, and they introduced them into the whole research processes: from the design of an experiment to the analysis of the results obtained. With our experience, the classes are intended as an introduction to cell culture basics, covering topics such as getting familiar with the requirements of a laboratory dedicated to cell culture experiments, laboratory safety and aseptic technique, as well as providing basic methods for passaging, freezing, and thawing cultured cells. Moreover, they will be able to have a clear vision of the lab work. Given it simplicity and low cost, it constitutes also a good method to introduce graduate student into research, since they can participate in all the research processes.