Laboratory Diagnostic Techniques

Biology, Genetics and Chemistry

The teaching methodologies are of a theoretical and practical nature and are carried out in the laboratory. Theoretical expositions will consist of introductions on the techniques to be performed and assessment and interpretation of the results after their execution. In theoretical exposition classes, writing on the board and power point presentations and exercises using data analysis programs are used. There will also be, in the two modules that make up the Curricular Unit, the orientation of students for the research of scientific articles that apply/discuss the laboratory techniques to be developed and the elaboration of a monograph on Animal Health with the elaboration and presentation of a poster and a research project in Plant Protection in which the diagnostic techniques developed are used.

The objectives of this Curricular Unit are:

1. Recognize the importance of using the laboratory, from the perspectives of Animal Health and Plant Protection, for the production of high quality fresh food of animal and plant origin;

2. Recognize the importance of the correct interpretation of the results obtained, in the productivity of the farms, in the quality of the final product, in the welfare of the animals, in the public health and in the environment.

1. In the field of animal health: – Necropsy and collection of material and sending it to the laboratory – example of registration forms (models adopted by the LNIV) for the different animal species, also taking into account specific cases; – Immunology – review of the concepts necessary to understand the foundation of the serological techniques performed; Execution of serological techniques – agglutination techniques (fast and slow), ELISA (Enzyme Linked Imunno Assay), Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) and Immunobloting (IB); Quality of a diagnostic technique – sensitivity, specificity, threshold of positivity, reproducibility and precision; – Direct techniques and quantitative and qualitative coprological techniques for parasite evaluation; – Research (innovation and improvement) of serological diagnostic techniques.

2. In the scope of Plant Protection: – Presentation of remote detection techniques (e.g. VGI), diagnostic platforms (serological techniques – Enzyme Linked ImunnoSorbent Assay Double Antibody Sandwich (ELISA – DAS), Electron Microscope, LAMP, Modern techniques of visualization, LUMINEX, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Real Time PCR, isoelectric focusing), microbiome analysis and disease intensity scale analysis in the field and data processing execution. Extraction of compounds, verification of their biocidal activity and analysis and discussion of results

Continous Evaluation
The assessment instruments are as follows:
Module 1: In the scope of Animal Health: Preparation of a monograph on the application of the studied techniques, based on a research in scientific articles, and elaboration of a poster with oral presentation, followed by discussion. Weight: 50%.
Module 2: In the scope of Plant Protection: Oral and written presentation, followed by discussion, of a research project using the techniques performed, carried out through bibliographic research in scientific articles and other sources. Weight: 50% The student is approved when he has fulfilled the minimum number of attendances in classes (75%), a classification in each of the modules equal to or greater than 7.5 values ​​and obtained a weighted average of the classifications of the modules equal to or greater than 9.5 values.

Final Exam Assessment
In each academic year, a student who does not pass during the teaching period (that is, in attendance) has access to the Final Exam, per module, in Normal, Resource and/or Special Seasons, on dates defined in the Academic Calendar. If necessary, alternatives will be created for specific situations provided for by law, in accordance with article 11 of the Regulations for Assessing the Achievement of Students at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, ref: RG_RAAE, of 26-07-2013, and other applicable legislation. The student is approved when he has obtained a classification in each of the modules equal to or greater than 7.5 values ​​and a weighted average of the classifications of the modules equal to or greater than 9.5 values.

NAO