BioGrad Education’s Laboratory Skills is an intensive, hands-on course designed to give students early exposure to essential laboratory skills. This comprehensive course introduces students to fundamental techniques commonly used in modern research, giving them first-hand practical experience and valuable insight into working in UK laboratories. Delivered by experienced scientists in laboratory facilities at the University of Chester, this course provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain practical experience and build foundational knowledge in a professional laboratory environment.
This course allows students the opportunity to learn blood typing, microbiology, bacterial culture, ELISA, PCR, gel electrophoresis and much more through hands-on learning. Students carry out their own lab work throughout, gaining vital experience that will be a benefit to both university applications and future careers.
The Laboratory Skills course runs from 9:30am – 4pm for 5 consecutive days with a 1-hour break for lunch each day. We teach at a low student to tutor ratio (10:1) to ensure that all students are closely supervised and encouraged throughout their programme, maximising their experience.
All our 5-day courses for 16-19 year olds can be used as your Gold DofE Residential! We will also take photos of you during your time in the laboratories which will be sent to you upon completion, you can use these to begin building your LinkedIn presence and demonstrate your passion for science (this is looked upon incredibly favourably by universities!). You can opt for a personalised reference written by our senior scientists to be sent to a member of staff at your school/college, this can be used to support your UCAS application.
This course is ideal for students aged 16-19 with an interest in laboratory science and scientific research, providing excellent hands on experience for those considering higher education and careers in scientific fields. Experience gained and skills learnt act as highly valuable points of reference during university or job applications and interviews.
Prepare to gain confidence, skills, and insights in a challenging yet rewarding environment, where every moment counts. Join us for an unparalleled introduction to Laboratory Skills!
Day 1: Laboratory Safety, Pipetting & Blood Typing
Begin the week by becoming familiar with the laboratory environment and the principles of working safely within a professional laboratory. Students will explore risk assessments, COSHH, hazard labels and the correct use of PPE before developing confidence using laboratory pipettes and microlitre measurements.
Students will also explore blood groups, antibodies, gene inheritance and the Rhesus Factor (Rh) system before applying their knowledge through practical blood typing and other laboratory activities.
Skills Covered:
Day 2: Microbiology, Bacterial Culture & Antibiotic Sensitivity
Explore key microbiological principles including bacterial identification, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, bacterial growth and aseptic technique. Students will learn how microorganisms are cultured and investigated within a laboratory environment.
Students will apply these principles through hands-on practical work, preparing microbiological media and bacterial cultures before carrying out techniques such as plate spreading and streaking, antibiotic sensitivity testing and microscopy.
Skills Covered:
Day 3: Immunology, ELISA & Diagnostic Testing
Students will explore core immunological principles, antibodies and the role of diagnostic tools used in modern laboratory settings. They will be introduced to ELISA, learning how the technique works, the different types of ELISA and how it can be applied within diagnostic testing.
Students will then put their knowledge into practice by carrying out an indirect ELISA and analysing their experimental results.
Skills Covered:
Day 4: PCR, Gel Electrophoresis & DNA Analysis
Students will develop their understanding of DNA and molecular biology, including DNA replication and the principles behind PCR. They will explore the components required for a PCR reaction and learn how this widely used technique can be applied within modern laboratory research.
Students will prepare PCR reactions and agarose gels before loading their samples and carrying out gel electrophoresis. They will also use a NanoDrop to investigate nucleic acid concentration and purity.
Skills Covered:
Day 5: Scientific Research, Journal Analysis & Presentations
Finish the week by exploring how scientific research is communicated and evaluated. Students will learn how to find and identify reliable scientific literature using resources such as PubMed and Google Scholar and develop an understanding of how scientific journal articles are structured.
Working in groups, students will analyse a selected research article, identify its key findings and conclusions and prepare a presentation based on their work, developing important transferable skills used throughout higher education and scientific careers.
Skills Covered:
During this course, students will learn skills beneficial for any university application including:
Time is given throughout the course for students to gain a proper understanding of the skills being taught, with guidance and support available throughout each practical session.
Modern Facilities & Real Lab Experience
“Their facilities were modern and advanced and they offered us access to equipment, such as PCR and Gram staining, that I had never used before. All in all, it was a great experience and has made me consider a career in a biomedical lab in the future.”
— Emma, Biomedical Science Student
Supportive Instructors & Practical Guidance
“All the instructors were super supportive. I learnt a lot and they explained new and difficult concepts really effectively, as well as providing lots of guidance with the practical elements. I had a great week and really recommend this for your DofE residential or just for some experience in general.”
— Lou, Summer 2024
BioGrad is an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This course may be used as your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award, which can be signed off by the course leader on the final day.
Please provide your Duke of Edinburgh Award number on your registration form at the time of booking your course.
Students using this course as their Gold DofE Residential must stay in the on-site student accommodation. Please note that the course fee does not include accommodation.
Accommodation MUST be paid at least 28 days in advance of course commencement.
Find out moreReal feedback from students who joined our Laboratory Skills course.
University of Warwick – Biomedical Science
★★★★★
The lab skills that we developed throughout the duration of the week were immensely helpful in my A level biology course as I was already prepared for them before my classmates did. I was more able to keep up with the practical side of my classes because i already had the skills needed.
Purdue University (USA) – Applied physics with Nuclear engineering
★★★★★
The most useful part of the week for me was the practical lab experience and the demonstration of centiran lab procedures. Although it was biomedical based, it was still very useful to me as a physics student because of the transferable practical skills whilst in a lab that I can apply to physics labs.
The cost of this course is £1200
You can reserve your place on this course with a deposit of just £300.00 if you are booking more than 28 days in advance. The remaining balance is due four weeks prior to the course start date
You can also choose to pay for this course in 6 instalments if you are booking more than 26 weeks in advance, or 12 instalments if you are booking more than 54 weeks in advance
Student accommodation is available on campus at The University of Chester where BioGrad Education 2027 summer schools are hosted.
Students attending summer school courses can select accommodation at the time of booking your course, the confirmation email sent after booking will contain a link for you to pay for your accommodation (at least 28 days prior to course commencement.)
Please note, accommodation is not included in the course fee. Student accommodation is available at a rate of £250 per week (5 nights, checking in on the Sunday prior to your course and checking out on the Friday your course finishes.)
Each student will receive their own private, single occupancy bedroom in either a flat or house, shared exclusively with fellow BioGrad Education summer school students. Facilities such as living space, kitchens and bathrooms are shared with a small number of fellow students.
See our accommodation page for more details
BioGrad Liverpool
BioGrad, 61 Stephenson Way, Wavertree Technology Park, Liverpool, L13 1HN
University of Chester
University of Chester, Chester, CH2 1BR
This course lasts for 5 days
9:30am - 4pm
Sorry, we don't have any of these courses planned at the moment in the next academic year.
