Our Molecular Biology course offers a rare opportunity to develop hands-on experience with molecular biology experts and active academic researchers. This course is designed and delivered by real scientists to provide university science participants, graduates and postgraduates with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience using real laboratory equipment.

This Molecular Biology course is designed to provide hands-on experiences with molecular biology techniques & methodology. The course offers small group learning in the following techniques: ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) & agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE & western blotting, as well as an introduction into genetic analysis including primer design for PCR.

The Molecular Biology programme runs from 9:30am – 4pm for 5 consecutive days with an hour break for lunch. We teach at a very low participant to tutor ratio (5:1) meaning that participants are supervised and encouraged throughout their course.

Day 1 - ELISA Techniques

Participants gain an in-depth understanding of pathology and immunology and process a set of clinical samples using ELISA as a diagnostic assay using spectroscopic techniques to diagnose patients with an infectious disease. Participants perform a quantitative ELISA using plate-based absorbance and are asked to design their own experimental plate.

Day 2/3 - SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting

Hands-on training on SDS-PAGE & Western Blotting for the detection and analysis of proteins from a cell sample. Participants learn how to prepare their samples, load samples into an SDS-PAGE gel and then how to perform a western blot including blocking, primary & secondary antibody incubation. Participants then learn how to analyse their blot.

Day 4 - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Participants perform DNA extraction and use a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer to quantify DNA purity. Participants then perform a PCR reaction and subsequently use gel electrophoresis to detect & visualise their PCR product.

Day 5 – Polymerase Chain Reaction & Introduction to Genetic Analysis

Participants receive an introduction and hands-on experience in using databases such as the NCBI, and tools such as BLAST. To develop an understanding of the practical applications of the content learnt throughout the week. Participants independently use real databases along with tools for real-time application, such as designing primers for PCR and genome analysis to gain a deeper understanding of molecular and evolutionary biology.

Participants attending this course are expected to have some level of previous laboratory experience, therefore, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to the commencement of your course to ensure you are able to meet the required competencies.

If you do not yet possess the necessary laboratory skills, you must attend our 1-day Introduction to Laboratory Skills course before commencing this course.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and practical techniques of ELISA, electrophoresis, western blotting, and PCR.
• Perform PCR, visualising and analysing DNA bands.
• Perform ELISA and analyse results.
• Develop an understanding of the applications of the molecular biology techniques participants have developed through the course.
• Maintain laboratory records to a scientific laboratory standard.

This course provides undergraduate and post-graduate scientists with transferable skills and techniques needed to progress on into jobs or research projects. This course is also suitable for anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge and skills before starting a new role or research project.

Attendees not only gain transferable laboratory skills, but also valuable insights into the research opportunities and applications of these techniques.

All our courses provide attendees with valuable insights into a range of careers and laboratory research opportunities available. We have links with many companies that recruit interns and graduates based on our recommendations. On completion of the course, your new skills and laboratory techniques will be endorsed by our lecturers on LinkedIn and a factual reference will be provided upon request.