DNA is a linear polymer of four units called nucleotides, ‘A', ‘C', ‘G', and ‘T'. The sequence of these nucleotides, there may be thousands or millions in a single molecule, is the key to DNA's function as the molecule that stores genetic information.

In this course you will learn some important methods used to analyse DNA. You will:

In PCR, two short DNA molecules (‘primers') that bind to specific DNA sequences are used to prime DNA synthesis. By carefully designing the primers and carrying out multiple cycles of synthesis, many product DNA molecules can be made. The number of DNA molecules can be increased a million-fold in less than two hours. This technique is critical in biological research, disease diagnosis and forensic science. We will set up PCRs to amplify a bacterial antibiotic resistance gene.

In gel electrophoresis, molecules migrate through a matrix when an electric field is applied. Smaller molecules tend to migrate faster than larger molecules, and migration distance can be used to estimate molecular size. We will use agarose gel electrophoresis to determine whether your PCR has produced a DNA product and to estimate its size.

The purpose of the course is to offer practical experience of DNA analysis, with the over-arching aims to:

Your course tutors will be Dr Mark Coleman and Dr Maria Vardakou. 

Dr Mark Coleman is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. Mark has a BSc and a PhD in Biochemistry, both from Imperial College London, and a research background in molecular biology, genetics and microbiology, with a particular emphasis on the interactions of plants and microbes. Mark is Course Director for UEA's Biological Sciences degree programme, organises two modules (‘Molecular Biology and Genetics' and ‘Plant Biotechnology'), and delivers lectures and leads practicals and seminars across the academic years. 

Dr Maria Vardakou is an Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Biomedicine. Dr Vardakou completed a MEng in Chemical Engineering and has PhD in Enzymology. Throughout her research career, Maria focused on the analysis of enzymes (proteins) completing various protein engineering projects. Maria worked as a researcher in various Research Institutes including the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research (now Quadram Institute) that are part of the Norwich Research Park, in Norwich. A major interest has always been elucidating the relationship between structure and function of these amazing biomolecules we call proteins. In 2015, Maria joined the School of Biological Sciences at UEA as a lecturer. Since then, her main activities involve teaching and supporting undergraduate students in the school of Biological Sciences. Maria leads several practical lab sessions and teaches across all years on the topics of Biochemistry and Biomedicine. She has recently been appointed Director of Learning and Teaching for the school of Biological Sciences.

The laboratories and building is fully accessible and there are chairs and moveable benches available in the lab. The university can also provide the use of electronic pipettes if your dexterity is impaired. If you have questions surrounding this, please contact the training team.

This practical based course contributes to the RSB Technical Skills certificate, which can support applications to our professional registers. 

This course is approved for purposes of CPD, and attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and 9 CPD points.

Members - £160 + VAT

Members of Member Organisations, SCAS members - £240 + VAT

Non-members - £320 + VAT

Refunds

Unfortunately, the Royal Society of Biology is unable to offer refunds on training courses that have been attended. We do, of course, welcome and encourage any feedback from a course and will continue to improve the service we offer.

By booking to attend this event, you are confirming you have agreed to the RSB's Terms and Conditions which can be found here.