Recombinant DNA Techniques Course

A Molecular Biology Workshop

Department of Microbiology
Monash University,
Melbourne, Victoria

Sunday 21 - Friday 26 November 2010

Micromon, in the School of Biomedical Sciences, is now seeking enquiries and applications for its next recombinant DNA techniques course that provides a comprehensive and fundamental training in the essential skills of "recombinant DNA technology". Highly regarded throughout the industry and by former participants, this outstanding and established course has attracted applicants from diverse backgrounds in private, government, scientific, clinical, educational and commercial organisations. It is an extremely intensive and demanding week-long course, designed to teach the essential skills to participants from all scientific disciplines, who have had little or no previous experience in molecular biology. It is also an ideal workshop for those who would like to consolidate their current, basic-intermediate, skill level. Entry requirements include a tertiary level qualification in science, medicine or related discipline and/or extensive practical laboratory experience.

The course consists of approximately 10 hours of theory provided by a group of experienced lecturers  who are all active researchers, experts in their relevant fields  and are widely published.

The practical training involves more than 30 hours of experimental laboratory work and tutorials. This is provided by graduate instructors who routinely use the applications and procedures in an active research environment. The key feature of the workshop is our tutor to participant ratio which is one to four for all workshop sessions and tutorials. A comprehensive manual with all lecture slides, protocols, procedures and references is provided.

Lectures

Introduction to Microbiology, DNA and Molecular Biology
Basic Cloning Requirements
Gene Cloning Techniques
Molecular Hybridisation (Northern, Southern and Western)
Construction and screening of Genomic and cDNA Libraries
Restriction Fragment Mapping
Design and use of Oligonucleotide Primers
DNA Sequencing
Polymerase Chain Reaction, Reverse Transcription PCR & Real-Time PCR
Site-directed Mutagenesis
Cloning Vectors and their Applications
Gene Expression Systems
Bioinformatics and Database Searching

Practical

Cleavage and Ligation of Plasmid DNA
Transformation of Bacterial Cells
Preparation and Purification of Plasmid DNA
Restriction Enzyme Mapping
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Recovery of DNA from Agarose Gels
Preparation of Probes
DIG-based Southern Blotting and Hybridisation
DIG-based Colony Hybridisation
Induction of Fusion Protein Production
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Western Blotting
Nucleic Acid Extraction
Reverse Transcription and PCR
DNA Sequencing and Computer-aided Analysis

The all inclusive fee is $1,750 ( course is GST exempt) and as part of the package we provide morning and afternoon teas, delicious gourmet lunches, and refreshments at the end of each day. Also included in the package is the Micromon dinner on the Thursday evening that includes awards and presentations. There is an extensive range of demonstration equipment for use plus the relevant product information supplied by our commercial, scientific sponsors. A course attendance certificate will be awarded on completion. This package offers an excellent value for money opportunity for interested participants. Information on reasonably priced, university-based or private commercial accommodation can be provided on request.

Technical information:
Mr Mark Cauchi Tel. (03) 9905 4830
Dr Kylie Wilson Tel. (03) 9905 4844

Registration information:
Mr Mark Cauchi Tel. (03) 9905 4830

Address:
Micromon
Bdg 75 - Monash STRIP
Monash University VIC 3800

Fax: (03) 9905 4803
email: mark.cauchi@monash.edu