DNA Handling Workshops
As part of our public engagement programme, we are now running DNA Handling Workshops. These are specifically designed for A level students who have some understanding of basic techniques used in genetics research, for example, PCR and gel electrophoresis. The workshops aim to give A level students hands on experience in the laboratories. Experience that they would usually only get if they went on to study genetics at university. Workshops are arranged on an individual basis and cover your choice of three topics from the following list: DNA extraction Please complete an enquiry form if you are interested or contact us (details at the bottom of the page) if there are techniques that you are interested in learning about which are not listed, or you have any other requirements.
Preparing cheek swabs for DNA extraction Comments from participants "The DNA [extraction] activity was utterly brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it." "The trip to the lab was really interesting. When we came back and showed our DNA, some people were really jealous." "I felt like a real-life biologist."
Example timetable Morning session: 0900 - Arrive at Centre 0930 - Registration 0945 - Health and safety brief 1000 - Introduction - Brief overview of the Centre, how we fit into the University, our history, achievements and future. 1010 - Short talk on DNA extraction - An overview of different methods used for DNA extraction and how these techniques are used by the cardiovascular medicine research group
Taking a cheek swab before going into the first lab session 1040 - Break 1100 - DNA extraction workshop - Students extract DNA from their own cheek swabs. We then take the DNA away and use PCR to check whether they are male or female!
Afternoon session: 1200 - Lunch 1300 - Short talk on PCR and gel electrophoresis - An overview of how PCR and gel electrophoresis work, and how these techniques are used in real situations 1330 - PCR and gel electrophoresis workshop - Students set up a real PCR and load DNA samples onto a gel. 1430 - Break 1445 - Short talk on bioinformatics - An overview of different approaches to bioinformatics and how these techniques are used in real situations 1515 - Bioinformatics workshop - Students are given access to an online database and each student is shown how to search the database for information on a particular gene. 1615 - Debrief and depart A steady hand is needed to load a gel
A level students from Wallingford School
Many thanks to the volunteers from the Centre who have helped out with these events: Helen Broadbent, Laura Addis, Liv Hibbitt, Tara Caffrey, Gillian Hamilton, Anna Michell, Imre Hunyor, Angela Franklyn, Katie King, Clotilde Leveque, Joseph Trakalo, Emma Jones, Marta Paolucci, Alistair Pagnamenta, Zoe Holloway, Helen Butler, Christine Blancher and Nuala Sykes
Contact the TeamBy Phone+44 (0)1865 287649 By Fax+44 (0)1865 287650 By Email |
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