Biological Sciences offers short courses relevant to industry, medicine and education. Our courses are run by dedicated, enthusiastic tutor teams committed to providing a rewarding and relevant learning experience. Revised and updated annually, the courses are designed to keep you in touch with the very latest developments in your area.
Many of the courses are well supported by industry and draw upon the expertise of experienced scientists and professionals from both within the university and outside organisations. All course participants are provided with high quality pre-course and in-course supporting literature.

Practical Workshops in Molecular Biology

These courses are aimed at postgraduate students, technicians, clinical scientists, medical technology personnel, and anyone requiring knowledge and skills in molecular biology. The courses are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Participants also have the option of gaining University credits for these activities (15 credits at Masters level).

‘From Genome to Gene’, One Week Course

This one week course is for anyone requiring a sound practical and theoretical knowledge of key techniques in molecular biology.
Click here for further details of our forthcoming one week course "From Genome to Gene".

Practical components will include:

• Isolation of genomic DNA
• Restriction of DNA
• Ligation into vectors
• Construction of a gene library using expression and colony hybridisation
• Large and small scale plasmid preparation
• Southern hybridisation
• PCR
• Automated DNA sequencing

Molecular Diagnostics Utilising PCR, 2 Day Practical Course
CPD Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

For further information on this course which will next run on 5-6 June 2008 see the attached leaflet

• Detection of Genetic Polymorphisms using PCR

Day 1 of this 2 day course will give you a theoretical and practical grounding in PCR based diagnostic methods in detection and mutation analysis. It will incorporate basic PCR techniques and variations and modifications such as PCR based RFLP, ARMS and ACRS. There will be hands on experience of these techniques for example CYP genes (involved in drug and xenobiotic metabolism) will be utilised to demonstrate the detection of genetic polymorphisms.

• Real time PCR in Medical Microbiology

In day 2 of this lecture and practical course the use of PCR to determine/type bacterial strains will be demonstrated. Following on from this real time PCR will be utilised to illustrate both the detection and quantification of pathogen load.

Diagnostic techniques in Immunology/Cytology – 2 day practical course
CPD accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Day 1 of the course will begin with a themed laboratory investigation where participants will measure IgA levels in an immunocompromised individual by the application of ELISA and Radial immunodiffusion. Critical evaluation will occur through the analysis and interpretation of the experimental results.

Day 2 will begin with an introduction to the scientific basis underlying the techniques applied in Diagnostic Cytology. Participants will prepare and stain murine cells for examination using light and fluorescence microscopy. Interpret microscope slides of dividing and non-dividing cells, identifying cellular components, specifically chromosome visualisation and banding (Karyotyping). A fundamental technique applied in the diagnosis of inherited and acquired diseases such as Fragile X, Down’s syndrome and malignancies.

For further information on this course which will next run on 2-3 June 2008 see the attached leaflet.

Pharmacology

A range of pharmacology courses are offered which include a half day workshop where the focus is on the role of molecular biology in determination of the function of neurological targets for drug action.
This half day session will include:

• Introduction to the molecular characteristics of targets for neuroactive agents in the central nervous system
• Relating the molecular characteristics of targets to the pharmacodynamic representation of drug-target interactions

Bespoke professional development courses in pharmacology can be tailored to individuals needs whether for the Health Service, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostics or other Biotechnology organisations.

Further Courses Offered in Biological Sciences Include:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for teachers and college lecturers.
  Courses available in 2007/2008 include ‘Ecology in action’ and ‘Genomic Advances; present and future’.
• Short courses for Healthcare Scientists and Biotechnology technicians in ‘Sterilisation and disinfection’, ‘Microscopy’ and ‘Understanding antibiotic resistance’.
• Bioinformatics.
• Animal identification course for ecologists and ecological consultants who require specialist training in particular animal (including insect) groups.
  This course can be tailored to individuals needs upon request.
• Half day workshops for FE college lecturers in ‘Working in partnership with students: An Introduction to Self – and – Peer – Assessment’ and ‘What is the role of tutor student feedback in HE: An Introductory Workshop’.
  

Further Information:
Biological Sciences offers a range of professional development courses which can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of organisations. Many courses offer the opportunity for professional accreditation and/or gaining University Credits. Additionally staff can offer professional services to accredit courses that organisations run in-house. Practical courses are generally based in the University, Lecture courses or workshops are offered flexibly to include on-site and off-site provision and Distance Learning approaches.

For further details please contact Sara Buckley at
telephone : 01782 294489
email: s.l.buckley@staffs.ac.uk