Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques – Applications in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries™

Course Description

Molecular biology pertains to the study of living systems at the molecular level, especially DNA and RNA, and provides a background appropriate for further work in the rapidly expanding areas of genomics, cell biology, biotechnology, microbiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This course will focus on selected aspects of molecular biology that provide the non-specialist with the principles for understanding the structure and functional relationships of molecular biology techniques including DNA manipulation, sequencing, cloning, subcloning, library construction, screening, RNA isolation and characterization, analysis of expression, cDNA synthesis (RT-PCR) and analysis, microarrays and gene chips, and Real-Time-PCR. Multiple modern day molecular biology techniques in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries will be presented and several examples of molecular applications will be highlighted.

Who Should Attend

This is a three-day course for those interested in learning both fundamental and advanced-level molecular biology techniques. Molecular biology methods are used extensively in modern day drug discovery, research and development, and diagnostics. This course is intended for personnel with some scientific background who are seeking basic and advanced-level molecular biology training and who wish to become conversant within the discipline. This informative course is attractive to personnel involved with, or participating in, molecular biology-related and biotechnological research, supervision, scale-up or manufacturing, other technical operations, or basic/applied research.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained an understanding of techniques that are currently being utilized in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. You will be familiar with concepts pertaining to basic molecular biology principles and techniques for understanding various contemporary areas of research and their applications. You will have acquired the facility for communication with colleagues and associates in various areas of molecular biology.

Past Participants' Comments

"Course content was well laid out and presented in a logical and understandable manner.  Course provided a very good starting point for further understanding of the topics presented.  Excellent review of key techniques in molecular biology." Nicole B., Senior Research Technologist, DRDC Suffield - Canada

"Very well organized.  Very good use of time and the course director stayed right on schedule.  Not rushed or too slow.  Presented in a very motivating manner." Efrain P., Scientist, Amgen

"This is an excellent foundation course for anyone who has worked in or considering working in molecular biology.  I really enjoyed this course because it gave me a more thorough understanding of concepts and techniques I am already familiar with, as well as exposing me to newer, different concepts and techniques I did not know before." Rae-Ann C., QA Document Control Specialist, Ashland, Inc.

"This is an EXCELLENT course! I strongly recommend it to health science professionals wish to learn about molecular biology techniques. The course director has done an excellent job in organizing the course material." Theodore A., Professor, University of Central Florida

"Working as a scientist in R&D in a major pharmaceutical company, I found this training course most useful. We were given both theory and applicable molecular biology techniques from very general information to very detailed information in an easy, understandable format. The course director did a superb job at delivering this training course. I feel I can take many useful techniques and knowledge back to work to aid in troubleshooting, and I also feel more confident in engaging discussions." Joanna C., Scientist, Sanofi-Aventis

"Very knowledgeable and engaging instructor. Very current knowledge! Extremely experienced, top notch facility as always." Virginia J., Clinical Resource Analyst, Wyeth

"Worthwhile to travel half the globe to attend." Jou Y., Doctor, Singhealth Services Pte. Ltd

"Fantastic course instructor. He was very knowledgeable, lots of industry experience very well informed and experienced with the newest technology. Easy to listen to, funny, great personality which made it fun and interesting, kind with questions asked. I’d love to take another class from him in the future." Beth H., Senior Research Associate, Pioneer

"This was an excellent, comprehensive course. Teaching molecular biology from a techniques approach has greatly enhanced my understanding of application. The course director was an excellent instructor and his experience shines throughout the course." Deirdre C., Medical Microbiologist / Professor, Calgary Lab Services / University of Calgary

"The course instructor was extremely knowledgeable and patient. He answered every question with great detail." Sylvia B., Engineer, Abbott Molecular

"Great class! Basic Introduction to fundamentals and nice bridge to latest most up to date technology and detailed explanation of their principles." Sharon V., Research Associate, Genentech

"This was exactly what I was looking for. Just enough of the basics to understand the techniques. The course director was excellent." Jeannine K., Senior Supervisor, Biogen Idec