English

Every autumn semester

The aim of the course is to give participants practical experience and theoretical knowledge of PCR-based analysis of nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) through lectures, wet laboratory work and discussions.

The course consists of compulsory lectures, seminars, workshops, literature assignments and wet labs that are performed individually or in groups of 2-3 people.

Explain the biochemical and physical principles that govern polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Explain the concepts of detection limit and specificity linked to PCR-based analysis.
Have knowledge of the principles for quality assurance of diagnostic DNA analysis
Have knowledge of how different types of PCR inhibitors interfere with the analysis, and how to counteract these effects
Have knowledge of how PCR is used in diagnostic analysis, including forensic DNA analysis

Perform quantitative PCR (absolute and relative quantification of nucleic acids)
Design and optimize assays for conventional PCR and qPCR
Determine which types of controls are needed to ensure the quality of a specific analysis process
Evaluate and interpret results from conventional PCR and qPCR including troubleshooting

Explain which PCR technique (conventional PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR or dPCR) is best suited for a particular type of nucleic acid analysis
Evaluate how reliable a DNA result is and explain what determines whether the result is reliable or not

Lectures

Seminars

Laboratory exercises

Exercises

Project

Self-study literature review

Written assignments

Seminars given by participants

Failed, pass

Information about the application is available on the website http://www.cmps.lu.se/life-sciences/. Applications are accepted between 1 May and 31 May and the course is given for one week during September-December. Please note that the course is only available to registered doctoral students, which must be certified at the time of application.

Basic knowledge in biochemistry

Please note that the course is only available to registered doctoral students, which must be certified at the time of application. Students from Lund University normally have priority, but students from other higher education institutions are also warmly welcome to apply for a place

The course literature consists of selected scientific articles which are handed to the participants when the course starts..

KMB025F

2022-10-25

Åsa Håkansson