Real-Life Roslin Research | DNA Detectives: Dog Health & Disease

A half-day workshop focused on DNA gel electrophoresis. Students will be introduced to the work of Dr Jeffery Schoenebeck and will analyse DNA samples to discover their genotype for an important, health-related gene.
The workshop is supported by scientists, technicians and vets working on our campus, and includes an opportunity for students to find out more about studying and working in science.

Learning Level: Higher Biology & Higher Human Biology

Location: Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, The University of Edinburgh

Minimum attendance: 16*

Maximum attendance: 20

Duration: 3 hours

Times: 10am - 1pm 

Cost: £5 per student

Availability: Thank you for your interest in this workshop, this academic year we will not be offering this workshop as part of our learning programme. Why not check out classroom resources that are free to download!

* If your numbers are below 16, please let us know and we will do our best to twin you with another group.

Workshop Description

Scientists have discovered a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in popular dog breeds.  Breathing difficulties are most often associated with flat-faced breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, but scientists have found the mutation is also carried by Norwich terriers, which have longer noses. In this workshop, students will learn about the work of Roslin Institute scientists and analyse four DNA samples to look for a mutation in a health-related gene. 

We all enjoyed it! We hope that we will be able to come back next year, as it was a really great experience! Thank you for making the visit possible.

International Secondary EFL teacher France

Learning Objectives

  • To appreciate that scientists work to solve real-world problems
  • To understand that we can identify the genotype of individuals using DNA technology
  • To recognise that the identification of health-related genes can help with the prevention of disease
  • To realise that genotype and phenotype analysis can inform future disease-prevention strategies
  • To interpret and discuss experimental results 

Techniques used

  • Micropipetting
  • Centrifugation
  • DNA gel electrophoresis

Workshop timeline

  • Introduction to the breathing problems found in dogs
  • Introduction to micropipettes
  • Preparation of DNA samples
  • Introduction to genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
  • DNA electrophoresis using agarose gels
  • Analysis and interpretation of results
  • Discussion with scientists from the Roslin Institute 

Curriculum Links

Higher Biology (2018-2019)Higher Human Biology  (2018-2019)
1 The structure of DNA (a) Structure of DNA

2 Structure and replication of DNA

(a) Structure of DNA  (c) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

2 Replication of DNA  (b) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)3 Gene expression (e) Phenotype is determined by the proteins produced as the result of gene expression.
3 Gene expression (e) Phenotype is determined by the proteins produced as the result of gene expression.4 Mutations (a) Mutations are changes in the DNA that can result an altered protein being synthesized (b) Single gene mutations
6 Mutations (a) Mutations (b) Single gene mutations5 Human genomics (b) Individual genome analysis
8 Genomic Sequencing (c) Comparison of genomes from different species (d) Individual genome analysis 

Availability

Thank you for your interest in this workshop, this academic year we will not be offering this workshop as part of our learning programme. Why not check out classroom resources that are free to download!

Downloads

Important!

Please contact us at ebsoc@ed.ac.uk if your group falls below the minimum as we may be able to accommodate your request through our small groups waiting list.

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