PCR Refresher | Secondary Teacher CLPL Workshop

This full day, hands-on CLPL workshop, for secondary school science teachers, will be a technique refresher focused on PCR and gel electrophoresis.

Learning Level:  Secondary Biology Teachers

Location: Charnock Bradley Building Reception, 10 minutes before the workshop start time

Availability: On demand

Cost: £450 per workshop, maximum attendance is 20 people

Every participating teacher will be given a goodie bag containing a printed copy of our DNA Gel Electrophoresis Wall Tank for use in the classroom. 

Timings: 10am - 3:30pm + tour of The Roslin Institute

Booking:  please email  ebsoc@ed.ac.uk for booking enquiries in 2024

Do you want to...

  • Improve confidence in performing and teaching  PCR and gel electrophoresis?
  • Build on skills of micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis?
  • Get some ideas on how you can teach PCR and gel electrophoresis the classroom?

Join the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre  (EBSOC) team to get a unique chance to do our PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste. You will update your knowledge about the science behind these practical techniques, tour the Roslin Institute as well as getting some hands-on practice.  

Summary of workshop:

Using your own DNA, you will discover and compare your version of a bitter taste receptor gene (genotype) to your ability to taste a bitter compound called phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) (phenotype). You will use cutting-edge equipment to carry out the modern laboratory techniques of DNA extraction, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and DNA gel electrophoresis. 

Techniques used

  • DNA extraction
  • Centrifugation
  • Micropipetting
  • PCR
  • Restriction digest
  • DNA gel electrophoresis

Workshop timeline

  • DNA extraction of your own cheek cells using centrifugation to pellet your cells
  • Hands-on PCR activity and using micro-pipetting to set up PCR
  • Restriction digest to determine your genotype
  • Electrophoresis on agarose gels
  • Analysis and interpretation of results

Getting here:

Free parking is available at Easter Bush Campus in The Roslin Institute and Veterinary Teaching Building car parks. Please provide your car registration at Charnock Bradley Building reception when you check in for the event.

The campus is well-served by Lothian buses (buses 15, some 37 services, the X47 (but not the 47) and the 67) – please see www.lothianbuses.com. For more information please download our How to Get Here document 

Accessibility and Inclusion:

We are keen to make our events as inclusive as possible - please email us at ebsoc@ed.ac.uk or call the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre team on 0131 651 9679 before booking if you would like to find out more about accessibility or usability.

To remain updated about all our workshops, events and exciting opportunites please join our mailing list by clicking here or follow us on Twitter @EBSOClab.

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