Dec 05 2011

Techniques to go with the tools

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So you read that cool summary of how to build a molecular biology lab for $500. But wait, you don’t know what you’d do with the mobio toys! Here’s how to correct that: go to a workshop.

THE MICHAEL SMITH LABS AND ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB PRESENTS OUR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS 2012 WINTER/SPRING Session.

ONE WEEK VERSION (5 DAYS) – MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES WORKSHOPS
FEB 13 – 17, 2012 (CAN$1400)
DESCRIPTION: Recently updated: This intense 5 day workshop will focus on a myriad of different techniques used in the molecular manipulation of DNA, RNA and protein, as well as inclusion of exercises in some basic bioinformatics tools. Primarily aimed at researchers who are new to the area, familiar but require a quick updating, or would like more practical bench training.

PHILOSOPHY: Whilst molecular techniques have evolved at a speedy rate over the last few decades, the underlying biochemical principles behind the vast majority of them has actually changed little. This workshop therefore combines opportunities to perform the latest, as well as commonly used older techniques, with particular attention to the chemical nuts and bolts behind them. In all, this allows the researcher to not only gain needed familiarity with the techniques, but also achieve a comfortable theoretical level to allow for both (1) that all important skill of troubleshooting, and (2) the often undervalued skill of judging the utility of “tricks” that aim to speed up, or lower costs of a given methodology.

TECHNIQUES COVERED: Various nucleic acid purification methodologies (silica bead, organic, and/or pI based), restriction digests, ligations, dephosphorylation assays, agarose gel electrophoresis, transformation (including electroporation), PCR, reverse transcriptase assay, real time qPCR, basic bioinformatics, (including blast tools), SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis, Isoelectric focusing strips, and 2D protein gels.

Full details can be found at http://www.bioteach.ubc.ca/mb-workshops/#molecular

See? You can become a mad scientist for cheap nowadays.

(Also on Sb)

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18 comments

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1

Stevarious

5 December 2011 at 11:58 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Aw man even more reasons to finish my Dr. Horrible costume!
2

madtom1999

5 December 2011 at 12:07 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

I didnt save that much money on the lab!
3

Glen Davidson

5 December 2011 at 12:19 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

These days you don’t even need to be able to play sinister music on a pipe organ to be a mad scientist.

Why do we let standards slip so badly?

Glen Davidson
4

Moggie

5 December 2011 at 12:40 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Imagine if you attended the mad scientist workshop, and your nemesis was at the same workshop. That’d be awkward.
5

christophgeisler

5 December 2011 at 1:24 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

This is stupid. Be trained in molecular biology in one week? Yeah, right, you’ll know how to troubleshoot when things don’t work, design proper controls, prep samples, analyze data etc. etc. I sure wasted 6 years on my PhD, should’ve bought $500 of equipment on ebay and spent $1400 on the workshop instead.
6

a3kr0n

5 December 2011 at 2:16 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

I’m waiting until RepRap comes up with a home 3D protein printer/folder.
7

ericpaulsen

5 December 2011 at 2:57 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Can they teach me how to design a super-virus?
8

EvoMonkey

5 December 2011 at 3:16 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Are prominent facial scars required? Do you get an eye patch? How about Nehru collared lab coats?
Does it include a class in developing an evil laugh – Bwahahahaha?

So many things to think about in order to become a mad scientist.
9

David Marjanović

5 December 2011 at 3:23 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

This workshop therefore combines opportunities to perform the latest, as well as commonly used older techniques, with particular attention to the chemical nuts and bolts behind them.

In case anyone wonders, it’s true – the list contains techniques I’ve never even seen done, even though I did about half of the list myself during my bachelor’s in molecular biology.
10

erk12

5 December 2011 at 3:40 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

#5

“I sure wasted 6 years on my PhD, should’ve bought $500 of equipment on ebay and spent $1400 on the workshop instead.”

If all you acquired in your Ph.D. was the basic lab techniques of a moderately competent tech and a single run through the techniques, then I agree you wasted your time. I also would question the standards of the institution who granted your degree. No where do they promise or imply you will get the experience or abilities of a Ph.D. graduate. Did someone piss in your cereal this morning?
11

marypoppins

5 December 2011 at 4:04 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Did you miss the part that said:

Primarily aimed at researchers who are new to the area, familiar but require a quick updating, or would like more practical bench training.

?

Mary P
12

gijoel

5 December 2011 at 5:17 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Does the workshop cover elocution lessons on how to shout, “Fools I’ll show them all.”?
13

marypoppins

5 December 2011 at 5:20 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

@ gijoel
Maybe you can contact the modern language department?
Mary P
14

feralboy12

5 December 2011 at 6:44 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

They all laughed at me at the university. But who’s laughing now?
15

Aquaria

5 December 2011 at 7:48 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

First a molecular biology lab–then take over the world!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
16

gillt

5 December 2011 at 7:56 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment

Various nucleic acid purification methodologies (silica bead, organic, and/or pI based), restriction digests, ligations, dephosphorylation assays, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, reverse transcriptase assay, real time qPCR, basic bioinformatics, (including blast tools)

This covers almost everything you need to know for a next generation sequencing library prep. Cutting edge stuff!
17

Francisco Bacopa

6 December 2011 at 12:02 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment

You can extract pretty pure DNA with dish soap, salt, water, and rubbing alcohol.
18

crys

6 December 2011 at 7:04 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment

waaaait you’re saying I can do an RNA extraction and RT-PCR in my basement for $500?! I dont believe you!