Course Details
Overview
This intensive 3-day hands-on training course provides participants with a practical and structured introduction to PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and gene expression analysis.
The course covers the full workflow from experimental design, primer design, RNA/DNA extraction, RNA quality control, cDNA synthesis, qPCR setup, amplification monitoring, data analysis, normalization strategies, and biological interpretation.
Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience in key molecular biology techniques used in research, diagnostics, biotechnology, and biomedical applications. The workshop combines lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratory sessions, computer-based analysis, and troubleshooting discussions.
By the end of the course, participants will understand how PCR and qPCR experiments are designed, performed, analyzed, and interpreted, with a strong focus on reliable experimental planning and meaningful gene expression analysis.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles of conventional PCR and real-time qPCR
- Explain the differences between PCR and qPCR workflows
- Understand key considerations in experimental design
- Apply basic primer design strategies for PCR and qPCR experiments
- Work according to BSL-2 laboratory safety guidelines
- Perform sample preparation and RNA/DNA extraction workflows
- Assess RNA quality and quantity before downstream applications
- Understand the principles of reverse transcription and cDNA synthesis
- Prepare qPCR reactions with appropriate reagents and controls
- Understand amplification curves and Ct values
- Apply the ΔΔCt method for relative gene expression analysis
- Use normalization strategies for reliable data interpretation
- Visualize gene expression results and understand basic statistical considerations
- Identify common technical issues in PCR and qPCR experiments
- Apply troubleshooting strategies and best practices
Target Audience
This course is ideal for:
- Master’s and PhD students
- Research assistants and laboratory technicians
- Biomedical, biotechnology, molecular biology, and life science students
- Researchers entering molecular biology or gene expression analysis
- Professionals working in academic, diagnostic, biotech, or pharmaceutical laboratories
- Scientists who want to strengthen their PCR, qPCR, and data interpretation skills
- Participants interested in learning practical gene expression workflows from sample preparation to analysis
Course Program
Day 1: Fundamentals of PCR & Experimental Design
Focus: Principles, primer design and workflow setup
| Time | Activity | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome & Course Overview | Lecture |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Introduction to BSL-2 Guidelines & Laboratory Safety | Lecture |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | PCR Principles: Conventional PCR vs qPCR | Lecture |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Experimental Design & Primer Design Strategies | Lecture + Demo |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Sample Preparation & RNA/DNA Extraction | Laboratory |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Coffee Break | |
| 15:15 – 16:30 | RNA Quality Control & Quantification | Laboratory |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Q&A & Wrap-up | Discussion & Q&A |
Day 2: cDNA Synthesis & qPCR Workflow
Focus: Reverse transcription and amplification
| Time | Activity | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Recap of Day 1 & Overview of Day 2 | Lecture |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Principles of Reverse Transcription & cDNA Synthesis | Lecture |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45 – 12:30 | cDNA Synthesis: Reaction Setup & Controls (No-RT, NTC) | Laboratory |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:30 – 14:15 | qPCR Chemistry: SYBR Green vs. Probe-Based Detection | Lecture |
| 14:15 – 15:30 | qPCR Plate Setup: Master Mix, Replicates & Controls | Laboratory |
| 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 15:45 – 16:30 | Running the qPCR & Melt Curve Analysis | Laboratory + Demo |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Q&A & Wrap-up | Discussion & Q&A |
Day 3: Gene Expression Analysis & Data Interpretation
Focus: Data analysis and biological interpretation
| Time | Activity | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Recap of Day 2 & Overview of Day 3 | Lecture |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Ct Values, ΔΔCt Method & Normalization Strategies | Lecture |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45 – 12:30 | qPCR Data Analysis & Interpretation | Computer / Laboratory |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Gene Expression Visualization & Statistics | Lecture + Demo |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Experimental Troubleshooting & Best Practices | Discussion |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Mini Quiz / Case Study Discussion | Discussion |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Final Wrap-up, Feedback & Certificates | Q&A |
What Participants Will Gain
Participants will gain:
- Practical understanding of PCR and qPCR workflows
- Hands-on experience with sample preparation and RNA/DNA extraction
- Practical knowledge of RNA quality control and quantification
- Understanding of primer design and experimental planning
- Experience with cDNA synthesis and reverse transcription workflows
- Practical insight into qPCR setup, controls, and optimization
- Understanding of amplification curves, Ct values, and qPCR readouts
- Skills in gene expression analysis using the ΔΔCt method
- Knowledge of normalization strategies and basic statistical interpretation
- Experience with data visualization and biological interpretation
- Troubleshooting strategies for common PCR and qPCR problems
- Preparation for independent work in molecular biology, diagnostics, biotechnology, and gene expression research
