PCR, qPCR & Gene Expression Analysis

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

Day 2: cDNA Synthesis & qPCR Workflow

Focus: Reverse transcription and amplification

Day 3: Gene Expression Analysis & Data Interpretation

Focus: Data analysis and biological interpretation

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