PCR Basic Course

Content & Learning Objective

The PCR Basic Course is intended for participants without any previous knowledge in the field of PCR who plan to establish this technology in their labs. Therefore, besides the theoretical principles of PCR, we will intensely discuss the different reaction components. You will practize the set-up of several PCRs and you will perform the detection and data analysis on the basis of gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, the optimization of PCR conditions, primer design, and trouble shooting will also be a main part of the course. At the end of the seminar, you will be capable of performing a PCR assay and analyzing the data.

The theoretical part includes:

• PCR basics
• Optimization of PCR parameters
• Basics of primer design
• Overview of specific PCR applications, temperature gradient PCR, real time PCR, reverse transcription PCR
• Trouble shooting

The practical part includes:

• Set up of various PCR reactions, e.g. temperature gradient PCR
• Detection of PCR products by means of gel electrophoresis
• Analysis of results

Target Group

Technical and scientific staff members without any previous knowledge who are interested in using PCR-techniques in the laboratory.

Teacher

Dr. Nils Gerke received his Diploma in Biology and his PhD from the University of Kiel, with the main focus: development of a molecular genetic identification key for the differentiation of species. Dr. Gerke was head of a laboratory of the fishery department in a regional authority of North Rhine-Westphalia and working on the implementation of the PCR technology for detection of different fish species. Dr. Gerke was also head of the forensic DNA laboratory of a medical institute of the German Air Force specializing in human DNA identification. Since the beginning of 2006, Dr. Gerke has worked as an application specialist for PCR and real time PCR for Eppendorf AG, Hamburg.