An opportunity to train in essential molecular and cellular biology laboratory techniques in world class facilities.
Course details
Duration
One Month (online) Two weeks (in class)
Upcoming course dates:
The next dates the course will run are:
- Online part: 10 February to 10 March 2025
- Practical part: 10 to 21 March 2025
Please note there are only 20 spaces available on the course.
Students will then have the opportunity to complete Lab Report's if they wish to be awarded credits for the course. This can be completed at home.
Fees
£2000
IC Staff & IC Students (inc Imperial NHS staff): £1500 (limited places).
Location
Imperial College London
Department of Medicine
Hammersmith Hospital Campus
Du Cane Road
London W12 0NN
Open to undergraduates, postgraduates and recent graduates (18+), Health care professionals.
Mastering Laboratory Skills short course is next scheduled to take place in Feburary 2025
About the course
This programme offers a two-week intensive opportunity to train and learn essential molecular and cellular biological laboratory techniques in world class facilities within the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London.
The programme consists of two parts – the pre-course online preparation and the two-week intensive laboratory sessions. The pre-course online preparation will cover the theoretical aspect of each technique, simple methods for essential calculation i.e. solution preparation protocols. In addition, important health and safety aspect of working in a laboratory will be covered.
During the two weeks of intensive laboratory work, the programme offers delegates the opportunity to execute these essential and current molecular and cellular biology techniques. In addition, data analysis sessions will allow participants to critically examine their results and discuss troubleshooting aspects of the work.
Course outline
The programme is a two-week intensive opportunity to train in essential molecular and cellular biology laboratory techniques commonly used in biomedical research.
The programme consists of two parts:
- Online e-learning component – this will cover the theoretical aspect of each technique, worked examples of necessary calculations and solution preparation protocols as well as key aspects of working in a healthy and safe laboratory environment.
- Two weeks of intensive laboratory work. This component offers participants the opportunity to execute these essential and current molecular and cellular biology techniques in the department of medicine prestigious laboratories. In addition, data analysis sessions will allow participants to critically examine their results and discuss troubleshooting aspects of the work.
*Candidates must have completed Part One in order to participate in Part Two - the practical course.
Learning outcomes
- Perform basic calculation necessary for sample and solution preparation
- Implement a safe approach to laboratory practice
- Define the theoretical principles underlying selected molecular and cellular techniques
- List the methodological principles and pitfalls of selected molecular and cellular techniques
- Implement good laboratory practice
- Prepare nucleic acids, protein and cell samples to the appropriate standards for subsequent analysis
- Analyse nucleic acids by PCR and quantitative PCR
- Perform protein analysis by Western blot and ELISA
- Acquire cellular information by Flow Cytometry
- Present scientific data in clear and interpretable figures
- Critically evaluate and interpret quantitative experimental data of variable quality
- Identify areas of technical improvement
Course organisers
- Dr Stephanie Hodeib (stephanie.hodeib@imperial.ac.uk)
- Ibiere Banigo-Briggs and Nicola Thompson (mls@imperial.ac.uk)
Additional information
- Who is this course for?
- Assessment
- How to apply
- Fees - How to pay
- Eligibility
- Visa information
- Accommodation
This programme is open to:
- students who are on or have recently completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree
- medical staff wishing to undertake scientific research
- those wishing to gain a better understanding of scientific research
The aim of this programme is:
- to provide individuals wishing to pursuit a career in biomedical research with the essential knowledge and training in the basic laboratory based techniques.
- to provide the theoretical background and practical laboratory based experience of commonly used molecular biological techniques.
Assessment for this course is optional. To gain credit you will be assessed in the following elements:
- Completion of Online activities – 20%
- Oral Assessment 15%
- Completion of Log books: 1. Reflective Log – 25% and 2. Lab experiment portfolio (analysis and reporting of data)- 40%
Students who pass the course (achieve an aggregate mark of 40% or more) will be awarded 7.5 ECTS and will receive a College transcript.
Those choosing not to gain credit will be issued with a certificate of attendance on completion of the course.
For the application we require*:
- Contact details (Name, Address, Email, Tel No)
- CV (upload)
- Personal Statement (500 to 600 words, providing a short statement addressing the following questions: Why do you want to do the Mastering Laboratory Skills short course? What do you expect from the course? How will it help you in your career?)
(*On confirmation of your place we may require you to complete an additional online form in order to register you on the college system).
Please note that spaces are limited on this course and will be confirmed on receipt of payment on a first come first served basis (details of how to pay will be sent to you on offer of a place on the course).
Fees
- IC Staff & Students (inc Imperial NHS staff) £1500
- Others £2000
- (Please note that the tuition fees do not include living expenses, accommodation)
- A link to the payment portal will be sent once an offer of a place on the course is given.
- Invoices can be raised on receipt of a valid Company Purchase Order - please contact the course administrator if you wish to pay by the method.
Cancellations:
Cancellations must be received in writing one calendar month before the course start date and will be subject to an administration charge of £100 administration fee. Cancellations received within a month of the course start date cannot be accepted and the attendee will be liable for the full course fee.
Full details and terms and conditions can be found here: MLS Terms and Conditions
Academic eligibility
The Mastering Laboratory Skills short course is suitable for students who are on, or have recently completed, an undergraduate or postgraduate science degree, as well as medical professionals looking to take on medical research. Part one of the course will assess your knowledge and you will be required to complete part one before you undertake the practical lab work.
This programme is only suitable for students who are 18 years or older and enrolled on or have completed an undergraduate programme. We are unable to accept students who are below the age of 18 or have not yet started their undergraduate education. If you are aged 15 to 17, you may be interested in the Imperial College London Global Summer School.
English Language eligibility
You meet our English language eligibility if you:
- are undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree taught in English
- have completed an English language qualification at school or at university (you will need to provide proof of this in your programme application)
- have an IELTS or TOEFL qualification. For IELTs, we would usually ask for a score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in all elements. For TOEFL, we would usually expect that you have achieved 92 overall with a minimum of 20 in all elements. You will need to provide proof of your qualification in your programme application.
Mastering Laboratory Skills welcomes applications from students from all over the world. There are no restrictions on nationality. If you are not a UK or EU national, you will need to apply for a short term study visa for this course. When you are accepted onto the course and the fees have been paid we will provide you with a letter of acceptance on to the course.
For further advice on visas please visit our International Student Support website or contact our course team.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee, for advice on near-by accommodation please contact the course administrator.