We are now offering Learn a Lab Skill Nights!

To help work around busy schedules, two nights a month we will offer a hands-on learning experience of a specific technique. The month of June we will be teaching Pipette skills and Plasmid DNA Isolation on both days (Thursday June 16th, and then on Thursday June 30th). Future months we will cover additional techniques including: DNA Electrophoresis, Restriction Digestions with introduction to BioBricks, DNA Ligation, DNA Transformation, and others to follow. Digital Badges will be earned with each session via Credly.

Digital Badges for this Month: Pipette Skills and Plasmid DNA Isolation

-For those that have not yet picked up a pipette it takes a bit getting used to. We will go over several proper pipetting techniques and tips to make sure you feel comfortable and confident. Soon enough this well-known molecular biology tool will be one of your favorites.

- In order to express specific genes (and translate them into useful proteins) molecular biologists take advantage of a bacterial component called plasmid DNA. These are small circular double-stranded pieces of DNA that are separate from the chromosomal DNA of the bacteria. Bacteria often use these plasmids to transfer genes that sometimes can benefit survival, such as antibiotic resistance. Molecular biologists will use this system to put specific genes and DNA sequences into plasmids for expression and manipulation.

This will be an immersive hands-on class so be prepared to attend the full 2 hours and listen carefully. Additional material will be available to help understand concepts and basic biology of this technique and applications.

Non-members $15, members $5 (or FREE if you can assist with the class and want additional experience!)

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