Please only sign up for one day to pay for this course! If you sign up we know you intend to come all there days.

This is a condensed version of our Molecular Biotechnology Bootcamp course where we will immerse ourselves in hands-on learning of the foundational techniques of a molecular biologist and a great place to start for all of the other BUGSS courses!

Molecular Biotechnology Bootcamp focuses on the knowledge base and laboratory skills necessary to carry out a project in synthetic biology. The course is project based and since we are short on time we will jump right into lab and get to work! While learning hands-on we will discuss the concepts behind each technique, why we use them, and beyond.

Thursday night 7pm-9pm- We will go over lab safety, practice using pippetts, and perform a Plasmid DNA Isolation (to isolate DNA from bacteria).

Friday night 7pm-9pm- We will and set up a Restriction Digest reaction (which will cut the DNA strands so that we can manipulate the parts of the DNA sequences we are interested in). Then we will set up overnight bacterial cultures to use the following day.

Saturday 9am-2pm- We will set up a DNA Ligation reaction (to permanently assemble our genes of interest into an appropriate expression plasmid), run Gel Electrophoresis (to visualize our DNA of interest), perform a Transformation into bacteria (to express the new DNA in bacteria), and finally plate bacteria that has been previously transformed to express different and beautiful colors! (This is where you can put on your bio-art hat if you’d like)

Additional support will be given with online materials that include videos and links to expand on knowledge and understanding. Although we will be immersing ourselves right into the hands-on work there will be explanations of the techniques and concepts behind the biology of these techniques during class so prepare yourself some fun whirlwind learning!

If interested we can assign digital badges through Credly. Badges that will be awarded to class participants that demonstrate understanding and basic skills. PLEASE let Sarah Laun slaun@bugssonline.org know you would like to receive digital badges before the class!

Pipette Skills Level 1 and Level 2

Plasmid DNA isolation Level 1

Restriction Digest Level 1

DNA Ligation Level 1

Gel Electrophoresis Level 1

Bacterial Transformation Level 1

Please be prepared to attend the entire time. Costs (not including online processing fees) are $150 for non-members and $45 for members.

Where Baltimore Under Ground Science Space (BUGSS) - 101 N Haven St Suite 105, Baltimore, MD 21224 - View Map