3 days Hands-on qPCR

Day 1:
This introductory course consists of a theoretical part and a practical part where participants get to do qPCR experiments by themselves under experienced supervision. The course contains:

Basic PCR theory
The theory of real-time PCR
Applications and possibilities of qPCR. Comparison of qPCR with regular PCR.
Review of currently available detection technologies (SYBR Green I, hydrolysis probes, Molecular Beacons...etc)
Different instrument platforms and their typical uses
Primer design
The problem of primer-dimer formation and how to minimize them
Probe design
Experimental design and optimization
Basic data handling and analysis

Day 2:
Introduction to quantification principles
Quantification strategies, uses and limitations
Calculations using different relative quantification methods
Strategies for normalization of qPCR data
In situ calibration for compensation of inhibition in samples
Absolute quantification

Day 3:
Sample Preparation (Extraction of RNA and DNA)
Principles of RT
Priming methods for RT
RT optimization
The MIQE guidelines
Group discussion, bring your own questions