Bench Fundamentals for Translational Research

3 units

This course will introduce fellows-in-training and future physician scientists to the core principles of scientific investigation. This unique three-week intensive format will combine the theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on application to provide students with an understanding of common and new and innovative research approaches used in current scientific endeavors. Course lectures will highlight the following areas: molecular medicine; biospecimens and tissue banking; gene expression; immunoassays and controls; immunolocalization techniques; flow cytometry and cell sorting; cell signaling; sequencing technologies; microarray and related technologies; proteomics and mass spectroscopy; animal models and bioinformatics. The lectures will be complemented by hands-on laboratory experiences in tissue culture, protein extraction and blot, cell signaling and ELISA, PCR and electrophoresis; and plasmid purification. The first two weeks of the course introduce course content via online lectures; the third week requires face-to-face lab work.