Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) hosted the 2022 spring edition of the “Essential Laboratory Skills in Molecular and Cellular Biology” workshop, held in person at the CHLS laboratories at Penrose House.
Dr Mohamed Aittaleb and Dr Mustapha Aouida, research scientists and CHLS lab managers, presented the six-day intensive course. The goal was to engage HBKU students to expand their scientific knowledge, improve their technical skills, and develop their learning abilities in a highly interactive environment. Staff from ExxonMobil and Qatar University also attended.
Leading the molecular biology session, Dr Aouida focused on how to perform sequence alignment, design PCR primers, and carry out in-depth DNA cloning and mutagenesis. Participants then learned how to analyse the sequencing results, among other molecular biology skills.
Dr Aittaleb presented a hands-on session on cell biology, with an emphasis on confocal microscopy imaging. Participants learned how to culture, passage, count, and transfect mammalian cells. They also learned about fixation, mounting, and handling a biological sample for optimal imaging and gained exposure to available image acquisition and processing tools.
Dr Dindial Ramotar, head of the Biomedical and Biological Sciences at CHLS, said: “Our essential lab skills workshops are always highly sought after. The sessions are designed to help students tie together their theoretical knowledge with the skills and techniques that are essential in a variety of clinical or scientific careers. This is in keeping with the college’s active engagement with students to create a learning environment conducive to their needs. Students also gained exposure to newer, cutting-edge equipment and procedures, which is what distinguishes our CHLS graduates.”
Leading the molecular biology session, Dr Aouida focused on how to perform sequence alignment, design PCR primers, and carry out in-depth DNA cloning and mutagenesis. Participants then learned how to analyse the sequencing results, among other molecular biology skills.
Dr Aittaleb presented a hands-on session on cell biology, with an emphasis on confocal microscopy imaging. Participants learned how to culture, passage, count, and transfect mammalian cells. They also learned about fixation, mounting, and handling a biological sample for optimal imaging and gained exposure to available image acquisition and processing tools.
Dr Dindial Ramotar, head of the Biomedical and Biological Sciences at CHLS, said: “Our essential lab skills workshops are always highly sought after. The sessions are designed to help students tie together their theoretical knowledge with the skills and techniques that are essential in a variety of clinical or scientific careers. This is in keeping with the college’s active engagement with students to create a learning environment conducive to their needs. Students also gained exposure to newer, cutting-edge equipment and procedures, which is what distinguishes our CHLS graduates.”