The CMB holds classroom hands-on workshops throughout the year to assist faculty and students in the use and application of the instrumentation. The Center also provides analysis and interpretation of molecular and genomic data. We have 15 iMacs set up for people to use during the course of the workshops, which are free of charge.

Individual training is also available.  Please contact cmb@email.smith.edu to discuss possible training sessions.

Workshops in Spring 2008

Time: 12:15 - 2:00pm, Feb 29, 2008 (Friday), LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED!
Location: McConnell B05
Topics: The Science of Western Blotting
Speaker: Paul Joseph, Field Applications Specialist, Millipore
Abstract:

Immunodetection plays an important role in Western blotting. This technique involves the separation of a protein mixture by gel electrophoresis, with subsequent electrotransfer to a suitable membrane (e.g., PVDF). Traditionally, Western blotting is used to detect low amounts of proteins in complex samples or to monitor protein expression and purification. The blotted protein can be identified through its interaction with a specific antibody probe.

We invite you to come and experience an opportunity to gain more technical insight on the key areas of Western Blotting. In addition to standard methods, this discussion will include protocol optimization and troubleshooting strategies. Focusing on commonly encountered problems and our recommendations for:

Poor transfer
Small protein blow-through
Visualization of proteins before Immunodetection
Low specificity with high background
Noisy background
High overall background
Antibody specificity controls
Low signal/sensitivity
Difficulties with reprobing
Lengthy Immunodetection process
Unidentified artifacts on blots
High background autofluorescence

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, April 25, 2008 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Modifying Gene Expression with RNA Interference (RNAi) Technology

 

Workshops in Fall 2007

Starting this semester, the workshops hosted by the CMB now becomes a part of the Workshops In the Life Sciences (WILS). See more details, click here

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, Sept 21, 2007 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Introduction to Real-Time PCR Technology

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, Oct 26, 2007 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Using DNA Microarray to Profile Gene Expression

 

Workshops in Spring 2007

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, March 30, 2007 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Quantitative PCR and Applied Biosystems 7300 Real-Time System

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, April 27, 2007 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: DNA Microarray Technology: A Tool to Study Gene Expression

 

Workshops in Fall 2006

Time: 2 - 4pm, October 17, 2006 (Tuesday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Introduction to bioinformatics

Time: 2-4pm, November 10, 2006 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Quantitative PCR and Applied Biosystems 7300 Real-Time System

 

Workshops in Spring 2006

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, February 10, 2006 (Friday)
Location: SR342
Topics: Microarray/qPCR Users Group Discussion I

Time: 2-4pm, February 17, 2006 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: An introduction to bioinformatics including EditView, BLAST and Spidey

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm, March 3, 2006 (Friday)
Location: SR342
Topics: Microarray/qPCR Users Group Discussion II

Time: 2-4pm, April 7, 2006 (Friday)
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Use of Lasergene software: EditSeq, MegAlign adn SeqMan

 

Workshops in Fall 2005

Time: 2-4pm, November 11, 2005
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Quantitative PCR and Applied Biosystems 7300 Real-Time System
Download presentation: 20051111.pdf (3.3 MB)

Time: 2-4pm, October 21, 2005
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Use of Lasergene software, including SeqMan and PrimerSelect.  
Download handouts: PrimerSelect.doc (300 KB)
                                  SeqMan.doc (420 KB)

Time: 2-4pm, October 14, 2005
Location: BASS B02
Topics: Use of Lasergene software, including EditSeq and  MegAlign.  
Download presentation and handout: 20051014.pdf (3.2 MB)
                                                            Excercises-Edit-Meg.doc (132 KB)
                                                            Ce-col-34.doc (4 KB)

Time: 2-4pm, September 23, 2005
Location: BASS B02
Topics: An introduction to bioinformatics including EditView for examining DNA sequences from the automated sequencers and BLAST analysis.  
Download presentation: 20050923.pdf (3.3 MB)

Time: 1:15-2:00pm, September 16, 2005
Location: SR408
Topics: A short training on DNA sequencing service ordering including the procedure from sample submission to data pickup.  
Download handout: DNA Seq Submission.doc (32 KB)