HANDS-ON-TRAINING/WORKSHOP IN BASIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES
Funding Area: Capacity building / Construcción de capacidad
Problem Statement: The proposed work addresses the need that has arisen from the emerging scientific trends in Biological Sciences which require thorough knowledge and operational skills in Molecular and Genetic Engineering. These are skills that are becoming increasingly demanded by all scientists in the life sciences. Hence, the proposed workshop will be of great value to both Staff and students of the Department of Biological Sciences KolaDaisi University, Ibadan if we would ‘stand tall’ amidst contemporaries in our discipline/field of study. It will also be extended to Scientists from other Universities interested in improving themselves in this regard. In addition, the Department is proposing a Technical Diploma in Molecular Biology Methods as a new programme in the next Academic Session. It has been discovered that technical skill acquisition/training in Molecular and Cell Biology techniques is lagging. It is hoped that the knowledge acquired in the workshop would make the Staff of the Biological Sciences Department better prepared and equipped to assist in training life science students and graduates to learn more about the techniques used in Molecular and Cell Biology laboratories when the programme commences. In the long run, knowledge and skill acquired from this training would enhance the quality of research carried out by Staff.
Proposed Activities: DAY 1 Morning session-Arrival and registration of participants (9:00 am-10:00 am). Opening ceremony (10:00 am-11:00 am). Colloquium by Inquaba Biotec West Africa1(1:00 am-11:40 am) Course overview of the workshop Part 1:(11:40 am-1:00 pm) - to be delivered by a guest lecturer. Break (1:00 pm-1:30 pm) Afternoon session-Lab Session 1: Pipetting by Inqaba Biotec (1:30 pm-3:00 pm). Interactive Session: Summary and Questions (3:00 pm-3:45 pm) DAY 2- Morning session-Course overview (part 2) of the workshop (9:00 am-10:00 am). Lab Session 2: Nucleic acid extraction (10:00 am-12:00 pm). Break (12:00 pm-12:45 pm). Afternoon Session- Lab Session 3: PCR analysis (12:45 pm-3:00 pm) Interactive Session: Summary and Questions (3:00 pm-3:45 pm) DAY 3: Morning Session- Lab Session 4: Gel electrophoresis(9:00 am-10:30 am). Lab Session 5: Gene expression (10:30 am-12:00 pm). Afternoon Session- Closing remarks/Lunch/Photography/Departure (2:00 pm-2:00 pm). MATERIALS/RESOURCES: PCR machine, Electrophoresis system, DNA extraction kits, Whiteboard, Markers, Projector, Pipettes, a training module for registered participants
Openness: The proposed workshop is open to biological scientists irrespective of their gender. It hopes to bring together colleagues who have a professional interest in improving their skills in Molecular Biology. It is expected to draw participants from Universities, laboratories, research institutes and industries. The workshop aims to build scientific progress that will be available without barriers to enhance the knowledge and skills of researchers. Each participant will be allowed to carry out the methodology on his/her own and work with every piece of equipment involved throughout the training sessions. What participants will learn and practice during the workshop include knowledge of the different types of pipettes and their handling, pipette calibration, isolation, purification, and amplification of DNA, gene expression and gel electrophoresis. Further, the training sessions will create opportunities for the participants to have full access to equipment and reagents that will enable them to reproduce what has been taught and learned. This will bridge the knowledge gap in molecular biology techniques experienced in Nigeria. Project output and best practices of research learned during this training will be shared on the University’s social media handles.
Challenges: Technical issues are one of the challenges anticipated in the course of carrying out this workshop. Therefore, adequate preparation will be made to minimize this by testing all equipment before the workshop and if possible having a backup plan. Power supply interruption is another major concern that must be put into consideration when planning. This could affect the preservation of reagents at the standard conditions. Handling and managing participants is another challenge that may arise as some participants could be difficult to manage effectively when establishing the ground rules and expectations at the commencement of the workshop.
Neglectedness: To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of other sources of funding for this workshop. Yes, I have applied for funding in 2022, from my University to enable me to organize a similar workshop. The application was granted. Although, only 50% of the fund applied for, was granted. This was well-managed with the support of subsidized workshop fees paid by participants. The workshop came out successfully.
Success: A post-workshop questionnaire will be provided to assess participants’ skill acquisition, knowledge gained and general opinion of the workshop. This is a good measure for getting feedback from the participants. Evaluation of budget compliance, budget management and the ability to achieve the objectives of the proposed work will be carried out. The success of the proposed work will also be measured by highlighting the constraints and challenges faced during the workshop and how well they were handled.
Total Budget: 9, 732.94 $
Budget File: pdf
Affiliations: Yes, this proposal is affiliated with an organization. The organization is KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Nigeria
LMIE Carveout: Yes, the proposed project fits within the category of low/middle-income economies. The proposed project is taking place in Ibadan, Nigeria and participants are expected from the six geopolitical zones. Nigeria is among the low and middle-income economies. It is currently faced with a high unemployment rate, lack of infrastructure, poorly funded education, technological backwardness, inadequate budget, and declining scientific productivity which are characteristics of a low/middle-income economy.
Team Skills: I have a keen interest in advancing science and sustainable development. I have acquired experience in how to successfully organize workshops, training and conferences. In March 2022, I organized the first Conference titled “Emerging Research in Science and Technology for Health and Sustainable Development” for my Faculty. The conference which was widely attended physically and virtually stressed the need for the development of science and technology to solve national issues and achieve sustainability. I used the avenue to expose my students to scientific presentations and widen their STEM knowledge as they meet renowned speakers. As the head of the Department, I have organized hands-on-trainings in collaboration with Biotechnology Companies such as Inqaba Biotec and African Biosciences for both Staff and students in the Department to enhance their knowledge and operational skills in Molecular techniques.
Submission Number: 183
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