School of Biotechnology · Molecular biology
Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA, RNA, PCR & Electrophoresis
DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis are the core techniques of molecular biology. In this five-day course, every participant performs each technique personally, from sample to gel, and learns how to troubleshoot it.
Course overview
Molecular Biology Techniques covers the workflow used in research, diagnostics and biotechnology laboratories: isolating genomic DNA, plasmid DNA and total RNA, checking their quantity and purity, designing primers, amplifying targets by PCR and analysing products by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Each day pairs a short theory session with extended bench work, and closes with a data session in which you interpret your own results, including the failed ones, because diagnosing a problem is as important as getting a band.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Isolate genomic DNA, plasmid DNA and RNA and assess their quality
- Quantify nucleic acids by spectrophotometry and interpret purity ratios
- Design and check PCR primers in silico
- Set up, optimise and troubleshoot PCR
- Cast, run and interpret agarose gels, including size estimation
Skills you will practise
Eligibility and prerequisites
Who can apply
- Students and graduates of B.Sc., M.Sc., B.Tech., M.Tech., B.Pharm., M.Pharm. or a PhD programme in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, pharmacy or allied health sciences
- Laboratory staff, research assistants and faculty who want structured bench training
- Participants must be 18 or older and follow the laboratory safety induction on day one
Prerequisites
- Undergraduate molecular biology
- Essential Laboratory Skills recommended for those with little bench experience
Best suited to
- B.Sc., M.Sc. and B.Tech. students in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry and life sciences
- Graduates preparing for research or industry laboratory roles
- Laboratory staff who want structured training
Module-wise syllabus
5 modules, each with a bench practical performed by every participant.
Topics
- Cell lysis and DNA purification chemistry
- Spin-column and phenol-free methods
- A260/280 and A260/230 ratios
Topics
- Alkaline lysis plasmid preparation
- RNA handling and RNase control
- RNA integrity
Topics
- Primer rules and in-silico checks
- Master mixes and controls
- Thermal cycling programmes
Topics
- Agarose percentage and resolution
- Safe DNA stains
- Ladders and size estimation
Topics
- Annealing-temperature gradients
- Magnesium and template titration
- Reading failed reactions
Practical sessions and projects
Practical assessment
Practical assessment
Independently isolate DNA, amplify a target by PCR and document it on a gel, with a short report interpreting the result and any problems.
Assessed on technique, accuracy, safety and the laboratory record. A pass is required for the certificate.
- Day 1: genomic DNA
Isolate genomic DNA from bacterial cells and quantify it.
- Day 2: plasmid DNA and RNA
Prepare plasmid DNA and isolate total RNA, checking integrity on a gel.
- Day 3: primer design and PCR set-up
Design primers with Primer-BLAST and set up PCR with positive and negative controls.
- Day 4: gel electrophoresis
Run PCR products and plasmids on agarose gels and estimate fragment sizes.
- Day 5: optimisation and troubleshooting
Optimise a difficult PCR on a gradient cycler and present your troubleshooting.
Instruments, techniques and materials
Instruments and equipment
Techniques you will perform
- Genomic and plasmid DNA isolation
- Total RNA isolation
- Spectrophotometric quantification
- Endpoint PCR
- Gradient PCR
- Agarose gel electrophoresis
Materials
- Non-pathogenic Escherichia coli K-12 strains
- Commercial extraction kits
- Taq polymerase master mix
- DNA ladders and safe stains
Core reading
- Green MR, Sambrook J. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th edition. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2012.
- Saiki RK et al. (1988). Primer-directed enzymatic amplification of DNA with a thermostable DNA polymerase. Science 239:487–491.
Duration, format and fees
- Next cohort
- Dates are sent with your admission offer
- Timetable
- Weekdays, 9:30 to 16:30, at our laboratory
- Payment
- Secure online payment link with your admission offer (UPI, cards, net banking). Instalments on request for fees above ₹15,000.
- Refunds
- See the refund and cancellation policy.
Instructor
The instructor for each cohort is named in your admission offer and on this page when the cohort is announced. Vedicgen instructors are selected for hands-on laboratory experience in the subject they teach, and every course is reviewed by a second subject expert.
Questions about who teaches a cohort? [email protected]
Certificate
Learners who complete the course and pass its practical assessment receive a Vedicgen certificate of completion for Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA, RNA, PCR & Electrophoresis, issued by Vivofold, stating the bench hours and techniques performed. Each certificate has a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check.
Apply for Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA, RNA, PCR & Electrophoresis
Apply
Send the form below. It takes about five minutes.
Review
An adviser confirms your fit and format within two working days.
Offer
You receive dates, timetable and a secure payment link.
Onboard
Safety briefing, lab address and joining instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Day one starts with a safety induction covering personal protective equipment, safe handling of reagents and biological material, spill response and waste segregation. All practicals use non-pathogenic material (Risk Group 1 organisms, established cell lines or synthetic templates) and are supervised throughout.
All reagents, kits, consumables, personal protective equipment, the lab manual and the certificate. Travel, accommodation and meals are not included. The laboratory address and joining instructions are sent with your admission letter.
Bench courses run in small groups so that every participant performs every practical personally, with an instructor-to-participant ratio that allows close supervision at the bench.
Yes. Learners who complete the course and pass its assessment receive a Vedicgen certificate of completion, issued by Vivofold. Every certificate carries a unique ID and a QR code that anyone, including an employer or admissions office, can check on the certificate verification page.
Apply with the form on this page. Live and in-person cohorts run through the year; the dates, timetable and joining details of the next cohort are sent with your admission offer and listed on this page once announced. Self-paced enrolment opens as soon as your application is accepted.
Yes. No course runs longer than four weeks, and the length is customisable: choose the standard schedule, an intensive one- to two-week schedule, weekends only, or a custom timetable. Pick your preference on the application form; colleges and teams can book their own dates.
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