School of Biotechnology · Molecular biology
Molecular Diagnostics Techniques
Molecular diagnostic laboratories run nucleic-acid tests under strict workflow and quality rules. This course teaches those workflows and their quality systems, using synthetic templates in a training laboratory.
Course overview
Molecular Diagnostics Techniques covers the structure of a molecular diagnostics laboratory (separated pre- and post-amplification areas, unidirectional workflow), sample accessioning, extraction and RT-qPCR set-up with internal, positive and negative controls.
Quality is the heart of the course: contamination prevention, run acceptance criteria, interpretation rules, external quality assessment and the documentation expected by accreditation standards. All practicals use synthetic, non-infectious templates.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Describe the layout and workflow of a molecular diagnostics laboratory
- Set up RT-qPCR runs with internal, positive and negative controls
- Prevent, detect and investigate contamination
- Apply run acceptance and result interpretation rules
- Document work to accreditation standards
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
- Molecular Biology Techniques or equivalent
Best suited to
- Graduates aiming at diagnostic and clinical-laboratory roles
- Laboratory technologists and quality staff
- Postgraduate students in biotechnology and medical microbiology
Module-wise syllabus
5 modules, each with a bench practical performed by every participant.
Topics
- Unidirectional workflow
- Pre- and post-PCR separation
- Sample accessioning
Topics
- Automated and manual extraction
- Master-mix preparation
- Control strategy
Topics
- Ct values and cut-offs
- Run acceptance criteria
- Interpretation rules
Topics
- Sources of contamination
- UNG and environmental monitoring
- Root-cause analysis
Topics
- Accreditation standards (ISO 15189 concepts)
- External quality assessment
- SOPs and records
Practical sessions and projects
Practical assessment
Practical assessment
Run, accept and interpret a training assay, and write the SOP and corrective-action report for a simulated contamination event.
Assessed on technique, accuracy, safety and the laboratory record. A pass is required for the certificate.
- The diagnostic laboratory
Map a sample through a training diagnostic workflow and set up the work areas.
- Extraction and set-up
Extract synthetic templates and set up an RT-qPCR run with full controls.
- Running and interpreting
Analyse your run and apply acceptance and interpretation rules.
- Contamination and investigation
Investigate a simulated contamination event and propose corrective actions.
- Quality systems
Write an SOP and a run record for the assay.
Instruments, techniques and materials
Instruments and equipment
Techniques you will perform
- Nucleic-acid extraction
- RT-qPCR set-up
- Internal and external controls
- Environmental monitoring
- Result interpretation
Materials
- Synthetic, non-infectious nucleic-acid templates
- Extraction and RT-qPCR kits
Core reading
- Bustin SA et al. (2009). The MIQE guidelines. Clinical Chemistry 55:611–622.
- ISO 15189: Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence (current edition).
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 Diagnostics Techniques, 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 Diagnostics Techniques
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
No. It teaches diagnostic workflows and quality systems in a training setting. Reporting patient results requires the qualifications and accredited laboratory defined by national regulations.
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.
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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