301432 UE RNA Profiling in Microbiology/Immunology (2023W)

The course communicates theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to quantify nucleic acid sequences using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), but also digital PCR, the current gold standard for precise counting of (low) DNA copy numbers. Examples from the fields of microbiology and immunology will be addressed. Major experimental topics are the use of reference sequences like spike-in controls for molecular diagnostics, normalizers required to determine relative transcript expression and counting of absolute numbers of DNA copies. Practical training includes primer design for monitoring of targets like mRNA variants, micro RNAs and DNAs by a fluorescent dye or various probe formats. The course also aims at developing basic skills and abilities in statistical evaluation and graphical presentation of the data, as well as trains storytelling in written communication.
The course is designed for master students of the final trimester. Maximum of participants: 15