The course is designed to cover a wide range of people including post-graduate students, scientists, clinicians, research assistants and laboratory technicians. The course is also designed to help academics and clinicians to start their own laboratory based research. It could also be of interest to those interested in medicine, medical science or any area in biology related subjects.

1 Studying at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield has produced five Nobel Prize winners. The University has also been named UK University of the Year in the 2011 Times Higher Education Awards. University guides also confirm our position as one of the UK's leading universities. The 2010 Virgin Guide to British Universities says that "Sheffield is a top university across the board". Teaching quality assessments rate our teaching very highly across a wide range of subjects, and official research assessments confirm our reputation as a centre for world-class research in many disciplines. We have nearly 25,000 students from 128 countries, and over 5,500 staff. The University of Sheffield is a popular choice with applicants for university places, and once they arrive, our students enjoy the experience so much that many settle in Sheffield after they graduate.

2 Supervised research project

Each participant will be allocated their own research project in molecular biology and will work under the supervision of an academic who will guide them throughout the training programme. Participants will be asked to provide a short scientific report interpreting the results.

3 Bioinformatics

This is a computer-based practical course. The aim is to provide each participant with know-how to search for gene and protein sequences. At the end of the course we expect the participant to be able to manipulate DNA and protein sequences available in public databases using different browsers.

4 Series of lectures

To consolidate the scientific knowledge of the participants, guest speakers who are leading experts in their field will be invited to give lectures in different disciplines including molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, bioinformatics, RNA biology, stem cells, biochemistry and biotechnology.

5 Insight into new technologies in biomedical research

Participants will be introduced to new technologies with the University core facilities and these tools can be used to promote biomedical research. Leaders of Core Facility specialities will give presentations on these technologies followed by guided site visits.

Sheffield is the UK’s leading conference and accommodation provider with over 4,000 contemporary en-suite bedrooms, green space and entertainment facilities. Located just a five minute drive from Sheffield city centre in a quiet residential area, our venues are within walking distance of many local amenities, as well as a short drive or bus journey from the train station. The Ridge is a contemporary venue located in The University Ranmoor Village with bedroom space available for up to 1,100 delegates. It has a breakout area, ideal for refreshments, lunches, buffets and drink receptions. You will be staying in newly built en-suite bedrooms in an apartment or on a self-catering basis. We also offer the possibility for the apartments to be occupied either by all males or all females.