The Medical Research Summer Programme 2014
The Best Way to Start Your Own Research
Scope of the course
The Medical Research Summer Programme (MRSP) is 3-week laboratory-based research programme. The programme combines lectures, hands-on experiments and bioinformatics. Participants will be able to conduct their experiments under the supervision of qualified academic staff and will also be introduced to bioinformatics including DNA sequence manipulation in an interactive web based network. Finally, overseas participants will be given the opportunity to get an insight into British culture and life in Britain by social events including visits to historical sites in the region and a trip to London.
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at students and staff with little experience of laboratory-based techniques in molecular biology and molecular medicine, who want to acquire research laboratory skills. The course is perfect for:
a) Students who intend to undertake master’s studies in Molecular Medicine, Experimental Medicine or Biotechnology.
b) Undergraduate students going into the final year or who have already achieved the final year of their degree i.e. BMedSci degree.
c) Candidates for PhD in Genetics, Experimental Medicine, Molecular Medicine or Biotechnology.
d) Medical students intending to undertake laboratory-based research.
e) Qualified medical doctors who intend to gain experience in laboratory-based techniques.
f) Academics who wish to improve their technical skills in the research laboratory.
Course Programme - Summer 2014
The Medical Research Summer Programme is about learning to use modern and diverse methodologies for research.
Outline of the programme
Every day participants are required to spend:
- Four to six hours in the laboratory under the supervision of qualified academic staff. You will have the opportunity to practice fundamental molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, cell culture (bacteria), DNA extraction, DNA genotyping, DNA sequencing, mutation detection, gene expression, protein purification, electrophoresis, immuno-blotting.
- Two to three hours in the computer room studying bioinformatics. You will be learning how to navigate and search information on genes and proteins using public databases, including; the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ). We will also introduce participants to the SnapGene programme which will allow the control of each step of in silico cloning before starting laboratory hands-on experiments. You will be using individual computers to search for information about genes using these browsers.
- One hour of taught course on molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, bioinformatics, RNA biology, stem cells, biochemistry and biotechnology as well as lectures on new technology in molecular biology and molecular genetics techniques such as Genetics, Microarray, RNAi Screening core facilities
Teaching includes lectures, computer and laboratory-based learning.
Participants will spend three full weeks of intensive training on molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics.
Evaluation
There will be continual evaluation of participants to guide and help them improve. This will consist of multiple choice quizzes and short questions. Each participant is expected to produce a short research report on his or her own research project. You will also be asked to give a 10 minute oral presentation at the end of your research project. Each participant will receive a report with constructive feedback showing the areas where improvement may be necessary in order to achieve an outstanding outcome for the required participant level.
Scientific English (optional)
We can also offer two hours a day of Scientific English. This English language programme has been specifically designed for biomedical training such as the MRSP. For further information please contact the programme Director, Dr Rachid Tazi-Ahnini (r.taziahnini@sheffield.ac.uk).
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.
Social Events
Sheffield is one of the largest cities in Yorkshire and the region is known for its beautiful national parks including North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District in Derbyshire is nearby. Sheffield is an hour away from York, the UK capital of chocolate and two hours away from London. Our programme includes two trips to visit British heritage sites in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire regions including Chatsworth House. We will also visit the famous places and parks of London as well as take the opportunity to explore shopping in London. You will also be able to organise your own social events as a group within or outside the University.
Accommodation
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.
Fees: The cost for the Medical Research Summer Programme is £2,450
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How to apply
Dates for the course will be announced in May 2014
For further information please contact:
Dr Rachid Tazi-Ahnini - Programme Director
The University of Sheffield Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0) 114 271 3598 Mobile: +44(0) 774 776 5944
Fax: +44(0) 114 271 3892
Email: r.taziahnini@sheffield.ac.uk
