Mid-Year Training

Target Audience

Undergraduate and postgraduate students in biology, biotechnology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and related fields.

Training Outlines

 • Overview of genetic factors affecting fertility and IVF outcomes.

• Role of molecular diagnostics in assisted reproductive      technologies (ART).

• Structure and function of the Y chromosome.

• Types of AZFa, AZFb, AZFc deletions and their clinical      significance.

• Molecular testing methods (PCR-based detection, sequencing confirmation).

• Implications for sperm retrieval, ICSI planning, and genetic counseling.

• Criteria for embryo selection using PGT-A (aneuploidy screening).

• Single-gene disorder detection (PGT-M).

• Structural chromosomal rearrangements (translocations,      inversions).

• Ethical considerations in embryo genetic testing.

• Principles of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in PGT.

• Read alignment, variant calling, and CNV/aneuploidy analysis.

Learning Outcomes

•  Explain the molecular basis of male and female genetic factors affecting fertility,and chromosomal abnormalities linked to maternal history.

• Identify couples who would benefit from PGT-A or PGT-M, based on clinical data, family history, and genetic risk.

• Perform molecular diagnostic workflows relevant to IVF, including DNA extraction, amplification, library preparation, and sequencing.

• Analyze and interpret sequencing data, including variant detection, copy-number analysis, and aneuploidy assessment.

• Understand ethical considerations and counseling approaches when communicating genetic risks and PGT outcomes to patients.

• Integrate molecular and clinical findings to support decision-making in IVF treatment and reproductive planning.

Target Audience

Biotechnology, Science and Agriculture Students seeking to build  strong, job-ready microbiology skills and enhance their employability in food,  pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.

Training Outlines

• Handle food and pharmaceutical samples correctly to maintain integrity and prevent contamination. 

• Perform microbiological testing to detect common pathogens such as E. coli,  Salmonella, and S. aureus. 

• Work with selective and differential media (Baird-Parker, XLD, EMB, VRBG) for  microbial isolation and identification. 

• Generate accurate and professional microbiological reports.

• Interpret microbiological results & determine compliance with safety standards. 

• Apply Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), including sterilization, biosafety, and  workflow optimization. 

• Prepare for microbiologist roles in the food and pharmaceutical industries by  practicing interview questions and professional scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Principles of proper sample collection, transport, and storage.

• Preventing contamination and maintaining sample quality. 

• Labeling and storing food and pharmaceutical samples correctly.

• Sterilization techniques: autoclaving, filtration, and chemical sterilant. Laboratory safety, personal  protective equipment, and workflow optimization.

• Colony morphology interpretation and confirmation tests for pathogen detection. 

• Structure of professional microbiology reports. 

• Interpret results according to regulatory standards.

• Practice answering technical and situational interview questions. Review laboratory case studies to  simulate real-world QC challenges.

Target Audience

Biotechnology, Science, Medical Laboratory, and Pharmacy students seeking to build strong molecular diagnostic skills and gain hands-on experience in  techniques used for detecting hematological disorders. Ideal for learners aiming to  enhance their employability in clinical hematology labs, research centers, and molecular diagnostics units.

Training Outlines

• Introduction to Hematology Basics

• Introduction to Molecular Hematology 

• Genetic Hematological Disorders

• Hematologic Malignancies 

• Diagnostic Methods in Molecular Hematology

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the molecular foundations of major hematological diseases. 

• Explain how genetic mutations influence blood cell function and disease  development. 

• Identify key molecular markers used in diagnosing hematologic  malignancies. 

• Understand the principles of PCR, electrophoresis, mutation detection, and  molecular assays. 

• Perform DNA extraction from blood samples following laboratory SOPs. 

• Set up and run PCR reactions for hematological disorder identification. 

• Conduct gel electrophoresis and accurately interpret molecular results. 

• Apply troubleshooting strategies for weak/absent PCR bands or nonspecific  amplification. 

• Connect molecular findings to clinical presentation and disease prognosis. 

• Evaluate molecular diagnostic results for hemoglobinopathies and leukemia  markers. 

• Understand the role of molecular diagnostics in treatment decisions.

Target Audience

Undergraduate Nutrition, Biotechnology, Science, and Agriculture  students interested in gaining essential nutrition skills and exploring the growing field of  gene–diet interactions. Suitable for learners preparing for roles in clinical nutrition,  public health, food technology, and research.

Training Outlines

(1) Introduction to Nutrition Science  

• Definition and scope of nutrition

• Overview of nutrients (macro- and micronutrients) 

• Functions of nutrients in the human body

• Basics of digestion, absorption, and metabolism 

• Introduction to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs)

(2) Macronutrients in Detail

• Carbohydrates: types, functions, glycemic index

• Proteins: amino acids, functions, nitrogen balance 

• Fats: types, essential fatty acids, cholesterol

• Energy balance and caloric needs

• Metabolic pathways overview (glycolysis, lipolysis)

(3) Micronutrients & Dietary Assessment

• Vitamins: fat-soluble vs water-soluble 

• Minerals: major and trace minerals

• Deficiency and toxicity conditions 

• Introduction to dietary assessment tools: 24-hour recall, Food frequency questionnaire  (FFQ), Diet history 

• Nutrition label interpretation

(4) Nutrition, Health & Life Stages

• Nutrition for different stages of life:  Children, Adults, Elderly, Pregnancy & lactation

• Introduction to nutrition-related diseases:  Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Anemia

• Behavior, lifestyle, and food choices

(5) Introduction to Nutrigenomics 

• Definition and scope of nutrigenomics 

• Interaction between genes and nutrients

• Genetic polymorphisms and metabolic response  

• Nutrigenetics vs nutrigenomics 

• Practical examples (e.g., lactose intolerance, folate metabolism, caffeine  metabolism)

• Genetic variants affecting Vitamin D receptor (VDR), B12 absorption (FUT2) and  iron metabolism (HFE)

• Emerging applications in personalized nutrition 

• Ethical considerations & limitations

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the functions of macro- and micronutrients and their role in  maintaining health.

• Explain digestion, absorption, and basic metabolic pathways.

• Identify nutrient deficiencies, toxicities, and their clinical manifestations.

• Perform simple dietary assessments using standard tools (24-hour recall,  FFQ). 

•Interpret nutrition labels and evaluate dietary quality. 

• Discuss nutritional requirements across various life stages.

• Recognize major nutrition-related diseases and associated risk factors. 

• Apply foundational nutrition principles to simple case studies.

• Explain the relationship between genes, diet, and health. 

• Identify common genetic polymorphisms affecting nutrient metabolism. 

• Differentiate between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. 

• Describe applications of nutrigenomics in personalized nutrition.

Target Audience

Undergraduate and postgraduate students in biology, biotechnology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and related fields.

Training Outlines

(1) in vitro Techniques

•  Lab safety (biosafety cabinets, aseptic technique).

• Media  preparation, supplements, antibiotics, and serum handling.

• Thawing, seeding, subculturing, and maintaining cell lines.

• Counting cells using hemocytometers.

• Assessing confluency and cell morphology.

• Principles and Practices of MTT Assay.

• Treatment of cells with test compounds.

• Calculating  % cell viability and IC50 determination using standard software.

• Troubleshooting:  low signal, uneven color development, edge effects.

(2) Research Ethics, Study Design & Animal Handling Fundamentals

• Overview of experimental approaches & comparative advantages.

• Selection of appropriate research animal models (mice, rat/rabbits).

• Components of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) / Ethics Committee submissions.

• Defining study aims, methodology, animal numbers, justification, humane endpoints, and welfare considerations.

• 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement.

• Examples of well-written ethical form sections.

• Safe handling, restraint techniques, and minimizing stress.

• Housing conditions, feeding, environmental enrichment.

• Basic procedures: weighing, sexing, marking animals.

• Drug/compound administration routes: oral gavage, IP,  SC, IV.

• Monitoring clinical signs, behavioral scoring, and endpoints.

• Blood collection techniques (retro-orbital, tail vein, cardiac puncture).

• Animal dissection and proper preservation (freezing, fixation).

(3) Biomarkers Analysis using ELISA

• Plate preparation, sample dilution, and reagent handling.

• Standard curve generation and assay optimization.

• Running and analyzing Sandwich ELISA (common for cytokines).

• Reading optical density and constructing standard curves.

• Calculating concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers.

• Troubleshooting issues: high background, low signal, poor curve fitting.

Learning Outcomes

• Design and conduct both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

• Write proper ethical approval applications.

• Handle laboratory animals safely and responsibly.

• Perform animal cell culture using aseptic technique.

• Conduct and interpret MTT cytotoxicity assays.

• Measure inflammatory markers using ELISA with confidence.

• Analyze data, troubleshoot experiments, and apply findings in biomedical research.