Institute for Research & Development

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What an excellent course it was. To be honest I thought that it was going to be another tick in the box type course that I was going to find quite boring! However your instructors were excellent, the course was interesting and enjoyable and I could obtain a lot of practical skills in molecular biology laboratory techniques. I would go as far as to say it was the best training course that I have ever attended. I really enjoyed the sample collection and DNA extraction modules and the experience I have gained through them was immense. Overall a really enjoyable and educational experience.
Ms. Mithurshi Shankaran
Ms. Mithurshi Shankaran2nd Year Student BSc. Biomedical Science Deakin University, Australia
“I decided to register for this course after much research and review of other such types of training courses provided by various other institutes in the country. I felt, even before attending the course, that I had made the right decision. That feeling was fully justified after completing the 2-month course taught by a friendly team of lecturers at IRD. Their teaching style was engaging and superbly informative as the entire class was able to interact with the tutors through the online student forum even after the classroom sessions. I would recommend this course to both novice and experienced professionals who are interested in this field.
Ms. Pershanga Perinpanayagam
Ms. Pershanga Perinpanayagam2nd Year Student BSc. Biomedical Science Deakin University, Australia
A thorough course that enables the student to learn at their own pace, have access to their instructor when needed via online student forum, and have additional practical sessions so that they can get extra skills in what they have learned. I did get tons of useful experience from the course and the instructors were great. Overall, I thought the course was great!!
Ms. Amanda Perera
Ms. Amanda Perera2nd Year Student BSc. Biomedical Science Deakin University, Australia
An excellent course. I think it was very useful for someone like me who seeks hands-on training in practical. Good balance between theory and practical experience. Well-presented and good fun! Very warm and friendly atmosphere. The training sessions were very enjoyable. The tutors were very knowledgeable and well experienced. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking for experience and knowledge in molecular biology. Good work!! Keep it up guys!!
Ravindi Madanayaka
Ravindi Madanayaka2nd Year Student BSc. Biomedical Science Deakin University, Australia
This certificate course on practical skills in molecular biology and genetics gave more exposure towards the practical aspects of molecular life science. I had hands on experience in basic genetic equipment and helped me in developing my skills. The trainers and lecturers were friendly and patient thus providing a good enthusiastic environment. I had a real good experience in learning and also this had widened my knowledge on both theoretical and practical skills.
Ms. Keerthika Vivekananthan
Ms. Keerthika VivekananthanBSc. Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology University of Mysore, India
The certificate course was informative and well organized. The staff was friendly and offered great advice to students not only to improve knowledge and skills on molecular biology but also to achieve future career goals and to step forward in higher studies with confidence. Hands-on experiences are a critical part of career exploration and skill building. I was able to become more familiar with the equipment and techniques since it provided us with ample opportunities to get hands-on experience with proper guidance. I appreciate the individual attention given throughout the course which made the training highly effective. The technical and professional training provided by the program instructors at IRD allowed me to apply for my Master’s degree without any hesitation. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in getting hands-on experiences on molecular biology techniques.
Ms. Udari Jayasinghe
Ms. Udari Jayasinghe
The certificate course on practical skills in molecular biology and genetics was informative and it allowed me to gain more hands-on experience with the equipment and the techniques used in molecular biology. The individual attention that I got from the instructors helped me gain more confidence as I improved my skills. The instructors were also very knowledgeable and approachable. I would strongly recommend. this course for anyone interested in getting hands-on experiences on molecular biology techniques.
Ms. Nethmi Perera
Ms. Nethmi PereraBSc. Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology University of Mysore, India
The Certificate Course on Practical Skills in Molecular Biology and Genetics was indeed a great opportunity for me to explore the modern molecular techniques and theoretical aspects which further paved the way for me to decide to pursue my career in Molecular Biology. The course was conducted very methodically and each one of us was able to obtain hands-on experience with these techniques. The friendly team of lecturers and lab assistants gave us individual attention and made us feel free to work in the laboratory environments. The presentation session which was held as a part of our evaluation gave us great exposure to a formal presentation. Thus, I would definitely recommend this course for anyone planning to work in the field of molecular biology. I wish IRD and the team at IRD Genetics Lab all the very best!
Ms. Suvini Karunaratne
Ms. Suvini KarunaratneBSc. Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology University of Mysore, India
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Introduction

The certificate program on Practical Skills in Molecular Biology and Genetics is designed to provide students a thorough knowledge of core concepts and practice of molecular biology and genetics for eventual services in the rapidly expanding areas of biomedical sciences and life sciences.

Our program also prepares students who are making career changes to areas that require additional exposure to molecular biology and genetics and offers a program of study to individuals seeking preparation for BSc., MSc., and PhD.

This certificate course is registered at the Tertiary and Vocational Education Committee of Sri Lanka (TVEC) and set to provide a warranty of excellence in laboratory techniques with participants becoming highly competent at the bench over the course of this program.

This course consists of 120 hours of laboratory sessions to give the participant the base knowledge required, along with the essential skills, to design and perform molecular biology experiments with confidence. Facilitators are often researchers, scientists and university lecturers who have pioneered the technique.

The Course

This course is designed for post-A/L students, undergraduates, graduates, & researchers who wish to develop their laboratory skills towards pursuing a scientific career in molecular genetics, or a related discipline.

Objectives

This certificate program aims to:

  • Provide a thorough understanding of the principles related to the subject.
  • Develop our students’ competence at laboratory work & their independence as researchers.
  • Promote research activity, & teaching in genetics and molecular biology.

Benefits

On completion of this program, our student will:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding on principles & practices regarding key areas in molecular genetics.
  • Acquire improved practical skills in performing laboratory experiments.
  • Develop a variety for technical skills that will benefit their future learning, and employment.
  • Broaden their subject knowledge.
  • Understand the effective planning, execution, and reporting of scientific research.

Program Structure

The certificate course duration is 8-12 weeks (2-3 months).

During this two month period, our student is required to participate in all course units and laboratory practical units.

Batch Timings

Sundays: 09.30 am to 05.00 pm

Mondays & Tuesdays: 09.30 am to 05.00 pm

Modules

Introduction to Molecular Biology & Genetics

Overview of the Course Principles of Molecular Biology & Genetics
Introduction to Cell Biology Discussion

Good Laboratory Practice & Quality Standards

Introduction to Good Laboratory Practice Risk Assessment
Health & Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety Signs & Labeling Quality Standards

Lab Management

Principles of Lab Management Equipment Maintenance
Policy Development Inventory Management
Placing of Orders & Procurement Documentation & Database Management

Stock Solutions & Reagent Preparation

Introduction to Stock Solutions Reagent Preparation (8 Reagents)
Molarity & Normality pH Adjustments
Serial Dilutions Sterilization Techniques

Sample Collection & Preservation

Introduction to Sample Collection Sample Transportation
Types of Samples Sample Preservation
Purposes of Sampling Certification
Field Sample Collection & Labeling  

DNA Extraction from Different Sources

DNA Extraction Principles Blood DNA Extraction; Commercial Kit
Manual Kits vs. Commercial Kits Silica Column Based Kits
Plant DNA Extraction; Manual Kit Extraction Protocol Optimization

DNA Quantification & Quality Analysis

Introduction to Spectrophotometry Interpretation of Results
Setting Up of Spectrophotometer Quality Analysis
NanoDrop Spectrophotometer Troubleshooting

Agarose Gel-Electrophoresis

Introduction to Gel Electrophoresis Loading Dyes
Components of Agarose Gel Electrophoresis DNA Ladders (Mass vs. Size)
Setting Up the Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus Nucleic Acid Visualization
Gel Casting Interpretation of Results
Nucleic Acid Staining Dyes Applications & Troubleshooting

Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR )

DNA Replication PCR Variants
Introduction to PCR Interpretation of PCR Results
Components of a PCR Applications & Troubleshooting
Setting Up the PCR  

DNA Sequencing (Demonstration)

Introduction to DNA Sequencing ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer Demonstration
Methods of DNA Sequencing Interpretation of Results
Sanger Sequencing  

Application of Bioinformatics

Introduction to Bioinformatics Sequence Aligning & Blasting
Biological Databases Sequence Analysis
NCBI Primer Designing

Research Methodology & Research Proposal Writing

Introduction to Research Grant Application Process
Types of Research Research Journals & Publications
Literature Survey Referencing Methods
Research Proposal Writing Research Ethics

Basic Skills for Young Academics

CV Writing Workplace Etiquette
Facing Job Interviews Email Etiquette

Career Guidance

Evaluation Criteria

Student performance will be evaluated through a combination of following elements:

  1. Assignments,
  2. Laboratory Reports,
  3. Presentation,
  4. Viva Voce Examination,
  5. End of Course Practical Examination.

Grades will be assigned based on our students’ performance.

The course coordinator will announce the method of evaluation at course commencement.

Grade Scheme

Score Grade Score  Grade Score  Grade Score  Grade
> 90  A+ 75 – 79 B+ 60 – 64 C+ 45 – 49 D+
85 – 89 A 70 – 74 B 55 – 59 C 40 – 44 D
80 – 84 A− 65 – 69 B− 50 – 54 C− < 40 E

Re-sitting & Repeat Examinations

A student who obtains a grade below “C” may re-sit the final examination on a subsequent examination date for the purpose of improving their grade. However, the best grade obtainable in this instance is “B+”.

Attendance

Attendance at all laboratory sessions is compulsory; unless a student has a valid reason (documented evidence is required). In order to sit the final examination, a minimum attendance of 80% is required.

Registration

Prerequisite

High school-level knowledge of biology & chemistry.

Application

Apply for the course by sending us your short CV via genetics@ird.lk.

Ensure that you use the phrase “Certificate Course” as the subject line of your email.

This will help your application standout during the identification process.

Prospective Student Registration Details

Please fill and submit the registration form for this course.

Further information; please contact us on 011 5 662 895.

Registration form

Enrollment

Course Fee Structure

Candidates selected for the course, are required to make payments before course commencement.

The tuition fee covers charges for;

  • Registration,

  • Tuition,

  • Examinations,

  • Certificates

Payments are to be made in accordance with the following fee structure.

Student Fee
Domestic LKR 50,000.00
Foreign: Package A* USD 300.00
Foreign: Package B* USD 400.00

*Note:

Package A: Tuition Fee Only

Package B: Tuition fee, Breakfast & Lunch

Repeat or Re-sit Examinations:

Payment is required in order to resit the final examination;

Student Fee
Domestic LKR 1500.00
Foreign USD 10.00

Certificate Duplication:

Payment is required per duplicate of the certificate;

Student Fee
Domestic LKR 500.00
Foreign USD 10.00

Payment

Mode of Payment Details
In Person Your payments can be made at the IRD Office.
No. 393/3, Lily Avenue,Off Robert Gunawardane Mawatha,
Battaramulla 10120,
Sri Lanka.
Bank Deposit Attach the bank deposit slip to your application form.
Account Name: Institute for Research & Development
Account Type: Current Account
Account Number: 0004153763
Branch: Battaramulla
Bank: Bank of Ceylon
Cheques Drawn in favor of:“Institute For Research & Development”
Crossed:“A/C Payee Only”

Terms & Conditions

  1. Tuition fee must be paid in full (and received by us) on/ before the date of commencement of the course. You will not be able to attend course sessions until we have received the full payment.

  2. Set up an installment payment plan by contacting the course coordinator. The tuition fee can be paid in two installments: 50% of the total tuition fee at the registration & next 50% at the beginning of the second month.

  3. The tuition fees must be received in cleared funds in accordance with the payment methods set out by us.

  4. We are not liable for any payment (made by you) that does not reach our correct account due to entering our details incorrectly.

  5. We are not liable if your bank declines or refuses payment. It is your responsibility to check that payment has been made successfully.

  6. There will be no refunds given due to any reason and under any circumstance once the payment has been made.

  7. We are committed to assisting you in your studies wherever possible.  If you are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties in paying your tuition fees you must contact the finance team for support and advice as soon as possible.

  8. We may modify the terms or the policies at any time and it is your responsibility to check their content. Please review the terms and policies regularly to ensure that you are aware of any changes made.