Research Foundation Course

Hey there! Welcome to the Research Foundation Course at the Institute for Applied Research and Training (IART)—a five-week journey to explore cool stuff like research methods, how to rock it in the lab, bioinformatics (it’s like computer science for biology!), playing with numbers in biostatistics, and diving deep into the tiny world of molecular biology.

But wait, there’s more! We’re taking you on a field trip to a real research lab to see it all in action.

This course is your guide if you’re figuring out what to study next. It’s like a sneak peek into different areas so you can find your passion. Get ready to discover, learn, and maybe find the perfect fit for your future studies!This course will comprise several modules which will be covered on a weekly basis.

Course Duration: 5 Weeks

Eligibility:- Under Graduate, Graduate and Post Graduate
Mode of Instruction: English and Hindi
Week 1 - Module 1 (Research Foundation):

Chapter 1: Introduction to Research.

Chapter 2: Course Induction and fundamental guidelines of Good laboratory practices (GLP).

Chapter 3: Instrumentation and methodology.

(i) Mastering Solution Preparation: Normal, Molar, and Standard Solutions, Phosphate Buffers, and Serial Dilutions

(ii) Exploring Precision and Accuracy: Hands-On Micropipette Training.

Week 2 - Module 2 (Bioinformatics):

Chapter 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics 

  1. Overview of bioinformatics: Definition, importance, and applications.
  2. Understanding biological databases and their significance.
  3. Basics of sequence analysis: DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. 

Chapter 2: Tools and Software in Bioinformatics 

  1. Introduction to bioinformatics tools and software.
  2. Hands-on session with basic tools for sequence alignment and analysis.
  3. Exploring databases and using search tools for sequence retrieval. 

Chapter 3: Genome Analysis and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

  1. Understanding genomics and genome sequencing techniques.
  2. Introduction to next-generation sequencing technologies.
  3. Navigating NGS data and basic analysis. 

Chapter 4: Structural Bioinformatics 

    1. Introduction to structural biology and its significance in bioinformatics.
  • Basics of protein structure prediction and modeling.
  • Practical applications of bioinformatics in various fields: medicine, agriculture, etc.
Week 3 - Module 3 (Biostatistics):

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biostatistics 

  1. Overview of biostatistics and its significance in biological research.
  2. Basics of data types and levels of measurement.
  3. Measures of central tendency and dispersion.
  4. Introduction to probability theory and its application in biostatistics, 

Chapter 2: Hypothesis Testing and Errors 

  1. Basics of hypothesis testing in biological research.
  2. Type I and Type II errors: Understanding and minimizing errors in hypothesis testing.
  3. Practical examples and exercises on hypothesis testing.

Chapter 3: Parametric and Nonparametric Tests 

  1. Introduction to parametric and nonparametric tests.
  2. Student’s t-test: Application and interpretation in biological studies.
  3. Chi-square test: Understanding its use in analyzing categorical data.

Chapter 4: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) 

  1. Basics of ANOVA and its applications in biological research.
  2. One-way and two-way ANOVA: Using ANOVA to compare multiple groups.
  3. Review session and practical exercises applying learned concepts to biological datasets.
Week 4 - Module 4 (Molecular Biology):

Chapter 1: Basics of Molecular Biology 

  1. Introduction to molecular biology: DNA, RNA, and proteins.
  2. DNA structure and replication basics.
  3. Overview of RNA transcription and protein translation.

Chapter 2: DNA Manipulation Techniques 

  1. DNA extraction methods: Understanding and practical demonstration.
  2. Principles of agarose gel electrophoresis, Agarose gel preparation and running DNA samples.
  3. Techniques in DNA manipulation: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) basics.

Chapter 3: RNA Basics 

  1. Overview of RNA types and their functions: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA.
  2. Principle of RNA Isolation using Trizol and practical demonstration

Chapter 4: PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis 

    1.  Introduction to protein isolation techniques.
    2. Introduction to SDS Gel electrophoresis and its applications.
  • PAGE protocol: Protein separation and Comassie briliant Blue detection.

 

Week 5 - Module 5 (Lab Visit and Career Exploration Workshops):

Monday to Friday Participants will be exposed to real-world laboratory environments, providing insights into research practices and diverse career opportunities within the field.

Career Exploration Workshops on Saturday:

  1. Overview of careers in scientific research: Academic, industry, and other fields.
  2. Panel discussion or guest speakers: Professionals from different research fields sharing their career journeys and experiences.
  3. Assessing interests and skills: Activities to help participants align their interests with potential careers.

Applications and Job Opportunities:

This course offers a strong foundation in various areas of life sciences and research, opening doors to diverse applications and job opportunities. Here are some highlights:

Applications:

  • Research: Trained in fundamental lab skills, bioinformatics tools, and statistical methods, you can pursue research in various fields like molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology.
  • Academia: Further education and research leading to academic positions in universities and research institutions.
  • Industry: Laboratories in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare agencies, and environmental consulting firms require skilled personnel.
  • Education: Teaching biology, bioinformatics, or related subjects in schools or colleges.
  • Science communication: Skills in research, analysis, and communication can lead to careers in science writing, journalism, or public outreach.

Job Opportunities:

  • Research Assistant/Technician: Assisting scientists in research projects across diverse fields.
  • Bioinformatics Analyst: Using computational tools to analyze biological data for research and development.
  • Lab Technician: Performing various lab procedures in research or clinical settings.
  • Quality Control Analyst: Ensuring quality and accuracy in laboratory processes and products.
  • Scientific Writer/Communicator: Translating scientific research into understandable content for various audiences.
  • Science Educator: Teaching science concepts and principles at various levels.

Additional :

  • Network and build connections: The lab visits and career workshops can help you connect with professionals and explore potential career paths.
  • Gain practical experience: Hands-on training in lab techniques and data analysis strengthens your skills and makes you a valuable candidate.
  • Showcase your skills and interests: Highlight your acquired skills and developed interests in your resume and cover letters to stand out.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and many other opportunities exist depending on your specific interests, skills, and chosen path. Good luck!

Note: Thesis work/projects are also available for Master's students and can be customized according to requirements.

get in touch

Do not hesitate to reach out. Just fill in the contact form here and we’ll be sure to reply as fast as possible.

Address

House No.21, Basement, Lalitaksh Chowk,Near IIT Delhi, Jia Sarai, Hauz Khas, Delhi – 110016

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[email protected]

Call Us: 99589 80818,  8700229846,9958519904 

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