Molecular Biology and PCR Techniques for the Laboratory

A hands on programme covering nucleic acid extraction, conventional PCR and real time quantitative PCR for diagnostic, environmental and research laboratories across Africa. Delegates learn to design primers, prepare reaction mixes, run thermal cyclers and interpret amplification curves. The course stresses contamination control and result reliability in molecular workflows.

What you will be able to do

Extract and quantify DNA and RNA from common sample types.
Set up conventional and real time PCR reactions with appropriate controls.
Design and evaluate primers and probes for target sequences.
Interpret amplification and melt curves to confirm valid results.
Apply contamination control and workflow separation in a molecular laboratory.
Troubleshoot failed reactions, poor efficiency and non specific amplification.

Course outline

01Nucleic acid structure and extraction methods
02Principles of PCR and thermal cycling
03Real time quantitative PCR and detection chemistries
04Primer and probe design fundamentals
05Controls, standards and quality checks
06Contamination control and laboratory zoning
07Data interpretation and reporting
08Troubleshooting common PCR failures

Who should attend

Laboratory analysts, medical scientists, technologists and researchers introducing or expanding molecular testing capability.

Dates, venues and fees

Dates	Venue	Days	Fee
17 to 19 Aug 2026	Online	3	US$900
24 to 26 Aug 2026	Mozambique	3	US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026	Cairo	3	US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026	Accra	3	US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026	Lusaka	3	US$1,500
21 to 23 Sep 2026	Kigali	3	US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026	Nairobi	3	US$1,500
5 to 7 Oct 2026	Durban	3	R13,000
12 to 14 Oct 2026	Johannesburg	3	R13,000
26 to 28 Oct 2026	Mauritius	3	US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026	Dubai	3	US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026	Lagos	3	US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026	Harare	3	US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026	Kampala	3	US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026	Dar es Salaam	3	US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026	Pretoria	3	R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026	Cape Town	3	R13,000

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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Training a whole team?

We can run Molecular Biology and PCR Techniques for the Laboratory privately for your team, on your dates and built around your own systems. Group delivery is usually more cost effective from about six delegates.

Run this in-house