A comprehensive five-day national workshop on cutting-edge genetic and molecular diagnostic techniques recently concluded at Bharathidasan University in Trichy, providing intensive training to participants from across the country.
Workshop Overview and Sponsorship
The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sponsored this significant educational initiative that ran from November 24 to 28. The workshop brought together experts and participants for an immersive learning experience in advanced medical technologies.
Curriculum and Practical Training
Expert instructors delivered comprehensive sessions covering multiple specialized areas including rare disease genetics, infectious disease genomics, pharmacogenetics, and the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine. The program balanced theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on laboratory experience.
Participants gained practical expertise in several crucial laboratory techniques through direct application. The curriculum included:
- Genomic DNA isolation methods
- PCR primer design and amplification techniques
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis
- Gel electrophoresis procedures
- DNA sequencing interpretation
Advanced Modules and Final Assessment
The workshop featured specialized modules addressing prenatal screening technologies, interpretation of PCR results, bioinformatics workflows for precision medicine, and molecular applications in both forensic science and clinical diagnostics. These modules provided participants with industry-relevant skills applicable to modern healthcare and research settings.
On the final day of the workshop, participants engaged in a comprehensive troubleshooting exercise where they analyzed sequencing data and interpreted RFLP patterns, demonstrating their newly acquired competencies in genetic analysis.
The event concluded with a valedictory ceremony where Dr. R Kalidasan, Registrar of Bharathidasan University, delivered the closing address. The workshop culminated with the distribution of certificates to all participants, recognizing their successful completion of the intensive training program.
