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- Molecular Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Stem Cell Biology
- Age: 15-18
- Format/ Schedule: Vacation / Summer
- Location Torrance, CA
- 2025 Dates: June 23rd – 27th
- Duration 5 Days
- Times: 9.30am–4.00pm
- Class size: 6
Eligibility
Molecular Stem Cell Biology is an advanced hands-on program, open to both residential and international students. It is suited to science enthusiasts with a good understanding of cell and molecular biology. No prior laboratory experience is required to take this course. Applicants must have passed high-school Math, English and Biology or equivalent courses with a grade C or above. Students are required to arrange their own transportation to and from the program.
Admission
Eligible students are accepted on a first-come-first-served rolling basis up to 1 week before the course start date. Additional questions? Click here to learn more about our general admissions policy or call us at 310-483-3651.
Description
Molecular Stem Cell Biology is an advanced course aimed at students who are interested in molecular biology and genetic engineering.
Participants learn to clone a human gene, construct an expression plasmid, create a fluorescent fusion protein, and engineer human stem cells using modern techniques that are not taught in school or college.
The program expands on high school biology courses and is taught entirely hands-on in a biotech research facility by professional scientists who are also exceptional mentors.
The program provides:
– Advanced training in real-life techniques for cloning and expressing engineered fusion proteins using modern ligation independent cloning methods (In Fusion Cloning).
– An introduction to molecular biology software and the use of bioinformatics in genetic engineering.
– Practical experience culturing, transfecting and genetically engineering human cancer stem cells.
– College-level lectures that provide a conceptual overview of the lab-classes.
– An introduction to the real-world applications of gene cloning and protein engineering.
– Exposure to biotechnology and real-world science.
– Applicable skills and knowledge for future STEM programs such as AP biology, science fair research, college lab classes and workplace internships.
– An opportunity to connect with other science enthusiasts.
– A certificate of completion.
– A resource pack containing guidance and information relating to STEM careers.
Students with a keen interest in molecular biology and genetic engineering can expand their knowledge and gain complementary skills during the Methods in Stem Cell Engineering Program.
Curriculum
Molecular Stem Cell Biology teaches students how to:
1. Utilize molecular biology software to design a gene amplification and cloning strategy
2. Clone a gene from human stem cells using modern ligation independent (In fusion) techniques
3. Create a plasmid construct containing an engineered fluorescent fusion protein
4. Select and replicate their plasmid construct using E. Coli bacteria
5. Verify their plasmid construct by diagnostic digest
6. Introduce their purified plasmid construct into human cancer stem cells
7. Verify the expression of their engineered fusion protein by fluorescent microscopy
Features
– College level lectures
– Hands-on lab classes
– Advanced laboratory research techniques*
– Career education resources
– Guidance from professional science mentors
– Biotech exposure
* Molecular stem cell biology provides practical training in:
BSL-2 lab safety procedures, molecular biology software, designing cloning strategies, materials preparation, microbiology, molecular biology techniques (PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, DNA quantification, restriction digest analysis), transfection, human stem cell culture and microscopy (phase contrast and fluorescent).
Empowers students to see science beyond a textbook
I was looking for a summer course that would be able to introduce me to the world of science and help me learn about how to work in a lab. The Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling program did this and more. Not only did we learn how to work in a lab, but we learned lab techniques that I do not think I would have been able to learn anywhere else. The course is very hands-on and one on one which allowed me to maximize my experience and truly understand what I was doing and why I was doing it. We also had the opportunity to speak to other scientists and researchers about how stem cells impact their work and to be able to witness the real-life impact of this research changed my view about science and its abilities. While not only working by myself but with a team, the disease modeling program truly introduces stem cell research and lab work no matter your experience and empowers students to see science beyond a textbook
Helped me to sharpen my interests
I’ve always been interested in biology and medicine but I was not sure if I was more invested in the clinical aspect of medicine or the more research-oriented side. The Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling program helped me to sharpen my interests and discover what it really meant to be working in a lab. We were taught essential lab techniques and were introduced to the dynamic of a real-life laboratory setting. The hands-on experience I got in working with stem cells and seeing first-hand their potential enhanced my experience and augmented my rather general view of what lab work entailed. The small size of the group with which I attended the course allowed for direct contact with Dr. Fox and other lab staff. Through this course, you will be able to explore stem cell research and introduce the world of cells as a tangible reality.
I 100% recommend
I never would have imagined the amount of work and effort that Dr. Fox and Mr. George puts into this program. They work extremely hard to make sure you will contain every ounce of information that is thrown at you. I didn’t know how hands on we were going to be in the lab. Every aspect of lab work from the aseptic pipetting, feeding, observing, decolonizing, was all done by the students. We got to come up with our own individual experiment where we tested if a certain chemical would help improve the health of testicular cancer cells (C4). I have learned and gained so much from this program and I’m extremely grateful for Dr. Fox and her team. Her mission is truly to teach the younger generation of future scientists and her passion is evidently present. I also got to meet some incredible people in my class as well. I 100% recommend taking this course as you will never find any other research place that will cater to you or give you as much opportunities
A very enjoyable learning experience
Biotech Center has been a very enjoyable learning experience. For the first time, I was able to become familiar with laboratory equipment and techniques that was not provided for me in school. On top of learning much more about RNAi and gene silencing, I realized that I genuinely enjoy working in the lab; this experienced has greatly contributed to my newfound interest in biomedical engineering.
The best experiences
This program was one of the best experiences I have had. I had the opportunity to not only learn about stem cells and their applications, but I was given a chance to practice some of this research in the laboratory and learn valuable skills. The knowledge that I took away I am still using today in school and increased my interest and curiosity in this new field of science.
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