qPCR days in ABI

Next training session scheduled was qPCR. An extra machine was brought in all the way from Penang for our convenience and learning, so that we had a glimpse of two different types of qPCR instruments. 

During my university days, I have learned and heard about qPCR but I never had the chance to use it. The first day of qPCR training, I was so enthusiastic as I knew I finally had the chance to learn how to operate a qPCR instrument.  As I walked in to the class, the trainer greeted me with a friendly smile and he introduced himself. The trainer name is Chor Ee Tan and he is from New Zealand. He is currently working in Wellington Hospital as Molecular Scientist. His job scope is mainly utilizing qPCR to do disease screening for Wellington Hospital. He shared a lot of real-life experiences, which made the training interesting.  The most interesting part was that he gave out New Zealand chocolates whenever the trainees participate in the class. As a result, the trainees gave their fullest attention and participated actively. This was the first time the atmosphere of the class become lively and fun. 

The class in progress

After 2 days of theory training, the class was assigned into smaller groups with different tasks to be completed. Meanwhile, each group was arranged to enter the laboratory to have hands on experience on qPCR instruments. When my group entered the laboratory, we were briefed on the tasks we were required to complete and had some experiences on the qPCR instrument. The tasks we were required to do were to develop an assay with full validation process using qPCR technique. Besides that, the practical session was about detection of porcine DNA contamination in different types of sample.

While we were busy working on our assignments and tasks, new trainees were also enrolled in the program. It was hard at first to blend in with the new trainees but when we get to know about them, the class atmosphere became more cheerful and lively. With the new addition of trainees, the tasks given were completed earlier as we expected. After that, we also did a presentation on our newly developed assay. The presentation was interesting as each group was given different scenario and I realized that qPCR has a wide range of applications.

In the lab, having briefings on the qPCR instruments

Unfortunately time flies when we are having fun. During the last day of qPCR training, Chor Ee arranged breakfast for the class as a token of appreciation in giving our fullest attention and active participation during the training.  All Thanks to Azlan and Hafis who took the trouble in preparing the breakfast for the class. During the closing of the training, Chor Ee gave out chocolates again to the class and I really enjoyed the chocolates!

In class for presentations 

In these 2 weeks of qPCR training with Chor Ee, I really gained a lot of in-depth knowledge on qPCR applications. Although I may not have the chance to use qPCR in my workplace, I really appreciated the knowledge and experiences shared by Chor Ee. Most importantly, I really had a great time and enjoyed every single moment with every trainee.  Finally, I would like to thank all of the BIDP organizers in hosting such wonderful program. 

For those who don't know what this training is, Bio-Analytical Industry Development Program (BIDP) is a program to develop technical expertise and talents in Bio-analytical field for young-working adults/ just-employed-fresh graduates. Besides, the main objective of this program is to help fresh graduates to fill the competency gap between tertiary education and industry needs. This program covers many areas such as technical softskill, research methodology, and instrumentation techniques. Among the courses, the course I have enjoyed the most so far is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

                                                                                                              Written by : Xian Hui 
                                                                                                               Edited by : Melanie Ann