A comprehensive list of all courses running at Advance

Course Portfolio

Advance Training Courses

Below is a list of all of the courses we run that can be searched by topic to find the right training for you. Not all will have currently available dates, if they weren’t scheduled for the current programme or have already taken place, but you can and should register interest to be notified when your course of interest is scheduled for the future. Course programmes with lists of scheduled courses are launched twice a year, so your course of interest should become available soon and courses that receive more interest are likely to be run more frequently.

To view currently running courses, please visit the course calendar.

Course Portfolio

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Lab Skills Pathology Transgenics Genetics Animal Technology Practical Workshops

Genetics

Genetically altered mice remain one of the most commonly used animals in biomedical research and disease. As technology and science advance so does the complexity of animal models for genetic research. Understanding the background of mouse genetics, including allele crosses and the development of breeding strategies, is vital to advance medical research through the use of in vivo models.

Our genetics courses provide complete training, from an introduction to DNA and disease, through to an understanding of more advanced mouse genetics. Each course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required by researchers and technicians to maintain high levels of expertise in this rapidly changing field.

Our genetics training includes the following courses:
  • Breeding and Using Conditional Transgenic Models (1 day course)
  • Creating and Validating Conditional Transgenic Models (1 day course)
  • DNA to Disease: Genetics for Beginners (1 day course)
  • Introduction to Editing the Mouse Genome (1 day course)
  • Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Animal Technologists (2 day course)
  • Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Researchers (3 day course)
  • Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop (5 days)

Practical Transgenic Technologies

Over the last decade, the use of nucleases and more recently the highly efficient CRISPR-Cas9 has allowed gene targeting to be carried out directly into embryos and the rapid production of genetically altered (GA) mice, an essential tool in biomedical research.

With a range of techniques available for introducing CRISPR-Cas9 into the developing embryo, in addition to the use of cryopreservation to securely archive scientifically relevant mouse models, our Advance courses offer researchers the opportunity to develop their knowledge of genome editing and the importance of mouse strain preservation and protection.

Our Advance transgenic technology courses, led by experts in the field, are designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to keep up with current techniques when producing and archiving GA mouse lines.

Our transgenic technology training includes the following courses:
  • Microinjection and Electroporation (3 day course)
  • Mouse Embryo and Spermatozoa Cryopreservation (4 day course)

Mouse Necropsy, Histology and Pathology

Research pathology plays an important role in identifying and analysing disease phenotypes.

Appropriate use of pathology techniques will allow researchers to identify spontaneous and induced pathological changes, evidence of disease progression and the effect of experimental interventions.

Our Pathology training includes the following courses:
  • Basics of Histology (1 day course)
  • Mouse Necropsy (1 day course)
  • Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing (2 day course)

Laboratory Skills

Having the knowledge and confidence to work safely in the laboratory is an essential skill for all staff working in laboratories.

Our Laboratory Skills training includes the following courses:
  • Practical Laboratory Skills (1 day course)
  • Practical Light Microscopy (1 day course)
  • Basics of Histology

    Basics of Histology

    Overview

    This course introduces a range of histological procedures, the reasoning behind the use of histology in research, and the importance of using various techniques in processing, sectioning, and staining of mouse tissues.

    Following the course, you will have:
    • An understanding of why histology is performed and the use and importance of fixatives
    • An understanding of the importance of different processing, sectioning, and staining methods
    • A working ability to recognise and embed a range of mouse tissues
    • Experience of cutting wax microtome sections from a range of mouse tissues
    • Experience of a variety of staining techniques on mouse tissue
    Who is this for:
    • Researchers
    • Animal Technicians
    • PhD Students

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  • Breeding and Using Conditional Transgenic Models

    Breeding and Using Conditional Transgenic Models

    Overview

    This course focuses on breeding and using conditional transgenic models, including establishing colonies for conditional transgenesis and maintaining and breeding Genetically Altered colonies.

    After this course, you will be able to:
    • Have a working knowledge of different genetic backgrounds of mouse strains
    • Understand how to establish colonies for conditional transgenesis
    • Understand the maintenance and breeding of Genetically Altered colonies
    • Plan breeding schemes with consideration of control strategies and cohort numbers
    Who is this for
    • Animal Facility Managers
    • PhD students
    • Researchers with previous knowledge of advanced mouse genetics

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  • Creating and Validating Conditional Transgenic Models

    Creating and Validating Conditional Transgenic Models

    Overview

    Transgenic mice are an important resource to understand gene function, regulation and expression. This course is designed to introduce the principles behind conditional genetic modifications, experimental design and analysis.

    After the course you will be able to:
    • Understand the basic principles of conditional transgenesis
    • Identify the advantages and challenges of these systems
    • Plan for restricting the expression of a transgene
    • Analyse recombinase (Cre) expression
    Who is this for
    • PhD students
    • Researchers with previous knowledge of advanced mouse genetics embarking on conditional transgenic projects

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  • DNA to Disease: Genetics for Beginners

    DNA to Disease: Genetics for Beginners

    Overview

    What is a gene? What is DNA? How do these make proteins? What goes wrong and causes disease in the human body? This course provides a comprehensive introduction into genetics, covering the genetic code and how this leads to protein formation, as well as how errors in DNA can lead to disease.

    After this course, you will be able to:
    • Understand the concept of DNA and how genetic traits are inherited from one generation to the next
    • Understand what genes are and how they code for different proteins
    • Understand the role of different proteins in making different cell types
    • Understand some of the processes by which genetic disease can occur
    Who is this for
    • Animal Technicians
    • Technical Staff
    • Those who are new to genetics

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  • Introduction to Editing the Mouse Genome

    Introduction to Editing the Mouse Genome

    Overview

    Genome editing of mice is widely used but can yield unpredictable outcomes. This course is designed to introduce the principles of design of genome editing, efficient strategies for screening of founder animals and comprehensive validation of newly established lines.

    After this course, you will be able to:
    • Understand the principles of design of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
    • Be aware of different strategies for screening founder animals
    • Understand validation strategies for newly established lines
    Who is this for
    • Researchers
    • PhD students

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  • Microinjection and Electroporation

    Microinjection and Electroporation

    Overview

    The Microinjection and Electroporation course provides tailored and hands-on training in embryo harvesting, set up and operation of microinjection rigs, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection and the process of electroporation to introduce CRISPR-Cas9 reagents to embryos.

    In addition, this course offers a demonstration of surgical embryo transfer and the opportunity to meet and discuss your specific requirements with experts in IVF technology, CRISPR-Cas9 design and mouse colony management.

    Following this course, you will have:
    • Experience of harvesting and sorting 1-cell and 2-cell embryos
    • An understanding of the use of cryopreserved and IVF embryos in gene delivery
    • Practical training in pronuclear and cytoplasmic injection of CRISPR-Cas9 reagent into the embryo (1-cell and 2-cell embryos)
    • Practical training in electroporation of embryos
    • An understanding of the principles of colony management, IVF and cryopreservation
    Who is this for
    • Researchers
    • Senior Animal Technicians
    • PhD Students.

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  • Mouse Embryo and Sperm Cryopreservation

    Mouse Embryo and Sperm Cryopreservation

    Overview

    Cryopreservation allows long-term storage of embryos and sperm, providing a convenient way to preserve, protect and transport mouse strains used in biomedical research. Archiving scientifically relevant mouse lines also adheres to good animal welfare practices by removing the need for continued animal breeding and is integral to any comprehensive colony management programme.

    Running bi-annually since 2004, this course provides practical experience in murine embryo and spermatozoa freezing techniques routinely used at MRC Harwell and a simple, robust in vitro fertilisation procedure. The course will also cover the basic laboratory skills required when working in an assisted reproductive biology environment such as pipetting, weighing, microscope use and embryo handling.

    Following this course, you will have:
    • Practical experience of sperm harvesting and freezing/thawing
    • A clear understanding of how to set up an in vitro fertilisation session using both frozen and freshly harvested sperm
    • Practical experience of oocyte and embryo harvesting for in vitro fertilisation and embryo freezing, respectively
    • Practical experience of embryo cryopreservation/thawing using a simple vitrification method
    • An understanding of surgical embryo transfer, including some practical experience of pre-operative aseptic techniques and sub-cuticular suturing
    • Practical experience of non-surgical embryo transfer techniques
    • An understanding of the current methods used for handling and shipping samples and managing a cryo-archive, as well as an overview of blastocyst genotyping
    Who is this for
    • Researchers
    • Senior Animal Technicians
    • PhD Students

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  • Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Animal Technologists

    Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Animal Technologists

    Overview

    This course introduces animal technicians and researchers to the background of mouse genetics and will cover topics such as Mendelian gene inheritance and genetic crosses, as well as covering important colony management aspects such as calculation of breeding numbers and maintaining genetic integrity of Genetically Altered (GA) lines.

    After the course, you will be able to:
    • Understand the underlying biology of how DNA codes for proteins and how errors lead to genetic disease.
    • Understand Mendelian gene inheritance
    • Predict the outcomes of genetic crosses
    • Have a working knowledge of the genetic background of mouse strains
    • Understand how to maintain the genetic integrity of genetically altered lines
    • Plan breeding schemes with consideration of the minimum number of animals required
    • Understand how GA lines can be established from modern transgenic technologies
    Who is this for:
    • Animal Technicians
    • Early Career Researchers
    • PhD students

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  • Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Researchers

    Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Researchers

    Overview

    This course explores more complex genetic topics, including multiple allele crosses, complex disease models and will inform breeding strategies and experimental design rather than give a complete guide to the molecular biology. Our team of experienced trainers will support you to examine how different modifications lead to different breeding strategies, the importance of genetic consistency and integrity and different modes of inheritance. There will be multiple workshops throughout the course and a focus on troubleshooting unexpected issues when looking after Genetically Altered (GA) mouse lines.

    The course cost includes accommodation.

    After the course, you will be able to:
    • Understand genetic drift and how to maintain the genetic integrity of simple and complex GA lines
    • Understand GA nomenclature and why it is important
    • Predict the outcomes of genetic crosses involving multiple alleles, including chromosomal linkage and sex-linked genes
    • Perform multiple allele inheritance and breeding calculations
    • Understand the fundamentals of different methods that give rise to GA mouse strains
    • Troubleshoot breeding and colony maintenance issues
    • Know the basics of breeding conditional transgenic models
    • Discuss blinding and randomising GA experiments
    Who is this for
    • Researchers
    • PhD students

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  • Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop

    Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop

    Overview

    The Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop will bring together a team of experienced mouse geneticists who will guide you through the process of designing and implementing a mouse research project plan and the subsequent data analysis. There will also be lectures from invited speakers across a broad range of mouse genetics research.

    Topic covered in the workshop include:
    • Mouse Genetics
    • Mouse Strain Generation
    • Conditional Transgenic Models
    • Sourcing and Archiving Mice
    • Experimental Design
    • Breeding Strategies
    • Phenotyping Pipelines
    • Data Analysis

    Who is this for?
    • PhD students
    • Early Career Researchers

    Participants for the Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop will be selected based on responses to the expression of interest questions, which should be completed during the application process.

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  • Mouse Necropsy

    Mouse Necropsy

    Overview

    This course provides practical training in how to perform a basic standard mouse necropsy and describe gross observations made during the process.

    Following the course, you will be able to:
    • Perform a basic standard mouse necropsy
    • Describe gross observations at necropsy
    • Gain an understanding of the rapid ‘emergency’ opening
    Who is this for
    • Researchers
    • Animal Technicians
    • PhD Students.

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  • Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing

    Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing

    Overview

    This 2-day course provides practical training in how to perform a basic standard mouse necropsy and describe gross observations made during the process. It then covers considerations for the treatment of tissues collected at necropsy, some of the routinely used solutions and the cutting in of tissues in preparation for histological processing and embedding.

    Following the course, you will be able to:
    • Perform a basic standard mouse necropsy
    • Describe gross observations at necropsy
    • Gain an understanding of the rapid ‘emergency’ opening
    • Select suitable tissues for histology and further analysis
    • Perform a standard cut-in
    Who is this for:
    • Researchers
    • Animal Technicians
    • PhD Students

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  • Practical Laboratory Skills

    Practical Laboratory Skills

    Overview

    Having the knowledge and confidence to work safely in the laboratory is an essential skill for all staff working in laboratories. This course will cover basic theoretical and practical laboratory skills including preparing COSHH risk assessments, good laboratory practice, use of fume hoods/biosafety cabinets, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment, pipetting skills, using balances and preparing reagents and solutions.

    Following the course, you will be able to:
    • Prepare and understand the purpose of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment (RA) forms
    • Understand the importance of good laboratory practice, including choosing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining accurate laboratory records
    • Correctly use fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges and other general laboratory equipment
    • Choose the correct pipette for your task and perform common techniques
    • Set up and use balances correctly
    • Prepare reagents and solutions
    • Adjust the pH of solutions
    Who is this for
    • Research Staff
    • Technical Staff
    • Students new to the laboratory environment, or experienced personnel looking to refresh their skills

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  • Practical Light Microscopy

    Practical Light Microscopy

    Overview

    Proper microscope use is important for any researcher; using a microscope correctly prevents eyestrain, saves time and avoids the presence of artefacts in the final image. Our course will cover the background and development of the microscope and aims to develop researchers’ practice in microscopy.

    Following the course, you will be able to:
    • Set up a brightfield microscope for Köhler illumination
    • Understand how a microscope forms an image
    • Know when to use fluorescence and confocal microscopes
    Who is this for
    • Research Staff
    • Technical Staff
    • Students new to the laboratory environment, or experienced personnel looking to refresh their skills

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