A training programme of one month’s duration on “Microbiological and Molecular Biological Techniques” for students of Biotechnology and other related fields from other Universities was organized by the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ludhiana. Dr. T. S. Rai, Professor cum Head of Vety. Microbiology said that a total of 29 students participated from various institutes like Baba Farid College, Deon (Bathinda) affliated to Punjabi University, Patiala, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Guru Gobind Singh College of PU Chandigarh, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar of GNDU Amritsar. The students were given hands-on training on various conventional and molecular techniques used in microbiological diagnosis. During their stay at University, Ludhiana they learnt the basic techniques like staining, isolation of microorganisms, their characterization by biochemical tests, immunological tests like HI, AGPT, SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting and other molecular tests like PCR, ELISA etc.
He revealed that the students appreciated that such courses help them to broaden their vision regarding designing of research experiments and to increase their research capabilities by getting chance to learn practically about the functioning of latest equipments and techniques like PCR, Quantitative PCR or Real time PCR. They further said that this is a good platform to interact with students and faculty of the host institute too and to devise research methodology in a way to help in designing research experiments. The students learnt practically in depth about various conventional and molecular techniques like Immunological and Biochemical Tests as well as molecular tests used in diagnosis of various bacterial viral and fungal diseases. While giving away the certificates to the participants Dr Rai appreciated the faculty who delivered lectures and practical to the participants and emphasized that such trainings provide good opportunity to the students in updating their scientific knowledge. It’s also explores the possibility of joint research programmes or to avail the research facilities available with them in a way that both the host and collaborating institutes are benefitted.
