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Development and Application of Gene Expression Biomarkers of Coral Stress and Disease
(July 24-31, 2009)
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This
8-day course is for professional scientists and graduate students interested in
gene expression analysis as a diagnostic tool for coral research.
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Instructor: Mikhail "Misha" Matz , University of Texas at Austin.
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Expression levels of genes related to stress, growth, immunity, and
reproduction can serve as useful proxies (biomarkers) to assess the
health condition of an organism in situ, which is of prime interest
for conservation biology. The workshop will present bioinformatic and
wet lab techniques required to develop and use gene expression assays
in two ubiquitous Caribbean coral species, Porites astreoides and
Montastraea faveolata. The gene expression will be measured using
quantitative PCR (QPCR). The workshop will use several previously
reported assays, plus lead the students through the process of
developing new ones, including database mining, PCR primer design and
ordering, and assay calibration. The statistical analysis of the QPCR
results will be performed in R language environment. The methodology
will be applied to experimentally treated corals, as well as to
corals sampled in situ in different ecological settings (inshore vs.
offshore reefs). Sample collection using SCUBA and elements of coral
experimental biology will therefore be part of the workshop. The
results of the workshop will be reported as one or two peer-reviewed
publications, with workshop participants as co-authors. The workshop
is partially sponsored by Clontech and Roche Applied Science, who
provide state-of-the art QPCR instrumentation and reagents at no cost
to participants. This workshop is limited to 12 participants.
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Prerequisites: College-level biology, chemistry, and genetics are
required, and courses in invertebrate zoology, ecology, chemistry,
biochemistry, physiology, or marine sciences will be helpful.
Practical molecular biology experience, however limited, is highly
desirable, but is not required. SCUBA certification is required for
diving and applicants will need to meet Mote's standards for
"temporary diver" status. Click here to
view Mote's policies and requirements for obtaining clearance to dive.
Snorkeling is also an option for the 3 scheduled dive trips.
Costs: The course fee of
$1650.00 includes all course materials,
accommodations, meals (dinner, 7/24 through breakfast on 7/31), boat costs,
SCUBA tanks and weights. Participants should bring their own mask, snorkel, fins, regulator,
BCD, and weight belt (rentals can be arranged if required). With advanced notice, pick
up and drop off at the Key West International Airport may be arranged.
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Key Dates
25 May, 2009 - Application receipt deadline
1 June, 2009 - Notification of acceptance
15 June, 2009 - Deposit ($300.00) due
1 July, 2009 - Balance ($1350.00) due, or last
day to withdraw with deposit refund
**dive forms due**
24 July, 2009 - Course starts
(plan to arrive by 4 p.m. EDT)
31 July, 2009 - Course ends
(departure is after lunch)
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Credit: No credit is being offered for this workshop. Questions
about the workshop should be directed to Dr. Matz
(matz@mail.utexas.edu).
Forms: All interested individuals are required to complete a course application form:
(.pdf
) or (.doc )
Completed applications can be mailed or faxed to the address and number below, or you can
complete the .doc version of the application by typing in the fields, saving as a Word document,
then e-mail it to:
SRG@delta-seven.com
Stillwater Research Group
447 3rd Avenue N. Suite 309
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 823-2443
(727) 550-2513 (fax)
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TRL is a fully equipped marine research and education facility, with
housing, vessels, dry labs, raceways and tanks, SCUBA support, and more.
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"Hands-On"
Field Training
Lab
Techniques
 On-site
Housing
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