This 5 part webinar series will give you an understanding of basic RT‑qPCR techniques and troubleshooting for each step of the gene expression workflow. Each class will include 45 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of live Q&A. Slides and downloadable resources are available for each class.
April 04
Session 1
April 05
Session 2
April 06
Session 3
April 07
Session 4
April 08
Session 5
Classes are taught by Bio‑Rad's Field Application Specialists who have diligently compiled all the questions they have received in the field and have designed this class to be both comprehensive and efficient. All classes will be available on‑demand 24 hrs after each live event.
Get a certificate and wall poster
A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all classes. Plus get a colorful Gene Expression University wall poster to display in your lab.
Course Details
Introduction to RT‑qPCR and Gene Expression ‑ qPCR 101
- DNA structure and the Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reagents and conditions considerations for DNA amplification during qPCR
- Theory of fluorescence detection during qPCR
- Understanding the shape and parts of an amplification curve
David Eaves is an expert in molecular biology techniques, supported by over 15 years of hands‑on experience working in both research and clinical environments. He has translated this experience to support researchers as a field application scientist and technical sales specialist at Bio‑Rad Laboratories. He also spent 8 years at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, serving as a senior molecular pathology technician, supporting clinical sequencing applications.
RNA Sample Preparation Considerations for RT‑qPCR
- Overview of RNA function, diversity, and key characteristics to position it in RT‑qPCR methodology
- RNA Isolation: Methods and precautions to ensure a pure and intact RNA
- cDNA Synthesis: Review RT process, enzymes, and suitability for different RNA biotypes
- Review RNA quantification/quality methods
Jordan Sheets represents Bio‑Rad as the Genomics Field Application Scientist (GFAS) for the western region of America. His current focus includes consulting pharmaceutical companies to assist in the development of new and current therapies that rely heavily on genomics techniques, such as real‑time PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and next generation sequencing. Jordan earned his Master’s degree in Integrative Genomics from Black Hills State University (BHSU) in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Jordan enrolled in the Basic Biomedical Sciences (BBS) program through the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USDSSM), completing his PhD in 2017, followed by a 2‑year postdoctoral training program at Sanford Research (2017‑2019). During his education and training, Jordan has acquired valuable experience managing projects surrounding SARS‑CoV‑2 detection, cancer biology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, and ecological evolution.
Experimental Design for Gene Expression by RT‑qPCR
- Experimental design considerations before you begin your project
- Selecting the right controls: What they are, how to set them up, and how to interpret results
- Biological and technical replicates: Why are they needed and how many?
- Considerations for designing primers
- Considerations for designing probes
Dr. Ellison is a field application scientist with over 20 years of experience in molecular biology and transcriptional regulation in the fields of metabolism, cancer, and biomarker detection. Her current role involves helping researchers develop robust methodologies for ddPCR and qPCR. Dr. Ellison earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University and was formerly a postdoctoral fellow at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Assay Optimization for RT‑qPCR
- Why we optimize and validate
- Getting started with optimization: Thermal PCR gradient and other considerations for optimizing
- Getting started with validation: Melt curve analysis and gels, standard curve, and troubleshooting
- Steps and considerations for optimizing multiplex assays
Adam Brown is a genomics Field Application Specialist for Bio‐Rad Laboratories in the South‐Central region of the United States. He earned his PhD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where his research involved the role of transcription factors in colon and liver pathogenesis. Adam has worked with Bio‐Rad for over six years and has over 14 years of experience in PCR and genomics research. In his current role, he specializes in real‐time PCR, Droplet Digital PCR, and single cell sequencing.
Gene Expression Analysis by RT‑qPCR
- Overview of gene expression analysis
- Pre‑analysis quality check: Steps for checking the data suitability for analysis
- Calculating gene expression (delta and deltadelta Cq)
- Calculating error (standard deviation and standard error of the mean)
- Statistical analysis (t‑test and anova)
- Multi‑plate analysis: How to run an experiment spanning multiple plates and when an inter‑run calibrator is needed
Eric Johnson is an accomplished molecular and cellular biologist with a background in neuromuscular disorders, cardiac electrophysiology and transcriptional regulation. Eric received his PhD in Biochemistry from Ohio State University and was formerly a Post Doctorate at Washington University's Department of Cardiology. As a Bio‐Rad Genomics Field Application Scientist, Eric supports researchers in the development and implementation of various genomic techniques including real‐time PCR, droplet digital PCR, and next generation sequencing.
Danielle earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hope College, and from there she went on to study adenoviruses and innate immunity at the University of Michigan, earning her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology. After her Ph.D. studies, Danielle worked at a genetic testing company for two years developing custom prenatal screens for monogenic diseases on a droplet digital PCR platform before joining Bio-Rad as a Field Application Scientist in the Great Lakes region.
Ask‑Me‑Anything about Gene Expression Live!
Ask our Field Applications Specialists anything about Gene Expression during this LIVE webinar.
Watch our Field Applications Specialists answer audience questions about Gene Expression during this webinar.
Jordan Sheets represents Bio‑Rad as the Genomics Field Application Scientist (GFAS) for the western region of America. His current focus includes consulting pharmaceutical companies to assist in the development of new and current therapies that rely heavily on genomics techniques, such as real‑time PCR (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and next generation sequencing. Jordan earned his Master’s degree in Integrative Genomics from Black Hills State University (BHSU) in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Jordan enrolled in the Basic Biomedical Sciences (BBS) program through the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USDSSM), completing his PhD in 2017, followed by a 2‑year postdoctoral training program at Sanford Research (2017‑2019). During his education and training, Jordan has acquired valuable experience managing projects surrounding SARS‑CoV‑2 detection, cancer biology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, and ecological evolution.
Brian Hodge represents Bio‑Rad as a Genomics Field Application Scientist for the region near San Francisco, California, U.S. His role focuses on supporting private companies in the region who are using real‑time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Brian obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University (OSU), followed by a post‑doctoral position also at OSU. Brian has extensive experience in applying gene expression and next generation sequencing for agricultural research and has acquired experience in assay development for SARS‑CoV‑2 variant detection, cell and gene therapy applications, and cancer biology.
Sanket is the Team Leader for Bio‑Rad's Field Applications Specialists within the Life Science Group, which includes Bio‑Rad's best‑in‑class Genomics and PCR portfolio. Sanket has held various commercial positions in the life science industry including technical sales and product management roles in cancer, immunology and cell and gene therapy areas. Prior to joining the commercial sector, he completed a PhD in Oncology and Cancer Biology from the University of Sydney, followed by five year’s post‑doctoral studies at Cancer Research UK and the University of New South Wales. His research has been published in several first and co‑authors publications in prestigious scientific journals including Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, Nature Cell Biology, PNAS and Cell.
Yuhai Jiang is excellent in molecular biology, proteomics and cell biology techniques, supporting all products for over 6 years at Bio‑Rad Laboratory. He earned abundant experiences in qPCR and ddPCR in substantial pre‑sale seminars and post‑sale trainings. He is insightful in both qPCR MIQE guideline and dPCR MIQE guideline.
Durgesh Singh represents Bio‑Rad as a Senior Field Application Specialist based out of Gurgaon, India. In his current role, he supports customers from Northern states of India by assisting them in their research projects, demonstrating and troubleshooting the entire segment of products. He also conduct workshops and seminars to introduce cutting edge technologies to young researchers. Durgesh graduated with a Master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University(BHU), Varanasi India in Botany 2009. His doctorate work was in reproductive biology and focused on elucidating the process of sperm capacitation which earned him a degree in 2016 from CSIR‑ CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad India. During his education and trainings, he had gained valuable experiences in plant pathology, microbial diversity, reproductive science, stem cell biology and cancer genomics.