AQUALAB 1: Molecular Biology and Ecology in Aquaculture

Venue: University of Kuopio, Kuopio, FINLAND
Local Organiser: Heikki Koskinen of University of Kuopio
Participation Fee: €700 (note a significant number of funded places are available to eligible applicants)
Date of Course: May 23 - 30, 2005
Co-ordinator: AquaTT
Funded by: Marie Curie Action (Series of Events) of the Sixth Framework Programme


INTRODUCTION
The new and exciting laboratory-based “Molecular Biology and Ecology in Aquaculture" training course was the first in the AquaTT-led, Marie Curie funded series known as AQUALABS. It was hosted at the centre of excellence in molecular techniques namely, the University of Kuopio, Finland.

The AQUALABS Training Course in Kuopio had 30 participants from 17 countries worldwide. The countries represented on the Training Course included Spain, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Finland, Turkey, UK, Australia, Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, Iran, Poland and Iceland.

THE COURSE
With a consistent increase in the importance of molecular studies in aquaculture and fish ecology, this course provided state-of-the-art hands-on training in molecular immunology, RNA extraction, electrophoresis, cDNA synthesis, quantitative RT-PCR, gel preparation & extraction, TOPO cloning, plating, plasmid-DNA purification for sequencing, analyses and microarray technology.

For the purpose of the course, the University of Kuopio sourced a number of leading lecturers in this growing field of research for the lectures from the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Kuopio, University of Turku, and the University of Crete. Participants also visited the Aquaculture Research Unit part of the Institute of Applied Biotechnology at the University of Kuopio .

A comprehensive educational package consisting of theory, lectures, practicals, case-studies was hosted at the University of Kuopio between May 23 and May 30, 2005 inclusive. It is important to note that part and parcel of the educational experience within Marie Curie is the opportunity for exchange with other young researchers and thus, a fun-filled leisure and cultural programme will complement and complete the educational experience.

Refer to the following link to view the Photo Gallery from the Course in Kuopio: The AquaTT photo galleries are currently being updated. The galleries will be online again at the beginning of February 2008.        

The Series Promotes EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES For All