HANDS-ON WORKSHOP ON QRT-PCR, NGS-DNA-SEQ DATA ANALYSIS, ANIMAL TISSUE CULTURE, AND HPLC

Organised by: Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS), NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Mumbai
Dates: April 15 – April 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: SDSOS, 7th Floor, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-400 056, India

Overview:

The Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS), NMIMS, Mumbai successfully conducted a week-long series of hands-on workshops on advanced techniques in biology from April 15 to April 18, 2025. These workshops were specifically designed for third-year B.Sc. students to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and laboratory application, focusing on cutting-edge scientific methodologies widely used in modern biological research and industry. The sessions were structured to provide both theoretical background and intensive practical training, offering participants the opportunity to interact with experienced faculty, utilise modern instrumentation, and apply concepts in a real-time laboratory setting.

Workshop Schedule and Participation:

Date	Name of the faculty	Workshop Topic	Number of Participants
April 15, 2025	Dr. Harinder Singh	Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR)	12
April 16, 2025	Dr. Bajarang Kumbhar	Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Data Analysis	6
April 17, 2025	Dr. Sonal Manohar	Animal Cell Culture Techniques	22
April 18, 2025	Dr. Brijesh Sukumaran	High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)	7

Each session was handled by expert faculty and technical staff from SDSOS with extensive experience in the respective domains.

Participating Institutions:

The workshops witnessed enthusiastic participation from undergraduate students of several reputed colleges across Mumbai and Thane, including:

K.C. College
K.J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce
Guru Nanak Khalsa College
Sathaye College
PTVA's Sathaye College
Vartak College
B.N. Bandodkar College, Thane
B.N.B. College of Science
Mithibai College
Wilson College
Bhavan’s College, Andheri West
University of Mumbai

This diverse representation enriched the learning environment and fostered academic networking among students from different institutions.

Workshop Highlights:

qRT-PCR (April 15): Participants learned RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative analysis of gene expression using real-time PCR.
NGS Data Analysis (April 16): Focused on introducing bioinformatics tools for processing and interpreting DNA sequencing data, including quality control, trimming, variant calling and visualization.
Animal Cell Culture (April 17): Covered aseptic techniques, media preparation, sub-culturing, and viability assessment of mammalian cells.
HPLC (April 18): Provided insights into chromatographic techniques, including sample preparation, instrument calibration, and result interpretation.

Each session concluded with an interactive Q&A and feedback session, where students shared their learning experiences and received participation certificates.

Conclusion:

The workshop series concluded successfully with positive feedback from both students and accompanying faculty. It significantly contributed to enhancing the laboratory skills and scientific curiosity of the undergraduate participants. SDSOS remains committed to offering such initiatives that foster practical learning and prepare students for advanced studies and careers in life sciences.