ABSA International

Concepts of Virology will briefly review gene expression in eukaryotes and examine several concepts of virology. Characteristics of different viral families will be presented as well as general replication strategies employed by different viruses. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and strategies for antiviral intervention will also be explored. Participants should have a familiarity with molecular biology. The course is targeted to the biosafety professional who does not actively conduct laboratory research but would like to gain a basic knowledge of virology.

Large-scale Biosafety will review biosafety for work at large-scale, which the NIH rDNA Guidelines defines as >10L. The course will review Appendix K from GLSP to BSL-3 LS, with a focus on primary and secondary containment. It will review basic bioprocessing steps, such as fermentation/cell culture and purification technologies. Examples of classic and newer single use technologies will be provided. Pearls and pitfalls of the various technologies will be discussed, using various scenarios. The course will include a review of risk assessment techniques used for large scale bioprocesses and a discussion of large-scale related to vaccines, viral vectors, and recombinant proteins.

Molecular Biology 101 is intended for those professionals that participate in protocol review, facilities planning, and other risk assessment activities but lack a basic understanding of molecular biology and techniques. Following this course, attendees will be able to do more than regurgitate facts and use the new understanding of the principles of molecular biology in various situations at their institution. This course will cover topics such as the chemistry of nucleic acids, DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein translation, the Central Dogma of Biology, DNA cloning, transfection of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, restriction enzymes, and recombinant DNA lab methodologies (including PCR, DNA fingerprinting, sequencing, and detection protocols). While this course will not turn you into a molecular biologist, it will give you enough background information to understand the nature and manipulation of genetic material and hopefully unveil the mystery of deoxyribonucleic acid.

Virus-based Gene Transfer Vectors is an intermediate course that will examine the molecules, processes, and techniques involved in recombinant gene expression. Participants will explore the technology of how viruses are converted into vector systems for the transfer of gene expression constructs. Common viral vector systems, including retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, poxviruses, herpesviruses, alphaviruses, and baculoviruses will be discussed with an emphasis on the biosafety characteristics of the vectors derived from these viruses. This course is targeted for the biosafety professional who is not actively conducting laboratory research yet requires a basic understanding of recombinant DNA methodology.