APHIS 101: Arthropod and Plant Research Permits is a webinar for those that work with plant pathogens, arthropods, or with genetically modified plants and insects. This course will provide participants with an overview of APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Services) eFile including BRS (Biotechnology Regulatory Services), PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine), and VS (Veterinary Services) permitting. It will also review EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) labeling and wildlife permits and address intrastate and interstate movement of permitted organisms. The course will offer various scenarios and interactive exercises that show the process of applying for and acquiring permits. Participants will be guided through permit strategies.

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.