Q: What is unique about applying molecular techniques to the study of neuroscience?

"There is nothing unique about applying molecular biology techniques to neuroscience. However, nervous system tissue may be more demanding than others. For example, particular messages (mRNAs) may only be expressed at very low levels. This is a traditional signal-to-noise problem, but with a new twist."--S. Fredman

"From my standpoint, the unique aspect of applying molecular techniques to neuroscience lies in the multi-level approach we can take in the lab. We can apply whole animal, in vitro electrophysiological and molecular techniques to provide a genomic and environmental explanation for behavioral, and in my case autonomic, phenomenon."--J. Kramer

"In my case it is the lack of homogeneity across cells in the brain. Trying to sort out which cells are involved in specific actions is a big task."--G. Edwards

Q: How effective is the tight lecture-lab approach to training in molecular techniques?

"I think the lecture-lab approach is necessary...becasue there is so much theory behind many of the techniques. It is vital for a molecular biologist to first understand why something need be done and approach the details on a case-by-case basis."--K. Buxton

"The tight lecture-lab approach [was] extremely effective."--S. Fredman

"I liked it because it offered the opportunity to ask questions about each step of the process. If you didn't understand why you did something, the lecture let you ask about it."--G. Edwards

 
Gaylen Edwards, University of Georgia, prepares a protein minigel for electrophoresis and subsequent Western blotting.

"I believe that the approach is a good one in that the theory of the technique was taught and then we actually went and performed the technique right away. Because of that, I feel there is an advantage over a course done at the university where things get stretched out over the semester and lecture and lab are not necessarily very close together..."--J. Woollard

Q: Can a scientist become a molecular biologist after one week of fairly intensive training?

"NO! But coupled with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning, it is a great springboard to becoming a molecular biologist."--G. Edwards

"NO! However, I think that an appreciation for the lab work is developed and the seeds for ideas and the potential for new approaches to many problems are made plain."--J. Woollard

"No. It is such a vast field. An intensive training course would be a nice introduction to the molecular world, but there is too much information to approach/absorb in a short period of time."--K. Buxton

"No, one does not become a molecular biologist (or any other kind of researcher) after only one week. What this course did was expand horizons. It made molecular biology much less intimidating..."--S. Fredman

Q: Once you try these techniques in your own studies, how will you troubleshoot the experiments?

"Using the supplied handbook and consulting people on campus. The course work won't really solve my problems, but now I know what questions to ask."--C. Ahern

"I will look back on my notes and consult colleagues who perform these techniques on a regular basis. Also, I will check online resources as well as published notes."--J. Kramer

"I can be a more active participant in the troubleshooting."--G. Edwards

Q: Are there particular (primary) reference materials that you will consult when conducting molecular techniques on your own?

[Editor's note: see Photos & References for these recommended reference materials.]

"Maniatis and Sambrook is a classic."--C. Ahern

"I will start with the books noted in class and other molecular techniques books located in the library and other labs in the department."--J. Kramer

"We use anything that we can (Maniatis, Promega Notes, Clontech notes, etc.). You have any good suggestions?"--G. Edwards

"There are several protocol books available from the library and in our lab such as Current Protocols, and the book list given to us in the course, as well as several other books..."--J. Woollard

"Several reference materials were recommended in the course. There are others that have also been recommended. My colleagues have some of these (i.e., the Protocols on CD-ROM)."--S. Fredman