RSB Introduction to C. elegans

Event Date: September 23rd - 24th 2026

Location: University of Derby, Derby, England, UK

Website: https://my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4810 

* This course contributes to the Royal Society of Biology's Technical Skills Certificate

Course location: University of Derby, Derby, England, UK

Timings: Day 1 (13:00 – 16:00), Day 2 (09:00 – 17:00)
Booking includes includes afternoon refreshments and dinner on Day 1, and morning and afternoon refreshments with a buffet lunch on Day 2. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and troubleshoot their research with others in the field.

Overview

The nematode, C. elegans, has been used as a model in all aspects of scientific research, from genetics and developmental biology to mechanistic discovery, neurobiology and neurocognition.
Over the course of the next 3 sessions, participants will learn a few basic but key techniques that will enable them to incorporate the C. elegans model in their research. These techniques include:
  • Basic nematode culture (agar and buffer preparation, E. coli lawns and maintenance of stocks)
  • Assessing nematode sensation of mechanical and chemical stimuli, e.g. chemotaxis
  • Applications of chemotaxis assays
  • Assessing longevity
  • PCR analysis of nematodes (including RNA extraction)