ScienceReach: Technical Training Program

Hands-on Biotechnology Courses for High School and College Students

Empowering the next generation of scientists in San Diego

Response to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Spectra aim to conduct courses in an environment that is conducive and safe for the students and Spectra Bio Lab staff. All Spectra Bio Lab staff will be vaccinated, and class sizes will be limited to ensure social distancing. Staff and students will be required to utilize appropriate PPEs. In case courses need to be cancelled due to the pandemic, Spectra will either refund the registration fees in full (minus 3% credit card charges), or registered students can opt to transfer their registration to desired future classes.

What is ScienceReach?

At Spectra Bio Labs, we believe that an investment in the future of biotechnology is the most valuable contribution that we could make. For us, that means empowering the next generation of scientists by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to stand out and pursue fruitful careers in science and technology. To do so, we at Spectra Bio Labs have created ScienceReach technical courses for high school/college students and professional development for anyone motivated to pursue opportunities in the sciences.

What does ScienceReach offer?

The ScienceReach curriculum aims to provide hands on scientific training and professional laboratory exposure to students. The courses are taught by biotechnology professionals with industry and academic experience. Here are a few features of the Spectra Bio Labs ScienceReach program:
  • Hands on training in small classes
  • Classes are conducted by trained professionals with academic and industry experience.
  • Students will work directly with professional-grade analytical equipment
  • Students will be taught the techniques for the analysis and testing of common macromolecules (protein/DNA)
  • With the experience gained at ScienceReach, students are better equipped to explore internship opportunities in biotechnology and other sciences
  • Spectra Bio Labs is centrally located in Sorrento Valley

(For professional development and on-job training, please contact Spectra Bio Labs at contact@spectrabiolabs.com)

For answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to our FAQ page.

Course Catalog

Summer 2022

Course Name
Description
Prerequisites
Session Dates
Course 1

Biotechnology
Level 1

Description
This course will provide students with hands-on experience in the basic tools & techniques used in molecular biology labs. Examples of what students will learn include: DNA extraction, plasmid preparation, restriction digestion, agarose electrophoresis, transformation techniques and chromosomal staining to view chromosomes during cell division.
Prerequisites
  • High School Chemistry
  • High School Biology
Session Dates
Session 1 June 13 – June 29
Mon – Wed
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Session 2 Please contact if interested:
contact@spectrabiolabs.com
(858)-518-1466
Course 2

Biotechnology
Level 2

Description

Students will clone a gene and analyze its protein expression. In addition to using the techniques learnt during Level 1, students will learn how to perform Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.

Prerequisites
  • Biotechnology
    Level 1
Session Dates
Session 1
FULL
July 15 – July 31
Thurs – Sat
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Session 2
FULL
Aug 2 – Aug 18
Mon – Wed
2 PM – 5 PM
Session 3 Please contact if interested:
contact@spectrabiolabs.com
(858)-518-1466
Course 3

Protein Analysis
Level 1

Description

This course will introduce students to protein analysis labs. Students will gain hands-on experience in the basic tools & techniques used in protein analysis, such as: spectrophotometry, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and preliminary chromatography techniques.

Prerequisites
  • High School Chemistry
  • High School Biology
Session Dates
Session 1 July 12 – July 28
Mon – Wed
2 PM – 5 PM
Session 2 Please contact if interested: contact@spectrabiolabs.com (858)-518-1466
Course 4

Protein Analysis
Level 2

Description
Students will perform protein modification and analysis experiments. In addition to using techniques learnt during Level 1, students will learn how to use automated liquid chromatography techniques like HPLC and Western Analysis.
Prerequisites
  • Protein Analysis
    Level 1
Session Dates

TBD

Space will be limited, so register early to reserve a spot!

Please contact Spectra Bio Labs at contact@spectrabiolabs.com for more details.