Genetics

DNA to Disease: Genetics for Beginners

A beginner-friendly introduction to genetics at Advance, Harwell. Explore how DNA and genes direct protein production, and discover how genetic changes can contribute to human disease.

  • Genetics
  • 1 day
Tutor
Michelle Stewart
Availability
Register interest
Cost
£250
Duration
1 day

Course Overview

What is a gene? What is DNA? How do these make proteins? What goes wrong and causes disease in the human body? This course provides a comprehensive introduction into genetics, covering the genetic code and how this leads to protein formation, as well as how errors in DNA can lead to disease.

Who is this for
  • Animal Technicians
  • Technical Staff
  • Those who are new to genetics

Includes

  • Understand the concept of DNA and how genetic traits are inherited from one generation to the next
  • Understand what genes are and how they code for different proteins
  • Understand the role of different proteins in making different cell types
  • Understand some of the processes by which genetic disease can occur

Course details

Where

This course takes place at Advance, Harwell. You will be working in dedicated training spaces designed for practical scientific learning.

Format

This is a 1 day practical course built around active participation, demonstrations, and supervised technical work.

Level

Suitable for learners who want to translate scientific knowledge into stronger practical capability.

Availability

Register interest

Cost

Course fee: £250. Contact the team if you need help exploring funding or team bookings.

Tutors

Michelle Stewart

Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology; PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics

Michelle Stewart is the Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell. She began her career at the MLC in 2004 as an animal technician, quickly progressing to NACWO and ward manager before taking on the role of Scientific Manager in 2013.

Alongside her professional duties, Michelle completed a part-time degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, followed by a PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics, which she was awarded in 2019.

Michelle has more than 20 years of experience working with genetically altered mice, with particular expertise in complex breeding strategies, colony management, phenotyping, and all aspects of licensing. In her current role, she oversees the full operation of the animal facility at the Mary Lyon Centre, including husbandry, in-vivo studies such as dosing and phenotyping, gene delivery, and rederivation.

She works closely with both external researchers and internal teams to support and deliver high-quality in-vivo research for academic groups, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical partners across the UK. Michelle is deeply passionate about genetics and is committed to training and mentoring both animal technicians and researchers, promoting best practice and ensuring that the use of animals in research is conducted to the highest scientific and ethical standards.

  • Genetics

What You Will Take Away

The course is designed to give learners practical outcomes they can carry back into their own work immediately.

Understand the concept of DNA and how genetic traits are inherited from one generation to the next

Understand what genes are and how they code for different proteins

Understand the role of different proteins in making different cell types

Questions

What should I bring?

Bring a notebook and any device you regularly use for work. We provide the equipment and materials needed for the practical sessions.

Is prior experience required?

The course is designed for learners who want to build or deepen practical capability. If you are unsure about your level, contact us and we can advise.

Do you offer group bookings?

Yes. We can discuss group bookings, scheduling, and practical requirements for teams or organisations.

Ready to Advance Your Practice?

Secure your place or register your interest today