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Pathology

Basics of Histology

A hands-on introduction to histology at Advance, Harwell. Develop practical skills in tissue embedding, microtomy and staining while learning how histological techniques support biomedical research.

  • Pathology
  • 1 day
Tutor
Adele Austin
When
  • 11 March 2027
Availability
Open for booking
Cost
£395
Duration
1 day

Course Overview

This course introduces a range of histological procedures, the reasoning behind the use of histology in research, and the importance of using various techniques in processing, sectioning, and staining of mouse tissues.

Who is this for:

  • Researchers
  • Animal Technicians
  • PhD Students

Includes

  • An understanding of why histology is performed and the use and importance of fixatives
  • An understanding of the importance of different processing, sectioning, and staining methods
  • A working ability to recognise and embed a range of mouse tissues
  • Experience of cutting wax microtome sections from a range of mouse tissues
  • Experience of a variety of staining techniques on mouse tissue

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: £300. Contact the team if you need help exploring funding or team bookings.

Tutors

Meet Your Tutor

This course is taught by active practitioners who bring current methods, practical judgement, and real laboratory context into every session.

Adele Austin

Adele Austin

Senior Pathology technician at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Apprenticeship at Harwell. BTEC in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the College of Oxford and HTEC in Medical Laboratory Science at Paddington College.

Adele Austin is a pathology technician based in the Histology lab with over 40 years of experience in research. Her work provides a support service to researchers and students.

After completing her apprenticeship at MLC Harwell and a HTEC in Medical Laboratory Sciences at Paddington, Adele continued at the MLC. At the beginning of her career, most of her work focused on the effects of radiation on various organs, and over the years she has been involved with numerous projects including diabetes, deafness, cancer, sexual development, and the international IMPC study.

Through her involvement with the Advance Training Centre, Adele brings extensive experience in histology techniques, helping to support the development of practical skills and current methodologies.

  • Pathology

What You Will Take Away

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

Hands-on technical mastery

Leave with stronger practical confidence and a clearer understanding of how to troubleshoot real lab problems.

Current methods and emerging practice

Build capability that reflects how active researchers and technical teams are working now.

Confidence to work independently

Apply what you learn immediately, supported by materials, recordings, and follow-on guidance.

Next

Build on Your Foundation

Deepen your skills with related courses

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