DNA lies at the core of almost all life forms on Earth. This thread of life holds the key to all the mysteries of life. For someone who wants to work in any field of life sciences at the molecular level, DNA is the place to begin.

Vaccines have been an integral part of public health for decades. Although the basic principles remain the same, the technology used in vaccine development has undergone rapid changes. Awareness of the science behind them can encourage students to be future innovators in vaccine technology.

In this course, students analyze the relationship between the structure of DNA and its function at a molecular level and understand how each of its functionalities when combined with technology is shaping our understanding of life. This course also introduces students to the science of Vaccines. How vaccines work, How they are designed and formulated, Can there be a vaccine for cancer are some of the questions the course answers.

Curriculum - All About DNA

1. Introduction to DNA - 1.5 Hrs - Create a 3D model of DNA
2. Visualizing DNA - 1.5 Hrs - Extract DNA from Bananas using household ingredients.
3. Studying DNA - 1.5 hrs - Perform an electrophoresis experiment to understand one of the most important methods in DNA research.
4. DNA in forensics - 1.5 Hrs - Take up the challenge to identify the culprit using DNA analysis.
5. Working of DNA - Replication - 1.5 Hrs - Use lego blocks to understand how DNA replicates itself.
6. Working of DNA - Transcription Translation 1.5 Hrs - Use simulations to understand the process of protein synthesis.
7. Understanding Mutations Cancer - 1.5 Hrs - Understand Mutations and find mutated genes that can cause Cancers.
8. Understanding Mutations Evolution - 1.5 Hrs - Through a hands-on activity, associate the process of evolution with mutations.
9. DNA meets technology - 1.5 Hrs - Get introduced to the concept of genetic engineering. Research and debate on genetically modified organisms.
10. Conclusion and quiz - 1.5 Hrs - Recap the learnings from the course through fun games and quizzes.

Curriculum - Vaccines - The Viral Science

1. Understanding Immune response - 1 Hr - Using the battlefield as an analogy, understand how the immune system works.
2. Strategies for Vaccine design - 1 Hr - Compare traditional and newer methods of vaccine design with a focus on its active ingredient - the antigen.
3. Vaccine formulation - Delivery mechanisms - 1 Hr - Understand what other ingredients go into the formulation of the Vaccine with a focus on molecular vehicles for delivery of the antigen.
4. Determining the success of a vaccine - 1 Hr - Having a great vaccine does not mean eradication of a disease. Understand why mass vaccinations are important in public health.
5. Vaccine for cancer - 1 Hr - Explore the possibilities of preventing cancers through vaccines. Understand the scope of mRNA technology in cancer vaccines.

Mode of Delivery - Live Instructor-Led

Suitable for - Grades 8 - 12

Duration - 20 hrs

The course includes

• 20 hrs - Live instructor-led training
• 10 - Hands-on activities
• Course Resources - Access for one month
• Certificate - On successful completion