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Training & Development

On-site training

We may also be able to bring certain aspects of the workshop (see below) or a more customised training programme to industrial research centres. Contact us at pharmahub@leeds.ac.uk for more details.

Leeds Ion Channel Workshop

About the Workshop

The Workshop began in 1999 and has run yearly with participants from a range of organisations including Aberdeen University, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Amersham Biosciences, Astra Zeneca (UK and Sweden), Biofocus, Draper Lab MIT, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline (UK and USA), Hoffman La Roche, Huntingdon Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Merck-Frost, Millipore, National Physics Laboratory, National University of Ireland, Nencki Institute, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Organon, Oxford University, Peking University, Pfizer (UK and USA), Sanofi-Aventis, Scottish Biomedical, Shandong University, St Andrews University, St George’s Hospital Medical School London, Takeda Cambridge, University of Auburn, University of Bucharest, University of Joensuu, University of Mysore, University of Regensburg, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Xention.

The Workshop provides a brief introduction to the biology of ion channels followed by coverage of the basic theory, potential artefacts and hands-on experience of whole-cell patch-clamp, bio-imaging and sharp electrode methodology. Participants also receive training in data handling and presentation. The workshop is specifically aimed at a basic level for scientists who use, plan to use or simply need to know about the methodology, but do not require a comprehensive theoretical knowledge. It will help you to avoid basic mistakes and artefacts, present your data with confidence and spot mistakes in the work of others. No previous knowledge or experience of the techniques is required. The Workshop lasts for 5 days and occurs within the normal working environment of the University’s Integrative Membrane Biology and Cardiovascular Centres, which have a long experience of electrophysiology and extensive facilities.

Feedback from previous participants

  • “I liked the accessibility to equipment and being able to speak to lecturers and demonstrators in between sessions”
  • “perfect organisation”
  • “very helpful”
  • “clear lectures and friendly atmosphere”
  • “tutorial sessions were a good forum for discussing data”
  • “the aims were well defined”
  • “lectures were excellent in conjunction with the wet work”
  • “demonstrations were very good”
  • “lecturers and demonstrators are knowledgeable and most helpful in explaining concepts and techniques”
  • “the level of lectures was pitched at the right level and was of high quality”
  • “I liked the opportunity to discuss issues in a relaxed environment”
  • “thank you for a really pleasant week – not only for the basic theory and hands on experience, but also for your way of ‘taking care of us’! Great!”
  • “I thoroughly enjoyed the course and it has been of great benefit to me. I look forward to being able to send other members of my team next year”
  • “it’s a must”
  • “It was the best organized workshop in which I have participated”.

Eligibility

Anyone with basic science training to degree level and who is currently working in the pharmaceutical industry or in academia can be a participant. The number of places is limited to allow for close supervision of practical work by tutors and demonstrators.

For more information:

For any enquiries please contact:

Anthony Lowe
University of Leeds
tel: +44 (0) 113 343 3638
ionchannel@leeds.ac.uk; pharmahub@leeds.ac.uk