MIRI: A group of 18 diploma students from the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology at UiTM Mukah recently immersed themselves in the world of cutting-edge biotechnology during an academic visit to Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia).
Led by senior lecturer Dr Sharifah Raina Manaf, the Diploma in Aquaculture Technology students participated in a dynamic and hands-on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) workshop hosted by the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL).
The workshop, facilitated by assistant director of CARL, Dr Lee Yih Nin, provided students with invaluable practical experience in one of techniques in molecular biology.
PCR, a method used to amplify DNA, plays a critical role in aquaculture, particularly in diagnosing fish diseases.
“The goal was to bridge theory and practice, giving students both a solid understanding of PCR principles and the confidence to apply these techniques in real-world scenarios,” said Dr Lee.
The students learned about the fundamental principles of PCR, primer design, and its diverse applications in diagnostics and research. They also got to perform every step of the process, from preparing PCR mixtures to running thermal cycles and analysing results through electrophoresis.
For many of the students, this was their first hands-on experience with PCR.
Nur Ritahana Abdullah described it as inspiring and eye-opening, noting how the session had sparked her interest in using PCR for future experiments.
Fellow student Azril Mikhail Azim found the hands-on experience exciting, calling it a crucial step in understanding the practical applications of aquaculture biotechnology.
Dr Sharifah commended Curtin Malaysia for hosting the workshop, saying, “The session was not only highly educational but also inspiring for my students. Dr Lee’s guidance and insights into the field added immense value.”
The visit concluded with a tour of the CARL facility, where the students explored the laboratory’s state-of-the-art equipment and ongoing research projects.
Curtin Malaysia continues to play a leading role in aquaculture education and research in the region.
Its two-year Diploma in Aquaculture programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the growing aquaculture industry.
