Does the absence of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific genes always exclude the infection? How to interpret RT‐PCR results?—The scenario of interactive online workshop

Abstract

The aim of this online workshop is to familiarize biomedical faculties students with the principle of RT-PCR method. The following assumption is made, students participating in the workshop:1. are already familiar with the principle of PCR reaction, 2. can distinguish PCR from RT-PCR, 3. know the basic possibilities of using the above techniques. During the online workshop participants are supposed to learn the interpretation of PCR and RT-PCR results and to understand the crucial importance of controlling the reaction conditions. The workshop involves active students' learning, critical analysis of the data, group discussion, brainstorming method, involvement of e-tools such as pool everywhere or e-learning platforms, as well as interpreting the real-life example results that allows putting the topic in the proper future work-related tasks. The final part of the workshop focuses on the analysis of the RT-PCR results performed in order to confirm or exclude the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in potentially infected individuals. The students are expected to see the practical/work-related part of the knowledge gained during the workshop.

Teaching “Biochemistry with Elements of Chemistry” in the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…This type of online classes could be designed similar to the scenario regarding interpretation of RT-PCR results we have recently presented. 13 Undoubtedly, the furthermost work will have to be invested in online laboratories, so they enhance theoretical knowledge as well as enable students' engagement and interest. 14 ORCID Paulina Dudzik https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3443-1891 Anna Bentke-Imiolek https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3240-446X Kinga A. Kocemba-Pilarczyk https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7119-2412 Barbara Ostrowska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8251-7673…”

“…Presumably, during the e‐laboratories, students should focus less on how to obtain the data or how to process the data and the emphasis should be put on the results interpretation. This type of online classes could be designed similar to the scenario regarding interpretation of RT‐PCR results we have recently presented 13 . Undoubtedly, the furthermost work will have to be invested in online laboratories, so they enhance theoretical knowledge as well as enable students' engagement and interest 14 …”