1. Environmental Analysis Workshop
June 2016
Heather Kelly, Camilla Määttä and Heather Knight

2. Aims of the workshop
To develop skills and understanding of how molecular biology and a range of laboratory and environmental monitoring techniques can be employed to answer questions about evolutionary biology and the relationship between organisms and their environment.
Themes:
Measuring genetic diversity
Analysing the environment and organisms’ response to it

3. Field sites Nenthead in Cumbria – the site of abandoned lead mines
Foreshield Burn – a nearby uncontaminated site

4. 2014 cohort investigating the disused lead mine at Nenthead
Collecting soil and plant samples for metal analysis back at the lab

5. Visit to Foreshield burn, an uncontaminated site
Assessment of species diversity, water chemistry (pH, conductivity etc.)

6. Diatoms
Used as indicators for biological monitoring

7. Lab techniques
PCR based techniques e.g., ‘bar coding’ and microsatellites to assess genetic diversity.
Semi-quantitative analysis of gene expression
Analysis of heavy metal content (Pb, Zn) in plants/soil using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) and bioassays

8. Examples of organism level analytical techniques
Plant studies
Growth tests with plants cultured on heavy metal polluted/unpolluted medium
Noccaea caerulescens
Arabidopsis thaliana

9. Roe deer study
Using species-specific microsatellite DNA markers to determine the relatedness of different deer populations: A tool for conservation and management.

10. Workshop plan - summary
Field visit
Lab work
Guest speakers
Assessed through written report/posters/formative talks
No prerequisites other than Level 1 modules, as workshop is designed to cater for students with interests in both molecular and field studies – training will be provided

11. Any questions? Ask now or contact us