An undergraduate laboratory experiment with real-world applications: Utilizing templateless polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction to test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Abstract

We present a course‐embedded undergraduate research module that involves real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in environmental samples. A positive control RNA was constructed and two RNA extraction methods were compared and a range of primers were available to compare. Using a combination of published protocols, we assembled a successful project that illustrated a topical exercise similar to real‐world assay development. The exercise is aimed at upper‐level undergraduates and requires 3 weeks of laboratory periods. The students were able to design and test experimental protocols, while learning about RNA detection. This project could be utilized in upper‐level classes including molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or for independent research projects.