Lesson Plan

• Describe the principle of microarray technology and how probes hybridise with labelled targets.
• Explain the workflow steps from probe design to data analysis for genome and transcriptome studies.
• Interpret microarray output to identify SNPs, copy‑number variations, or differentially expressed genes.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of microarrays compared with newer sequencing methods.

• Projector and screen for slide presentation
• Printed handout summarising the microarray workflow
• Sample microarray dataset (CSV) for analysis activity
• Computers with spreadsheet or basic bio‑informatics software (e.g., Excel, R)
• Fluorescent dye colour cards (Cy3, Cy5) for a visual analogy
• Whiteboard and markers

Imagine being able to look at thousands of genes at once to see which are switched on or off. You already know how DNA base‑pairing works and the basics of gene expression, so today we will extend that knowledge to a high‑throughput tool. By the end of the lesson you will be able to outline the microarray workflow and interpret a simple set of results.

1. Starter – Do‑now quiz on DNA hybridisation (5 minutes).
2. Mini‑lecture: overview of microarray principle, types and applications (10 minutes).
3. Demonstration: walk through each workflow step using diagrams and fluorescent‑dye colour cards (10 minutes).
4. Guided practice: small groups analyse a sample microarray dataset to identify up‑regulated genes (10 minutes).
5. Whole‑class discussion: share findings and discuss advantages/limitations (5 minutes).
6. Exit ticket: each student writes one key takeaway and one lingering question (5 minutes).

We have revisited the microarray workflow and seen how raw fluorescence data become biologically meaningful results. Your exit tickets will help us gauge understanding and guide any follow‑up. For homework, read the provided case study on a cancer‑genomics microarray project and prepare a brief report describing the main findings.