This 3 day workshop is designed to give participants a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory experience using real-time PCR methods. As typical examples of the use of real-time PCR, we will measure differential expressions of RNA from different tissues. Attendees will gain experience using DNA binding dyes and hydrolysis probe chemistries as well as multiplex real-time PCR. Lectures include an overview of gene expression, assay design and optimization, template preparation, analysis of results, additional applications of real-time PCR technology and more. Previous experience using standard PCR or real-time PCR is helpful but not necessary.