Learning by doing PCR

  • Published: 3 September 2026
The best way to learn science is to do science. And when students are learning new laboratory techniques, reliable reagents can help keep the focus where it belongs: on the experiment, the results and the science behind them.

At Solis BioDyne, we recently had the opportunity to support students at University of Zürich with their course built around research-based learning. Rather than simply reproducing experiments with predetermined outcomes, students developed their own scientific questions and worked through a complete experimental project. Our HOT FIREPol® DNA Polymerase was among the reagents used during the PCR and cloning part of the course.

The course gave students the chance to experience what experimental science is actually like. They got to design experiments, generate their own clones, evaluate data, troubleshoot unexpected results and learn how to deal with uncertainty.

Working with variants of Corynebacterium glutamicum chorismate mutase, students used PCR and overlap-extension PCR as part of their cloning workflows before moving on to protein production and characterization. The project ultimately took them through the full research cycle, from developing a question to presenting and discussing their findings.

As the course organizers put it:
“These experiences not only provided the students with in-depth specialist knowledge, but also strengthened their scientific independence.”

And that experience raised an important point: robust and reliable reagents are valuable in any laboratory, but especially in teaching environments where workflows may involve more variable handling and longer setup times.

When students are learning, reliability matters
Practical courses are busy environments. Multiple students may be pipetting at the same time, protocols need to be explained as experiments progress, and reagents can spend more time on the bench than they would in a tightly controlled workflow.

Students are also still learning. Pipetting takes longer. Reaction setup takes longer. Someone inevitably has to stop and ask: “Was that 2 µL or 2 mL?”

There are already plenty of opportunities to learn from mistakes without reagent handling becoming another unnecessary variable.

That is where robust reagents can make teaching easier. Solis BioDyne’s products incorporate Stability TAG technology, providing exceptional stability and allowing reagents to remain at room temperature during everyday laboratory use.

These advantages are not limited to teaching environments. The same robustness, flexible handling and room-temperature stability can also make everyday workflows easier and more reliable for experienced scientists.

For teaching environments, that can mean:
  • Less dependence on ice during setup and practical classes.
  • Greater tolerance for real-life handling, especially while students are still mastering laboratory techniques.
  • Reliable performance that helps students distinguish experimental biology from avoidable reagent-related variability.
  • Simpler practical sessions, with less time spent moving reagents between the bench and ice bucket.
  • More focus on learning, troubleshooting and interpreting results.

Because learning laboratory science should include mistakes, unexpected results and difficult questions. It doesn't necessarily need to include worrying about whether a polymerase has been sitting on the bench for too long.

It simply helps make sure the lesson is about biology, experimental technique and scientific thinking, rather than whether a reagent spent a little too long outside the freezer.

From following protocols to thinking like scientists
The University of Zürich’s course was deliberately designed to move students beyond simply following instructions. Students selected their own enzyme variants, worked on individual research questions and developed skills spanning experimental planning, data interpretation, scientific writing and communication.

We are glad that Solis BioDyne and HOT FIREPol® DNA Polymerase could play a small part in that learning experience.

As a new academic year begins, we wish students and educators everywhere a semester full of successful reactions, unexpected discoveries and experiments worth learning from.