KARACHI, May 7: The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, has stressed the faculty to use modern technology and avail opportunities for developing laboratory skills.

He was speaking at the workshop on ‘Experimental Physiology’ at the campus, said a statement on Sunday.

Prof Pirzada mentioned the old days when there were dearth of facilities and old instruments were used in laboratories.

The VC appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee and Prof Dr Azeem for organizing the moot.

Meanwhile, participants showed keen interest at the workshop held by the Department of Physiology.

The morning session started with a brief lecture by Dr A Saeed from the Aga Khan Medical University, who spoke on computer-based physiological recording equipment used in basic sciences.

Dr Arif Siddique delivered a talk on the importance of ‘Isolated Tissue Experiments’ in basic sciences and described various animal models and tissues usually used in physiological experiments.

Prof Dr Azeem explained the ‘Isolated Heart Perfusion Technique’ and its significance with different preparation for working and non-working heart experiments.

The workshop included hands-on training on isolated tissue experiments.

The workshop was expected to produce laboratory skills and know-how of physiology equipment along with their use for physiological recordings.

On the second day of the workshop, experiments on isolated heart and intestine were done.

Demonstration on ‘Lagendorff Assembly’ was made and their physiological recordings were obtained for. Arifa Savanur and Errum Afzal were the facilitators. This demonstration was displayed on TV monitor with special camera facility.

The participants were also invited to give their views about the workshop.

The organizers used the assessment technique for the workshop fruitfulness by getting evaluation pro forma filled from participants along with pre- and post-workshop tests.

At the end, certificates were distributed to resource persons, participants, facilitator members of the organizing committee and workshop volunteers by Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim.

The closing ceremony was attended by resource persons, Regional Director of the HEC, S M Iqbal, and faculty members of the Physiology Department.—APP