A method of conducting amplification comprising loading a liquid polynucleotide sample into a well of a microplate and covering the well of the microplate with a cover, such that the cover fluidly seals the liquid polynucleotide sample within the well. The method then comprises inverting the microplate such that the liquid polynucleotide sample contacts the cover; and thermocycling the microplate to promote amplification of polynucleotides in the liquid polynucleotide sample.