10-007-103Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace
Course Information
Description
Covers basic concepts and techniques necessary to work effectively in a biotechnology lab. The importance of quality regulations and standards and the role of the technician in producing quality results are emphasized. Laboratory math is introduced and applied. Students learn basic techniques including: measuring, weighing, mixing solutions, following and writing procedures, keeping records, making observations, and using instrument manuals and catalogues. Principles of metrology (measurement) are introduced and students practice using, calibrating and verifying the performance of instruments.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Describe the historical developments that led to current Good Manufacturing Practices and current Good Laboratory Practices (from FDA)
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and written assessment, Personal journal reflections, Group report
    Criteria
    you trace the evolution of regulations in this country
    Develop awareness and understanding of the complex intersectionality of identities that impact perception of self and others
    Define, develop awareness of, and practice skills and processes needed to function effectively and appropriately with people from other backgrounds and cultures
    Identify industry mission and values and meet workplace expectations regarding awareness of cultural identity and cultivation of inclusivity as related to creating a harmonious, supportive and effective regulated workplace
    you explain the importance of regulations for the laboratory

  2. Apply basic concepts of quality laboratory work
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exams
    By applying knowledge in labs throughout the course
    By documenting lab work in the form of a laboratory notebook
    Criteria
    you use equipment accurately and precisely
    you adhere to safety policies and procedures
    you organize, document and analyze data
    you maintain a clean work area

  3. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
    Assessment Strategies
    Write an SOP
    Follow an SOP
    Criteria
    SOP follows the format provided
    SOP includes an objective
    SOP defines acronyms or abbreviations  if used
    SOP includes steps for all of the processes involved
    SOP outlines procedures needed to protect safety and the environment (including PPE)

  4. Use concepts of accuracy, precision, and linearity
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Criteria
    you determine precision by calculating standard deviation
    you determine accuracy by calculating percent error
    you determine linearity of the analytical and electronic balances

  5. Measure weight
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Performance on a laboratory practical exam
    Criteria
    you perform weight measurements
    you select the appropriate equipment and materials for the measurement
    you ensure the equipment is calibrated
    you calculate the accuracy and standard deviation of your values
    you record measurements in appropriate units and significant figures

  6. Measure volume
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Performance on a laboratory practical exam
    Criteria
    you select the appropriate container for measuring volume
    you explain how equipment is calibrated
    you measure using graduated cylinders
    you measure using serological pipettes
    you measure using micropipettors
    you complete a performance verification of micropipettors using gravimetric analysis
    you record measurements in appropriate units and amount of significant figures

  7. Measure pH
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Performance on a laboratory practical exam
    Criteria
    you select the appropriate equipment and materials for the measurement
    you calibrate the pH meter
    you verify performance of the pH meter and determine electrode efficiency
    you study factors affecting the accuracy of pH measurements (difficult samples, homogeneity of solutions, temperature etc.)
    you calculate the pH
    you record measurements in appropriate units and significant figures

  8. Prepare solutions
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Criteria
    you select the correct equipment and materials to make the solution
    you perform calculations correctly
    you calibrate and use the balances correctly
    you prepare your solutions with accuracy and precision
    you test solutions for correctness using a quality measure such as conductivity
    you report your results

  9. Measure light absorbance using spectophotometers
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Performance on a laboratory practical exam
    Criteria
    you perform transmission and absorbance measurements
    you select the correct equipment and materials to perform the measurements
    you use spectrophotometers for qualitative and quantitative analyses, including analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins
    you calculate and analyze results
    you document testing

  10. Perform centrifugation
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Criteria
    you select the correct equipment and supplies needed
    you prepare reagents, solutions and/or buffers
    you obtain samples as needed
    you perform the centrifuge
    you document the results

  11. Perform filtration
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab activities
    Written documentation of laboratory work and data
    Criteria
    you select the correct equipment and supplies needed
    you prepare reagents, solutions and/or buffers
    you obtain samples as needed
    you perform the filtration
    you document the results