Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace | Madison College Outline of Instruction

10-007-103 Biotechnology 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

Course Competencies

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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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