BI1BF1-Laboratory and Study Skills for Biomedicine

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BI1BEC1 Building Blocks of Life and BI1BM12 Key Skills in Biomedicine or BI1EZ12 Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Francoise Mazet
Email: f.m.mazet@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An introduction to laboratory skills to provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biological scientist.

Practicals and formative online tutorials will introduce essential laboratory techniques and instruments and how to carry out general laboratory proceduresÌýsuch as micropipetting, use of centrifuges and precision balances, making solutions, identifying and determining the concentration of biomolecules using electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, followed by data analysis. The concepts of units, molar and % solutions, and dilutions will be discussed and used in practice. Lectures will cover the basics of Good Laboratory Practice, good laboratory records, calculations, data graphing, and data presentation.

Aims:

• To provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biomolecular scientist


• To develop the necessary mathematical and problem skills required to carry out experiments and to analyse data


• To develop data graphing and computing skills


• To encourage a self-learning approach to studying

Assessable learning outcomes:

The student should be able to:

• use laboratory instrumentation and carry out general laboratory procedures accurately;


• maintain an accurate and comprehensive laboratory notebook;


• calculate the required amounts of various chemicals to make up required solutions;


• use basic spreadsheets and graphic computer packages for calculations and data presentations

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop self-learning, time management, attention to detail, team-work & communication skills.

Outline content:

An introduction to laboratory skills to provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biological scientist.

Practicals and formative online tutorials will introduce essential laboratory techniques and instruments and how to carry out general laboratory proceduresÌýsuch as micropipetting, use of centrifuges and precision balances, making solutions, identifying and determining the concentration of biomolecules using electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, followed by data analysis. The concepts of units, molar and % solutions, and dilutions will be discussed and used in practice. Lectures will cover the basics of Good Laboratory Practice, good laboratory records, calculations, data graphing, and data presentation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A series of practicals, lectures, problem classes and computer-based exercises will delivery core content for general skills necessary for biomolecular laboratory practice.