This module aims to:

1. Introduce students to a range of practical skills and techniques that are of general use in subjects across the Life Sciences;
2. Explain to students the importance of working safely in the laboratory and to adhere to Health and Safety protocols and good working practices;
3. Train students how to observe and record experiments, and how to present and analyse data;
4. Demonstrate the relevance of experimental skills across all biological disciplines and the essential relationship between quantitative skills and key skills;

Demonstrate specific skills in pipetting, microscopy, weighing, serial dilution, spectrophotometer, centrifugation, aseptic technique, standard curve, biological drawing and quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics).

Lecture - One hour lectures to introduce each practical

These lectures are essential to properly prepare for lab sessions. The lectures will provide students with important information and hints and tips on how to proceed with the practical session and also provide important information that will help with completing the pre and post lab quiz each week.

Laboratory Work - practical session designed to practice laboratory skills

Participation in the practical sessions is recorded for participation grade. Practical sessions will provide the information required for completion of the post class quiz and offer students the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any aspects of the experiment being performed.

Blog - Weekly blog that breaks down the components of practical sessions (calculations, equipment, theories and concepts) into easy to understand sections for students who are having difficulties with the content.

Staff strongly advise use of the blog where a student is struggling with content.The blog is very useful for students when preparing for assessments

Demonstration - Demonstration videos are available online for students to study for competency testing

Students are strongly advised to make use of the videos although full instruction is also provided during sessions. The videos are very useful for students preparing for competency testing.

Measurement at the macroscopic level: human anatomical measurements/gait analysis (human evolution): [error, precision, accuracy, graphs]

Measurement at the microscopic level: the effect of alcohol on zebrafish embryos (fetal alcohol syndrome) or identifying organisms in pond sludge [microscopy/biological drawing].

Microbiology [aseptic technique/ antibiotic resistance/microbial identification]

Measurement at the molecular level [dilutions, concentrations/molarity, pH, calibration curves].

Biology of the cell surface –  Lessons for molecular interactions and multicellularity [concentrations, molarity, plate assays].

Microscopy: counting cell populations, examining cells and surface charge.

DNA preparation and PCR 1

Hypothesis formation, randomised design, descriptive statistics, introduction to stati stical analysis software (Genetically modified wheat - food security/global warming).

T-test, the need for repeats and controls, sources of error (Plasma glucose as a test for type 2 diabetes: ageing populations/obesity crisis)

Testing theoretical models, chi-squared analysis 1. (A) Fruit fly cross (simple 3:1 segregation [either sepia or a disease model]). (B) A zoological example of Chi-squared analysis

Regression analysis 1, dose response (LD50s), reinforcement of dilution/concentration calculations and aseptic technique (Toxicology testing).

the text recommended is for occasional reference only (use university library copies)