Module Details

Module Code: BIOL6003
Title: Laboratory Operations
Long Title: Laboratory Operations
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 9 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to safety in biology and analytical laboratories and to the development of practical laboratory skills
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise biological, chemical and physical hazards and respond appropriately to laboratory incidents.
LO2 Describe a range of techniques for efficient performance in biology and other laboratories.
LO3 Summarise legislation pertaining to laboratory activities.
LO4 Perform basic statistical analyses on experimental data.
LO5 Perform scientific experiments and present results in an appropriate scientific report format.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Laboratory Hazards
Hazards encountered in bioanalytical laboratories.
First Aid
Treatments in the event of exposure to chemical, mechanical and biohazards. Accident/incident reporting.
General Laboratory Techniques
Introduction to basic laboratory techniques including spectrophotometer, pH meter, centrifuges, balances, autoclave. Writing scientific reports.
Legislation and the Laboratory
Workplace safety and environmental legislation.
Data Handling and Analysis
S.I.units. Accuracy, Precision, Errors, Mean, Standard Deviation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Written exam
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Written exam
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dean,J.R.,Jones,A.M.,Reed,R.,Holmes,D.,Weyers,R.,Jones, A.. (2011), Practical skill in Chemistry, Pearson, [ISBN: 0273731181].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Meah, M., Kebede-Westhead, E. (2012), Essential Laboratory Skills for Biosciences, Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 0470686472].
  • Stephenson, F.H.,. (2010), Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory, Second. Academic Press, [ISBN: 9780123756909].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 1 Mandatory
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 1 Mandatory
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 1 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 1 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 1 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 1 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 1 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 1 Mandatory