Basic Laboratory Methods in a
Regulated Environment
Syllabus
Submitted by Madison Area Technical College
Contact Person: Lisa Seidman, Lseidman@matcmadison.edu
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BASIC BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY SKILLS IN A REGULATED
ENVIRONMENT
COURSE DEVELOPER:
Lisa A. Seidman
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lseidman@matcmadison.edu
COURSE ORGANIZATION: 7 hours/week with 6 hours of lab and 1 hour of lecture.
REQUIRED TEXTS: (1) Text: Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology: Textbook and
Laboratory Reference, by Lisa Seidman and Cynthia Moore. ISBN 0321570146, second
edition. Benjamin Cummings 2008. (2) Lab Manual: Laboratory Manual for
Biotechnology and Laboratory Science: The Basics, by L. Seidman, M.E. Kraus, D.
Brandner, and J. Mowery. ISBN 10:0-321-64402-6, Benjamin Cummings, 2011.
Laboratory Manual for Biotechnology and Laboratory Science: The Basics.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Statistical scientific calculator, long sleeved lab coat, safety
glasses, lab notebook (any type that is bound with copies of each page).
DESCRIPTION: This course provides students with a foundation in basic concepts and
techniques necessary to work as effective professionals in a biotechnology laboratory
or small scale production facility. The importance of quality regulations and standards
and the importance of producing quality results are emphasized throughout.
Basic principles of the following topics Students practice basic techniques in lab
are introduced in lecture and discussion: including:
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 The nature of the biotechnology
 Following and writing written
workplace
 Quality regulations and standards
 Documentation
 Descriptive statistics for quality control
and measurements
 Metrology (measurements)
 Biological solution preparation
 Biological separations (filtration and
centrifugation)
 Assays
procedures
 Documenting laboratory work in a
laboratory notebook
 Calibrating and operating balances, pH
meters, micropipettes, and
spectrophotometers
 Measuring weights and volumes
 Preparing biological solutions including
buffers with more than one solute
 Performing quality control tests of
biological solutions
 Performing assays
 Using centrifuges and filtration devices
 Analyzing and interpreting data
including graphical and calculation
techniques
 Evaluating data variability, accuracy,
and precision
 Discussing data in writing and orally
 Working in teams and independently
READING AND READING HOMEWORK: There will be a great deal of material in the
reading assignments that will not be covered in lecture. In general, exams will cover
the material that is presented in lecture or laboratory exercises; however, it is
recommended that you read the textbook to deepen your understanding of the topics
in this course.
GRADING: The following will be graded:
 Laboratory notebook documentation for each laboratory exercise, usually 10-20
points each
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Twelve weekly quizzes, usually 5-10 points each
Three hourly exams, usually 100 points each
Two laboratory practicals, usually 100 points each
One comprehensive final exam, usually 200 points
The approximate cutoffs for grades are:
95-100% A
89-94% AB
82-88% B
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76-81% BC
70-75% C
Less than 70% D or F. Note that a C or better is required in all biotechnology courses.
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