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Laboratory Math for Biotechnology
Syllabus
Submitted by Madison Area Technical College
Contact person: Mary Ellen Kraus, mekraus@madisoncollege.edu
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Laboratory Math for Biotechnology
COURSE DEVELOPER: Mary Ellen Kraus
CONTACT INFORMATION: mekraus@madisoncollege.edu
COURSE ORGANIZATION: Two meetings of fifty minutes each week (16
weeks)
Required text: Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology, Lisa A.
Seidman (ISBN: 978-0-13-223810-6)
Required materials: Calculator (preferably statistical)
Course description: This course introduces mathematical tools that are used in
the biotechnology laboratory. Students apply mathematical concepts to solve
problems such as calculating amounts of chemicals required to make solutions,
graphing and interpreting data, and calibrating instruments. Basic statistical
concepts are also introduced.
Course themes, outcomes, concepts and skills:
Themes: Applied math, attention to detail, confidence in math
skills
Outcomes:
o Set up and solve calculations required for solution-making in
the biotechnology laboratory
o Present and analyze laboratory data using graphical analysis
o Develop an appreciation of the importance of being
meticulous in laboratory calculations
Concepts:
o Exponents and scientific notation
o Logarithms
o Units of measurement
o Measurements and significant figures
o Using equations to describe a relationship
o Ratios and proportions
o Unit conversions
o Density
o Dosages
o Percents
o Concentration expressions
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Preparing single solute solutions
Dilutions
Prepare multiple solute solutions
Graphing linear equations
Graphing exponential equations
Skills:
o Perform basic manipulations involving exponents
o Convert between standard and scientific notation
o Use calculators for exponents and scientific notation
o Determine logs and antilogs for powers of ten only
o Use calculators to determine logs and antilogs
o Convert between pH and hydrogen ion concentration
o Convert between metric units
o Understand the meaning of significant figures
o Predict the behavior of one variable in an equation with
changes in another variable
o Understand the difference between “ratios” and “proportions”
o Use ratios and proportions for unit conversion
o Use unit cancellation for unit conversion
o Solve multiple step problems using ratios and proportions
o Solve problems involving density
o Solve problems involving dosage
o Perform basic calculations using percents
o Set up and solve problems involving percent solutions
o Set up and solve problems involving molarity
o Set up and solve problems using ppm and ppb
o Convert between different units of concentration
o Prepare dilutions of a particular volume
o Determine the concentration of a solution following dilution
o Determine the concentration of a stock solution from a
dilution
o Perform calculations involving serial dilutions
o Correctly apply the C1V1 = C2V2 equation
o Prepare solutions containing multiple solutes from stock
chemicals
o Prepare solutions containing multiple solutes from stock
solutions
o Determine slope and intercept using the equation of a line
o Graph linear equations
o Apply graphing to standard curves
o Understand the difference between linear and exponential
relationships
o Plot exponential relationships using semilog graph paper
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Assessment Tasks:
o Biweekly quizzes
o In class—no makeups given
o Lowest quiz grade dropped
o Quizzes, combined, make up 20% of final grade
o Weekly homeworks
o Each covers approximately one of the concepts
o Students may work together
o Students must show their work
o Homeworks, combined, make up 50% of final grade
o Final exam
o Cumulative
o Take home
o Students may use any resources OTHER than people or
other students’ exams
o Students must show all work to receive full credit
o Final exam is worth 30% of final grade
o 70% average required for a C in this course
Course organization: Students will be assigned WEEKLY problem sets. These
are designed to provide students with the necessary practice working problems.
You may work with others in the class or use outside reference materials if
required. PLEASE DO NOT ASK OTHER INSTRUCTORS FOR ASSISTANCE
WITH THESE PROBLEM SETS.
There will be a BIWEEKLY quiz on material covered in the prior two weeks.
There will be NO MAKEUP quizzes. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
There will be a CUMULATIVE final at the end of the semester.
Grading: Final grades will be determined by the final formula:
Homework
50%
Quizzes
20%
Final exam
30%
Tentative grade distribution is:
A (95-100); A/B (90-94); B (84-89); B/C (79-83); C (70-78); D (60-69); F (0-59)