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BIO215

General Biochemistry Laboratory I

  • Sciences
  • 200 level
  • 1 credit unit
  • 56 pages
  • 7 units

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of biochemistry laboratory work. It covers essential laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and accurate measurement techniques. Students will learn about photometry, colorimetry, pH and buffer systems, and qualitative/quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins. The course aims to equip students with the basic skills necessary for conducting biochemical research and investigations.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
91 hours
Maths
Intermediate
Content
Practical, theoretical
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assessments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

BIO215 · UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Scientific laboratories can be found in schools and universities, in industry, in government or military facilities, and even aboard ships and spacecraft. A laboratory might offer work space for just one to more than thirty researchers depending on its size and purpose.

What you should be able to do

  1. Identify and use common biochemistry laboratory equipment.
  2. Apply safety protocols and procedures in the laboratory.
  3. Perform accurate measurements and calculations in biochemical experiments.
  4. Understand the principles of photometry and colorimetry.
  5. Prepare and use standard curves for quantitative analysis.
  6. Explain pH and buffer systems and their importance in biological systems.
  7. Perform qualitative and quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Biochemist
  • Quality Control Analyst
Where it is applied
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry

    Unit 4: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry

    Requires understanding of light absorption principles and complex calculations.

  • Module 3: pH and Buffer System

    Unit 6: pH and Buffer System

    Involves logarithmic calculations and understanding of chemical equilibria.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 35 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment · 2 hours

      Read the introduction to understand the importance of laboratory work in scientific research.. Define the meaning of a laboratory and identify different types of laboratories.. List and identify different types of laboratory equipment and glassware..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment
    • Unit 2: Laboratory Safety · 2 hours

      Familiarize yourself with laboratory safety rules and precautions.. Understand the dos and don'ts of a biochemistry laboratory.. Learn about laboratory housekeeping and general cleaning tips..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry
    • Unit 3: Accuracy of Measurement and Transfer of Liquids and Solids · 2 hours

      Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in laboratory measurements.. Understand the different ways of expressing measurements in SI units.. Learn about potential sources of error in practical exercises..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry
    • Unit 4: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry · 2 hours

      Define spectrophotometry, colorimetry, and photometry.. Understand Beer-Lambert's law and its applications.. Perform a colorimetric estimation of inorganic phosphate..

  5. Week 5Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Unit 5: Standard Curve in Absorption Spectra · 2 hours

      Explain the meaning of a standard curve and its use in quantitative analysis.. Learn how to prepare a standard curve using experimental data.. Practice using a standard curve to determine unknown concentrations..

  6. Week 6Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Unit 6: pH and Buffer System · 2 hours

      Define pH and buffer solutions and understand their importance.. Learn how to calculate pH and prepare buffer solutions.. Understand the uses of pH and buffer solutions in biochemical experiments..

  7. Week 7Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Unit 7: Qualitative and Quantitative Tests for amino Acids and Proteins · 2 hours

      Define proteins and amino acids and understand their roles in living systems.. Learn about qualitative tests for proteins and amino acids, such as the Ninhydrin and Biuret tests.. Understand the principles behind each test and their applications..

  8. Week 8Module 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment · 2 hours

      Review Module 1: Introduction to Laboratory and Laboratory Equipment. Focus on key concepts: laboratory safety, equipment identification, and measurement accuracy..

    • Unit 4: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry · 2 hours

      Review Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry. Focus on key concepts: spectrophotometry, Beer-Lambert's law, and standard curve preparation..

  9. Week 9Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Unit 6: pH and Buffer System · 2 hours

      Review Module 3: pH and Buffer System. Focus on key concepts: pH calculation, buffer preparation, and buffer systems in living organisms..

    • Unit 7: Qualitative and Quantitative Tests for amino Acids and Proteins · 2 hours

      Review Module 3: pH and Buffer System. Focus on key concepts: Qualitative and quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry
    • Unit 3: Accuracy of Measurement and Transfer of Liquids and Solids · 3 hours

      Practice problems related to accuracy of measurement and error analysis.. Complete a practical exercise on calibrating laboratory pipettes..

  11. Week 11Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Unit 4: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry · 3 hours

      Perform a virtual lab experiment on spectrophotometry and colorimetry.. Analyze data and interpret results from the experiment..

  12. Week 12Module 2: Introduction to Photometry and Colorimetry
    • Unit 5: Standard Curve in Absorption Spectra · 3 hours

      Practice preparing standard curves using different datasets.. Solve problems involving the determination of unknown concentrations using standard curves..

  13. Week 13Module 3: pH and Buffer System
    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review all units and key concepts.. Work on assignments and prepare for final examination..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all laboratory procedures and safety protocols from Units 1 and 2.
  • Practice calculations related to SI units, concentrations, and dilutions from Unit 3.
  • Understand Beer-Lambert's Law and its applications in photometry and colorimetry (Unit 4).
  • Practice preparing and interpreting standard curves (Unit 5).
  • Master pH calculations and buffer preparation techniques (Unit 6).
  • Review qualitative and quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins (Unit 7).
  • Focus on understanding the principles behind each experiment and their applications.
  • Solve all tutor-marked assignments and review feedback.
  • Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.
  • Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision each week.

Questions students ask about this course

What is BIO215 about?

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of biochemistry laboratory work. It covers essential laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and accurate measurement techniques. Students will learn about photometry, colorimetry, pH and buffer systems, and qualitative/quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins. The course aims to equip students with the basic skills necessary for conducting biochemical research and investigations.

How many units does BIO215 have?

BIO215, General Biochemistry Laboratory I, has 7 units across 1 module, over 56 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is BIO215?

BIO215 carries 1 credit unit, at 200 level in Sciences.

Is BIO215 hard?

BIO215 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly practical and theoretical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does BIO215 take to study?

About 91 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.

How is BIO215 assessed?

BIO215 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.

What can I do with BIO215?

Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Biochemist and Quality Control Analyst.

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