In this course students will gain an understanding of the foundational skills that make up key techniques in the field of biotechnology. We will cover physicochemical and biological aspects of each lab technique and all participating students will be subjected to multiple skills assessments linked to the key lab techniques. The first half of the semester will focus on basic training for the following key techniques: (1) metrology, (2) liquid media handling & pipetting, (3) spectroscopy, (4) microscopy techniques, (5) record keeping & digital literacy, and (6) basic data analysis. No student living cell work is planned. During the second half of the semester, each student will be skills-assessed for each lab technique. To pass the course, you will need to show 80 % or more proficiency for successfully executing and performing each of the six foundational lab techniques.

Three additional hours of lab per week will be scheduled separately for skills training and assessments.

This lecture course runs in an asynchronous format. Modules are completed online, and assignments are due weekly. You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer, a reliable internet connection, and the ability to navigate various online websites and animations. There will be an in-person final exam on the Manchester Campus, which is the only in-person requirement for the lecture course.