Course Offerings

Micropipettes are common laboratory devices used to accurately dispense small volumes of liquid samples. This course focuses on the principles of micropipetting used in biotechnology and other laboratory settings. Testing of pipetting skills will be made at the entry of the class and at the end of the course to access the student’s improvement. Practical tips and techniques are discussed and practiced to increase accuracy and precision of pipetting. Ergonomics is discussed as it relates to the prevention of injuries due to repetitive motions in laboratory situations, with particular emphasis on pipetting activities.

Course Objectives

Introduce the basic skills of micropipette operation

Provide experience with a variety of micropipettes commonly encountered in laboratory situations

Discuss and practice techniques used to increase pipetting performance

Provide students with a means to quantify their pipetting skills and measure gains in those skills acquired during the course

Provide an introduction to the dilution of laboratory reagents/samples and the calculations needed to make those dilutions

Introduce the topic of ergonomics as it applies to laboratory procedures and the prevention of workplace injuries

Outline of Instruction

Lecture: The use and function of micropipettes

Lab: Initial micropipetting skill level testing (Artel method)

Lecture: Factors affecting pipetting performance

Lecture: Methods to quantify micropipette performance

Lecture: Guide to dilutions

Lab: Pipetting

Lecture: Tips for better pipetting

Lecture: Ergonomics and micropipetting

Lab: Pipetting and the gravimetric method of measuring pipetting performance

Lab: Practice pipetting with glass, serological and digital pipettes

Lab: Final test of pipetting performance (Artel method)

Open floor for additional questions and feedback

Contact Hours

7

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Minimum of a high school diploma/GED or relevant industry work experience. Some exposure to pipetting techniques is beneficial, but is not required.

Learning Supplies Needed

Study materials, including copies of lecture slides, additional reference material and laboratory exercises, will be provided by the instructor.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

95% attendance
Coefficient of variation (CV) < 1% with micropipettes in two attempts or fewer

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

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Course Contact Information

Siobhan D'Antonio

[email protected]