Basic laboratory skills

Do you want the opportunity to learn fundamental lab techniques before starting a Biosciences degree or embarking on a new role in the science sector? Would you like to learn practical tips and methods that will enhance your lab skills and build your confidence, all within a safe and supportive environment? If so, this introductory course is perfect for you.

Join us in our Biosciences Teaching Laboratories and acquire valuable, transferable skills that will benefit you in any Biosciences career path or degree programme.

Who it’s for

This 2-day course is perfect for:

• Career returnees: Those who have taken a career break from Biosciences and want to refresh the basics and gain confidence before re-entering the workforce.
• Continuous Professional Development: Those who wish to undertake further professional development in this area, for example Science sector Sales Representatives.
• Aspiring scientists: Anyone with an interest in laboratory science and considering a career in the scientific field.
• Online Bioscience students: Those pursuing an online degree in Biosciences and seeking hands-on experience in a lab setting.
• Incoming Bioscience students: Those who have secured a place to study a Bioscience-related subject at university and want a ‘Lab Primer’ before starting their studies.
• Undecided prospective students: Those unsure about enrolling in an Undergraduate Biosciences degree, looking for practical experience to understand what lab work is truly like.
• Recent graduates: Individuals who had limited or no lab experience during their studies and wish to build confidence in their lab skills before continuing their education or entering the workforce.

This course is designed to provide a “learn by doing” experience, ideal for individuals with little or no prior lab experience. You will acquire transferable skills that are essential in any Biosciences lab, giving you the foundation to thrive in your career or studies.

What you’ll learn

• How to work safely and efficiently in the Lab
• Practical experience in using a range of essential lab equipment and techniques

Topics covered

• Weighing and measuring
• Pipetting techniques
• Centrifugation
• Preparing Stocks and working solutions
• Basic aseptic technique including plate streaking and spreading
• Microscopy incl. estimating size, and Gram staining
• Serial dilution
• Spectrometry
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Risk assessments and COSHH

Teaching and useful information

The Basic Laboratory Skills course is designed to be highly practical, offering ample opportunities for you to develop and refine your skills at your own pace. Each topic begins with a brief introduction and demonstration, followed by hands-on practice where you will apply what you’ve learned.

The course spans 2 full days, from 09:00 – 17:00 (each day) with a one-hour lunch break and two shorter breaks throughout the day. Lunch is provided, giving you time to connect with peers, network, and ask the course leads any questions.

Led by two experienced scientists who manage the Teaching Labs at the School of Biosciences, the course draws on a combined 40 years of experience in laboratory work as technicians.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid grasp of essential lab techniques and a strong understanding of how to work safely in a lab environment. You will feel confident in your skills and well-prepared to embark on an Undergraduate degree, or apply for entry level roles, in any Biosciences field.

Benefits

• Blended learning approach: before the course begins, you will gain access to a series of online lab simulations, allowing you to start practicing your skills, even before stepping into the lab
• Hands-on learning: we explain, you practice—at a pace that suits you
• No prior knowledge required: all you need is an interest in science!
• Personalised supervision: with a maximum of 5 students per tutor, you will receive individual attention and support throughout
• Certified: Upon completing the 2-day course, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which can be used to demonstrate Continued Professional Development, as well as enhance your university applications and CV.

Entry requirements

• The course assumes that A-level science or equivalent is being studied or has already been acquired
• The course assumes very little or no previous lab experience, so all are welcome

Location