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Virtual Bacterial Identification Lab
The Virtual Bacterial Identification Lab is an excellent tool to support learning and understanding of the science and techniques used to identify different types of bacteria based on their DNA sequence. Procedures are shown and explained in an animation while the learner clicks through the steps. The learning outcomes are clearly specified. All is well introduced, samples are clarified in detail, a notebook explains everything with reference to good laboratory practice and limiting experimental error. A glossary, a list of tools used in the lab, and an encyclopaedia of selected bacteria and other pathogens are provided. The lab covers sample preparation, PCR amplification, PCR purification, sequencing preparation, DNA sequencing and sequencing analysis. The content is made relevant to the learner and is very engaging. It can be used for self-directed learning as well as in a teacher-led session. It can be used as a whole or only relevant parts of it. The resource (or parts of it) is suitable for a microbiology, medical microbiology, molecular biology or genetics course.Expand ExpandUsing pipettes in biological sciences
This includes a series of three short video sequences (each 2-2.5 minutes long), showing three different types of pipette, with an explanation of when it is appropriate to use each and a demonstration of their use. The demonstrations concentrate on the mechanics of using the pipettes. A useful add-on would be to show how the volume is set on a micropipette and to discuss how to choose the size of micropipette for measuring particular volumes. There is a transcript of the video sequences which contains some additional material and images and there is a multiple choice quiz to test understanding; both of these are provided as pdf and word files. This resource is appropriate for foundation stage or first year undergraduate students and would be useful pre-practical preparation.Expand ExpandSomatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Animation
This is a brief (2 minute) movie (QuickTime) animation showing how the nucleus of an egg cell can be replaced with the nucleus from a skin cell and the resulting cell can divide to form a blastocyst from which embryonic stem cells can be derived. The explanation is brief and fairly basic but may be useful in the context of wider and more in-depth discussion of somatic cell nuclear transfer and embryonic stem cells, helping students to visualise the process.Expand ExpandSolutions and electrolytes
This tutorial is concerned with the mechanisms of chemical solution and how solvents work. It highlights the differences between solutions, suspensions and colloidal suspensions and explains how different solutes dissolve in different solvents. The tutorial has interactive elements, specifically a number of essentially multiple choice style questions and an opportunity to perform a very simple simulated experiment (observing what happens when you add starch and salt to water). This resource would be useful for foundation level pre-practical learning.Expand ExpandSafety in the Laboratory
Webbrowser-run presentation on Health and Safety for general personal safety (protective equipment and behaviour) and good lab practice (micropipettes, microcentrifuge tubes, slides, swabs, glassware, plates). It is both accessible for hearing and visually impaired, because it covers the same information through sound, written notes and video. The resource can be used in teacher-led sessions or for self-directed learning. It is suitable for safety instruction/ induction, in lectures about safety, or in practicals as a reminder.Expand ExpandRadioimmunoassay
This is an interactive website (html format) that provides very comprehensive coverage of the technique of radioimmunoassay and related aspects, such as the law of Mass Action. It contains animated demonstrations of molecular interactions, including antibody-antigen, with accompanying text, as well as a virtual experiment. The language is clear and easy to understand, and is enhanced by the use of animated diagrams and analogies. It is a long resource (students could spend around an hour working through it), but it is possible to dip in and out of different sections using the menu page. The section on the assay itself is very interactive and allows the student to mix solutions, predict the outcomes and obtain formative feedback on their responses, although there are no 'Back' buttons, so it is not possible to 'have another go' at the answers to questions. Otherwise navigation is straightforward. The resource is quite old (1996), and as a consequence, is rather text-heavy, although this is easy to follow (clear and concise). It would be enhanced by the use of audio to accompany the text. Overall, a very nice resource that would benefit from a little updating. It could be used by undergraduate bioscientists as a pre-lab exercise or as a stand-alone resource to learn about or revise this topic.Expand ExpandPractical Guide to the use of a Portable Autoclave
A straight forward guide to the use of a portable autoclave. Useful introduction showing the different parts of the autoclave. Videos, supported by transcripts of the commentary clearly show to safely use this piece of equipment, guiding the viewer through a complete autoclave cycle. It is in html format.Expand ExpandLiving in the Microbial World: Lactic Acid Bacteria
The resource is a description of a practical exercise focused on lactic acid bacteria, which is made available online. It includes a protocol for the enrichment of lactic acid bacteria from samples like yoghurt, sauerkraut, decaying plant matter, and tooth plaque. Growth, culture diversity and pH are measured. The exercise also includes instructions for the isolation of some of these bacteria by using the streak-plate method. The resource is possibly intended to also guide self-directed work, but the learner would be rather left alone without actually working through outcomes, and there is no guidance in terms of health and safety, good laboratory practice. It is suggested to use this resource as an inspiration for an educator to develop/ run a practical class in the context. The resource is suitable for a microbiology or biotechnology course.Expand ExpandIntroduction to the practical concept of dilutions and serial dilutions
A clear practical introduction to serial dilution. Good introduction and explanation of terminology based on making orange squash. Followed by a clear practical demonstration of a 10 fold serial dilution again using orange squash which is followed up by a similar demonstration, but ion a lab context. Videos, supported by transcripts of the commentary in a html formatExpand ExpandHow to use an automatic/micropipette