List of Laboratory Topics

Laboratory science is the study of experimental methods, measurements, and techniques used in biological research. Laboratory work focuses on how experiments are designed, performed, and quantified using standard protocols and instruments. Questions ask students to calculate dilution volumes, prepare solutions at specific concentrations, read spectrophotometer absorbance data, interpret standard curves, and apply significant figures to measurements.

Topics

1. Measurement Basics 2 questions

   • Students convert between SI-prefixed units, choose values with the correct order of magnitude, select appropriate pipet sizes, and apply metric prefixes to compare concentrations or volumes.

2. Solutions 4 questions

   • Students prepare solutions from solids or stock reagents by calculating grams needed for a target molarity, using formula weight, and converting between mass concentration, percent w/v, percent v/v, and molarity.

3. Dilutions 5 questions

   • Students perform single-step dilution calculations using c1V1 = c2V2, determine aliquot and diluent volumes from stock and desired concentrations, and calculate dilution factors and concentration factors.

4. Serial Dilutions 3 questions

   • Students design multi-step dilution series to reach high overall dilution factors, calculate effective dilution factors across linked steps, and explain why serial dilutions improve accuracy and save materials compared to one large dilution.

5. PCR and Electrophoresis 2 questions

   • Students extract DNA, perform initial and nested PCR amplification of the GAPDH gene, run gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments, and interpret band patterns.