Training: Practical Laboratory Skills

Having the knowledge and confidence to work safely in the laboratory is an essential skill for all staff working in laboratories. This course will cover basic theoretical and practical laboratory skills including preparing COSHH risk assessments, good laboratory practice, use of fume hoods/biosafety cabinets, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment, pipetting skills, using balances and preparing reagents and solutions.

A sustainability module is also included to highlight ways to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory work. Participants will explore practical ways to improve sustainability in the laboratory by reducing energy consumption and minimising the use of plastics and water and promoting more sustainable supply chain practices.

Who is this for?

• Research Staff
• Technical Staff and students new to the laboratory environment
• Experienced personnel looking to refresh their skills

After the course you will be able to:

• Prepare and understand the purpose of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment (RA) forms
• Understand the importance of good laboratory practice, including choosing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Correctly use fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges and other general laboratory equipment
• Choose the correct pipette for your task and perform common techniques
• Set up and use balances correctly
• Prepare reagents and solutions
• Adjust the pH of solutions
• Incorporate sustainability considerations into laboratory work to support efficient and environmentally responsible research

This training is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant, high quality training. Upon completion of this course, attendees can claim 21 CPD points.

Practical Laboratory Skills | Mary Lyon Centre