Week 1

Read pages 1 - 64 in the lab manual.

Review the "BIT_Documentation_Guidelines" (posted on D2L: Content tab, "Course Information" module).

Review the "BIT109_Documentation_Lecture" (posted on D2L: Content tab, "Week 1" module).

Review textbook chapters 4 - 10 as needed.

Refer to the following links as needed during the activities:

• Hazard / Risk: Hierarchy of Hazard Control:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Hierarchy_of_hazard_control_diagram_01.jpg'

  • Be able to describe each level of control and provide an example from the BIT lab.

• Information on the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/about/organization/mission.htm 

• Information on OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/about.html

• CDC and OSHA on Tuberculosis in the workplace: https://www.nap.edu/read/10045/chapter/6 

  • Understand the roles of the CDC and OSHA as well as the difference between guidelines and regulations.

• Link to PCC's MSDS database: https://msdsmanagement.msdsonline.com/company/fbaa552b-9486-47db-8dd3-7c5b26b499f5/ 

• Link to download MSDS app:   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.msdsonline.eBinder&hl=en (copy and paste PCC's MSDS database link above to get access)

  • Always a good idea to scan the safety data sheet for potential hazards when working with a new chemical!

• Information on new Globally Harmonized System of chemical labeling: https://www.msdsonline.com/resources/ghs-answer-center/10-ghs-facts-in-60-seconds

• GHS Pictograms used on labels: http://www.roemerind.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/GHSLabels.jpg  

• Chemical compatibility chart: https://www.chem.tamu.edu/rgroup/wooley/safety/10%20EPAChemicalCompatibilityChart.pdf 

• App to assess chemical compatibility of hazardous waste streams: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dwaste.hwc&hl=en

  • Always check the container label when throwing away chemical waste - many chemicals CANNOT be mixed and must be discarded separately. 

• Glove compatibility guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jV6u3Fnd7Ouwp3xOAGG_by07Q6pS_Udz/view?usp=sharing

  • Keep in mind that different chemicals can degrade and/or permeate different types of gloves. We provide nitrile gloves which are generally quite robust, but no glove is suitable for all chemicals or conditions.

Complete the Day 1 Paperwork (three department forms - safety acknowledgment, media release, consent to release information).

• Links posted under "Course Info" tab.

Set up your BIT 109 lab notebook in Benchling. 

• See links to BIT Documentation Guidelines and and BIT Documentation Instructions (Benchling) posted in D2L, Week 1 Content.

• Complete steps 1-14 from these instructions before beginning exercises that require documentation in your lab notebook.

Check in to your assigned lab bench.

• Refer to Online Student Dashboard (link found on the BIT 109 D2L course homepage). See the "Lab map and student assignments" sheet for your assigned bench number.

• You may bring a paper notebook and devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone, calculator) to your lab bench. Any bags (including any food or drink in sealed containers) must be kept in the cubbies by the lab entrance.

• Pick an empty drawer by your lab bench and label the drawer with your initials on a piece of tape. You may leave your books and materials in this drawer between classes.

• Pick a clean lab coat from the rack. Label the lab coat with your initials on a piece of tape. Wear your lab coat at all times in the lab. At the end of the day, as long as your coat is dry/clean, you may fold it and leave it in your drawer. (If it is contaminated, let lab staff know so we can wash it and pick a new coat.)

Introductory activities in the lab manual

• The following activities do not need to be formally documented in your lab notebook. The deliverables for each activity are noted.

• CA #1: Hazard & Risk (deliverable: written notes)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual and take notes on the risks/hazards associated with an environment/setting you are familiar with.  Discuss with your lab partner and be prepared to share an example with the class. Use the class data sheet (shared Google Sheet) shared by the instructor to record your notes.

• CA #2: CDC & OSHA (no written deliverable; verbal discussion only)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual and take notes on the roles of the CDC, OSHA, and other government agencies. Discuss with your lab partner. In addition to the contexts given in the lab manual, think specifically about the regulations and guidelines provided by the CDC and OSHA regarding hand washing. Be prepared to share your findings with the class.

• CA #3: Safety Equipment & Evacuation Routes (deliverable: written lab map)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual. In addition to the equipment listed in the manual, proceed to identify all items listed in the Lab Map Activity (D2L, Week 1 Content). You may work together with the students at your table. Write down the locations of all items as well as evacuation routes on your paper map. Show your map to lab staff (instructor or IST) and keep your map in your drawer at your lab bench.

• CA #4: Chemical Safety Data Sheets (deliverable: PDF label for a chemical in lab)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual. After becoming familiar with the format safety data sheets and the examples for sodium chloride and sodium azide (listed in the lab manual), pick a chemical placed on the cart at the front of the room. Use PCC's MSDS database to access the safety data sheet for your chosen chemical. Using the PDF template from the instructor, produce a label for this chemical and submit your PDF using the link from the instructor. Be prepared to discuss the safe use of your chosen chemical with the class.

• CA #5: PPE & Glove Use / Compatibility (deliverable: demonstrate safe removal of contaminated gloves)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual. After becoming familiar with the PPE used in the lab, don a pair of nitrile gloves. The instructor will apply a chemical to your gloves to simulate a contamination event. Demonstrate your ability to remove and dispose of the gloves without spreading contamination to your body or the lab environment. 

• CA #6: Safety Equipment & Fume Hoods (no written deliverable; verbal discussion only)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual and verbally discuss with your lab partner. Be prepared for a brief class discussion on the activity.

• CA #7: Auditing Records (no written deliverable; verbal discussion only)

  • Read through the activity in the lab manual and verbally discuss with your lab partner. Be prepared for a brief class discussion on the activity.

• LE #1: Tracking spread of contamination (deliverable: written notes on observations)

  • Activity is based on LE #1 in the manual, with some modification. Refer to protocol (posted in D2L Week 1 Content for modifications.

  • Before starting the activity, download and review the SDS (safety data sheets) for the chemicals used in this lab using PCC's SDS database.

  • After the activity, take notes on any areas of the lab that show fluorescence (contamination). Be prepared to discuss your observations with the class.

LE #3: DNA Extraction

• Activity is based on LE #3 in the manual, with some modification. Refer to protocol posted in D2L Week 1 Content.

• Document the purpose, materials, methods, observations, and conclusion as thoroughly as you can. 

• This is your first formal lab notebook entry (using Benchling).

Demonstrate to the instructor / lab facilitator how to put on and remove gloves safely (assuming there is chemical contamination on the glove).

Ask instructor/lab facilitator to review your completed documentation for LE #3 (DNA Extraction) and provide verbal feedback.

Note: links to shared Google Sheets for class data are posted in the D2L course page.

There is no data to report for class analysis this week. 

Entry 1: LE #3 (Spread of Contamination)

• Refer to steps 15-28 in the Lab Notebook Instructions for procedures to complete, sign, share, and witness notebook entries.

• The general expectation (unless otherwise noted) is to finish documentation (data, discussion, signature) within 4 days of finishing an activity in lab and have the entry witnessed by a peer within 7 days.

No additional practice activities for this week.

If you have any questions on the information presented in the lab manual, please ask the instructor during class discussions or after class.

Homework #1: Traits and Behaviors Self-Reflection

• Due before class on Week 2, Day 1. Submit via Google Form posted in D2L Content.

• Watch video on growth mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc

• Scan through the Bioscience Industry Skills Standards: https://innovatebio.org/resource/bioscience-skill-standards

• Complete the Google Form.

Homework #2: Dental Care SOP

• Due before class on Week 2, Day 2. Submit on D2L via Assignments tab (word or PDF file type).

• Refer to CA #8 in lab manual, especially the formatting template for SOPs on page 62. Replace steps 1-6 on p 63-64 with "home dental care." In other words, you will be following the SOP format discussed in the lab manual, but the subject of your SOP will be your own dental care procedure rather than molecular modeling as shown in the manual. Think of this as an opportunity to precisely document the way you brush / care for your teeth. The goal is for a reader to be able to replicate your method by following your SOP.

• Be sure to include all parts of the SOP (header with numbering, purpose, scope, definitions, references, etc).