BIOL 002 - Core Competencies in Laboratory Techniques + Optional Lab Skills Evaluation

Course Description

This workshop will take place at the National Institutes of Health, Main Campus in Bethesda, MD from March 31, 2025 to April 4, 2025.

Optional laboratory skills evaluation event will take place on May 9, 2025 at the same location.

Please register by February 25, 2025 to reserve a seat to attend the evaluation event.

Overview

Strong laboratory skills are important for researchers and laboratory staff to conduct research safely and effectively while ensuring accurate, reliable, and reproducible results. In this five-day hands-on workshop, learners will hone their core competencies in (micro)pipetting, aseptic technique, lab math (numeracy), lab notebooks and standard operation procedures (SOPs), and making buffers and solutions to build confidence in the lab. Expert instructors will train learners on these core competencies based on industry best practices. The workshop is held in dedicated learning labs for optimal hands-on learning, and a small class size ensures that each learner receives personalized attention required to master these core competencies.

(Optional) Learners enrolled in the workshop are eligible to participate in a subsequent external validation exam administered by BCSI’s certified evaluator. Learners will be tested on laboratory skills learned in the workshop. Upon successfully passing the exams, learners will receive microcredentials (https://bcsi.bio/microcredentials/) that certify their mastery in respective skills.

Please be sure to register for the workshop section "Core Competencies in Laboratory Techniques + Lab Skills Evaluation" if you would like the opportunity to earn the microcredentails by taking the optional exam on May 9.

Course Outline

When you complete the workshop successfully, you will be able to:

Choose appropriate pipettes and tips to work with required volume
Accurately and precisely measure out required volumes
Maintain a sterile work environment
Demonstrate proper aseptic technique to avoid contamination
Perform calculations of molarity, dilutions, and conversions
Demonstrate proper buffer preparation and pH adjustments
Follow instructions on an SOP in a stepwise manner
Maintain a proper lab notebook

Microcredential(s)

Learners who complete the workshop can apply for external evaluation of their lab skills to earn five microcredentials listed below. This is provided at no additional cost to learners if they participate in the scheduled evaluation event held at the FAES Learning Labs. If you wish to pursue the microcredentials please be sure to register for the workshop section "Core Competencies in Laboratory Techniques + Lab Skills Evaluation".

Small Volume Metrology – Outcomes 1 and 2
Aseptic Technique: Lab Bench level – Outcomes 3 and 4
Numeracy – Outcome 5
Preparation of Solutions – Outcome 6
Documentation and SOP – Outcomes 7 and 8

For more information about individual microcredentials, visit BCSI's website

Prerequisites

Experience working in a biological or biotechnology laboratory; familiarity with micropipettes, biosafety cabinet, and basic arithmetic skills.

Software/Equipment Requirements
N/A

Target Audience

This workshop is particularly ideal for learners who are looking to gain and/or improve their lab skills, wishing to demonstrate their mastery of lab skills, or wanting to ensure their research projects run with precision and consistency.

This workshop is also suitable for individuals who recently joined a lab or has imminent plan to join a lab.

Credit
Although no grades are given for courses, each participant will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on the number of contact hours. One CEU is equal to ten contact hours. Upon completion of this course each participant will receive a certificate, showing completion of the workshop and 3 CEUs.

Refund Policy
Follow the link to review Workshop Refund Policy.

Notification

All cancellations must be received in writing via email to registrar@faes.org.
Cancellations received after 4:00 pm (ET) on business days or received on non-business days are time marked for the following business day.
All refund payments will be processed by the start of the initial workshop.

To Register Click on "Add to Cart"

BIOL 002 - With Exam on May 9

Spring 2025

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Mar 31, 2025 to May 09, 2025

Available

Core Competencies in Laboratory Techniques + Lab Skills Evaluation

In Person

M, T, W, Th, F

9:00AM to 4:00PM ET

Mar 31, 2025 to May 09, 2025

Schedule and Location

View Details

42.0

FAES Learning Labs

Eligible Discounts Can Be Applied at Checkout

$1,699.00

Academia, .nih, .gov, .mil Discount 5-Day Workshop

3 CEUs

BIOL 002 - No Exam