MB 360: Scientific Inquiry in Microbiology: At the Bench – Microbial Metabolism and Genomics
Module 1: Getting Started
Introduction to Lab Safety and Pipetting
Carlos C. Goller
Introduction to Lab Safety and Pipetting
Module Overview
In this module, we will discuss lab safety and resources to work safely with organisms such as Delftia acidovorans. We will review background on the organism and learn about the tools we will use in the lab, starting with mechanical pipettes.
Module Learning Objectives
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Describe key safety considerations for the genetics and microbiology teaching labs. (CO 5) 🥼
- List the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for MB 360. (CO 5) 🥼
- Identify the features of the mechanical pipettes we will use. (CO 5) 🥼
- Explain the advantages of electronic and multichannel pipettes that we can use. (CO 5) 🥼
- Describe the advantages of using an electronic lab notebook (ELN) for lab documentation. (CO 8) 📁
- Create a lab entry using our ELN system. (CO 3, 8)📁
- Collect pipetting data. (CO 6) 📈
- Interpret pipetting data. (CO 8) 📈
- Create a team charter and communication plan. (CO 3) 🏅
Module To-Do List
Module To Do List
During this module, you will complete the following items:
- Read Pressbooks (PB) Chapter 1: Getting Started (MO 1.1-1.5) before the first lab session.
- Begin Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) Introduction (MO 1.6-1.8) by the end of the module.
- Complete Quiz #1 (MO 1.1-1.5) before the end of the module.
- Complete ELN Entry #1 (MO 1.6-1.8) before the end of the module.
- Complete Group Task #1: Team Charter and Communication Plan (MO 1.9) before the end of the module.
Lab Safety
Review the figures of this published peer-reviewed article and consider the Editor’s Summary. Do you think this is an accurate summary of the impact of this work? Why or why not?
Huang, Wei, Janneth Rodrigues, Etienne Bilgo, José R. Tormo, Joseph D. Challenger, Cristina D. Cozar-Gallardo, Ignacio Pérez-Victoria et al. “Delftia Tsuruhatensis TC1 Symbiont Suppresses Malaria Transmission by Anopheline Mosquitoes.” Science, (2023). Accessed September 8, 2025. https://doi.org/adf8141.
What were the main findings of this study?
Exercises
Summarize the main findings and implications of this study.
- What did the authors claim in the introduction?
- Are the results convincing? Why or why not?
- How will these findings impact the field and future studies?
References
Huang, Wei, Janneth Rodrigues, Etienne Bilgo, José R. Tormo, Joseph D. Challenger, Cristina D. Cozar-Gallardo, Ignacio Pérez-Victoria et al. “Delftia Tsuruhatensis TC1 Symbiont Suppresses Malaria Transmission by Anopheline Mosquitoes.” Science, (2023). Accessed September 10, 2025. https://doi.org/adf8141.
