Biology Projects for New Members

Below is a list of Biology Training Project to become familiar with sample preparation,   All the training will be done at Knudsen A-154, and you must take the Lab Safety Fundamental Course, before you enter into A-154. 

[B1] Project #B1  - Pick up C.elegans (Week 1-2)
  • Now, it's time to learn how to handle C. elegans
  • First, please watch their behavior under a microscope as long as you wish.
  • Gently pick up C. elegans and place it back.
  • Pick C. elegans and move to a different petri disk.
  • Practice many times as many as you like. (This process may take several hours. Be patient!)
  • Please observe carefully how they behave. Identify several different type of motions (such as forward, backward, pause, turn left, turn right. ) What kind of external stimulations make them react? Please keep writing all of your findings. Your careful observation here is going to become very useful to become a good scientist!
  • Write one-page report and post it at CCLE.

[B2] Project #B2 - Make agarose gel (Week 1-2)
  • Agarose gel is one of the basic components of samples. To practice, we will be making 2% agar solution.
  • First, take a look at this link to get the procedure. Feel free to refer to it whenever you want.
  • Now practice making some agar. As you do, observe the color and consistency of your product. Is it smooth? Chunky? Bubbly? Make note of what it looks like.
    • your product should be smooth, slightly opaque, and without bubbles. It should not have any loose flecks of powder.
  • Label your product with the date and concentration and put it in the fridge. 

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