A primary text for courses that focus on basic laboratory methods in biotechnology, and an ancillary text for any biology course that includes a laboratory component that want to focus on biotechnology. Unique in both content and approach, this text/reference provides a systematic introduction to basic laboratory methods from the perspective of the everyday work in the labs of the biotechnology/bioscience industry. Written at a level that is accessible to beginning college students with average math and science backgrounds. Provides the depth and detail useful to professional laboratory workers. It blends the background and theory provided by introductory chemistry texts with the practical concerns discussed in advanced lab manuals. It focuses on basic laboratory methods, the principles that underlie those methods, and the equipment that makes laboratory work possible.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"The authors have done an outstanding job of capturing the essential skills and applied theories of mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry that are pertinent to the training needs of workers in biotechnology. The information contained in these chapters represent a wealth of basic, practical knowledge that previously was not readily available in print, but more likely was acquired 'on the job'," -- Dr. Gail Baughman, MiraCosta College "The texts we have found for our biotechnology theory course are either too deep (molecular biology) or too shall (gee whiz). It is ironic that all three of the internships I have done in biotech companies have asked for the kinds of skills found in this text, but no other text seems to be available like it. I think that the book will be a best seller." -- Bill Thieman, Ventura College "The use of many worked out examples make this test especially strong as a reference for the technician." -- David B. Shaw, Madison Area Technical College
From the Inside Flap
Preface
This is an exciting time to work in biotechnology. The Human Genome Project is generating fundamental genetic information at a breathtaking rate; basic research findings are being applied in medicine, agriculture, and the environment; and a variety of new biotechnology products are moving into production. Behind each of these accomplishments are teams of scientists and technicians whose everyday work makes such achievements possible.
For the past twelve years, we have been working with students who are beginning their careers as technicians and bench scientists in biotechnology laboratories. In order to best assist our students, we, and our colleagues elsewhere in the United States, have explored what entry level biotechnologists do at work and what abilities they need to perform this work. We have been impressed with the complexity and diversity of technical roles and responsibilities, and the importance of the skills that bench workers bring to their jobs. This book emerges partly from our experiences working with students and our explorations into the nature of the laboratory workplace*.
This book also results from our personal experiences in the laboratory. As graduate students we struggled to master the "laboratory lore" that was passed among "post-docs" and graduate students in a not always coherent chain. Some of what is in this book is the systematic introduction to laboratory lore that we wish we had received.
The result of our efforts is not a laboratory manual; this text contains few step-by-step procedures. Nor is it a book about molecular genetics, immunology, or cell culture—there are already many excellent specialized texts and manuals on these topics. This book rather is a textbook/reference manual on basic laboratory methods and the principles that underlie those methods. These basics are important to every biotechnologist, regardless of whether one is cloning DNA or purifying proteins, whether one is working in an academic setting or is employed in a company.
We intend this book to assist students preparing to become biotechnology laboratory professionals, those who already work in the laboratory, and biology students who are learning to operate effectively in the laboratory. Others who may also find this book helpful include high school teachers and their advanced students, and industry trainers. We have endeavored to make this text accessible to beginning college students with a limited science and math background. Some sections, such as the math review in Unit III, could be skipped or skimmed by more experienced readers. At the same time as we tried to make this book practical and accessible, we also endeavored to provide enough background theory so that readers will understand the methods they use and will be prepared to solve the unavoidable problems that arise in any laboratory.
Although we focus on the biotechnology laboratory, the majority of topics we cover are of importance to individuals working in any biology laboratory. A few topics, such as quality regulations and standards, are included because they are important for those working in biotechnology companies. As biotechnology companies mature, their focus shifts from research into commercial production. As this maturation occurs, scientists and technicians often find that they must add terms like "GMP", "ISO 9000", and "quality systems" to their technical vocabulary. This book therefore weaves a conversation about regulations and standards into many chapters.
We are aware that the basic methods in this book (such as how to mix a solution or weigh a sample) are less glamorous than learning how to manipulate DNA, or how to clone a sheep. However, we also know that, in practice, the most sophisticated and remarkable accomplishments of biotechnology are possible only when the most basic laboratory work is done properly.
*The results of some of these discussions about the biotechnology workplace are summarized in the National Voluntary Skill Standards Documents in Agricultural Biotechnology and the Biosciences. (FFA, "National Voluntary Occupational Skill Standards: Agricultural Biotechnology Technician," National FFA Foundation, Madison, WI, 1994 and "Gateway to the Future, Skill Standards for the Bioscience Industry," Education Development Center, Newton, MA, Inc., 1995.)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Keystone For The Laboratory,
This review is from: Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology (Spiral-bound)
When I first started work in a lab as an undergrad, I would often learn of crucial tricks after I had already messed up a procedure and lost an hour or more of work. It's ironic how dependent molecular biologists are on that most ancient means of communication: oral tradition. When I took a biochem lab, I was introduced to the Seidman and Moore text, which is a fantastic teaching source. For the beginner, this book has chapters on basic units of measurement and mathematics, laboratory organization and regulation (including the government bodies which oversee lab safety), writing standards, and web etiquette. No stone is unturned! Even after one gets the basics mastered, this book has tables on plastics and buffers, showing how they react to heat, light, and other critical data--my biochemistry instructor was even suprised by some of the information on plasticware! This is a companion for one's career in the lab.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Biotech Lab Book but Outdated,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology (Spiral-bound)
This book does cover the basics. However, if you can afford it, get their second edition. It is more up to date and has the same and more information. I know this because I have both of them. But if you are tight on your funds and still need a biotech lab book. This is definately not a bad choice.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
can't live without,
By
This review is from: Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology (Spiral-bound)
This book is a necessity for biotech students and the one I purchased was in excellent condition - I won't ever part with it though!
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