Laboratory Practice: Fundamental Techniques and Skills 

This introductory course provides students with a foundational training in the skills and knowledge required to work safely and independently in a scientific laboratory. With a total duration of 50 hours (24 contact hours and 26 hours of independent work), it combines practical sessions with individual activities to reinforce learning and the application of key concepts. 

The main objective is for students to acquire essential practical skills, develop a functional understanding of common laboratory materials and equipment, and strengthen rigorous work habits. By the end of the course, students will be able to correctly identify and use glassware and basic equipment, perform simple calculations for the preparation of solutions and dilutions, follow experimental protocols, record data in an organized manner, and analyze results critically. 

The contact sessions are structured into several blocks: safety and biosafety guidelines; recognition and handling of laboratory materials; calculations and preparation of solutions and dilutions; introduction to the use of common equipment such as balances, pH meters, centrifuges, or spectrophotometers; and finally, integration and analysis of results, with emphasis on report writing and the discussion of common errors. 

Independent work (30 hours) includes guided readings on the fundamentals of experimental techniques, applied calculation exercises, prior preparation of protocols, and the writing of a final report that reflects the student’s practical experience. 

The methodology combines initial demonstrations with hands-on practice, encouraging active learning, cooperative work, and critical reflection on results. Assessment is divided into three components: participation and compliance with safety regulations (20%), completion of exercises and quizzes (30%), and the final practice report (50%). 

Overall, this short course seeks to establish the foundations of solid experimental work, transferable across different areas of the experimental sciences and essential for the academic and professional development of students. 

General learning outcomes

• Apply basic laboratory safety principles and follow biosafety guidelines to ensure responsible scientific practice. 

• Identify and correctly handle common laboratory materials and equipment, including glassware, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers. 

• Perform basic laboratory calculations, such as molarity, percentage solutions, and serial dilutions, and prepare solutions accurately. 

• Follow and execute simple experimental protocols with precision, maintaining appropriate standards of quality and reproducibility. 

• Record experimental data systematically in a laboratory notebook and prepare clear, structured reports. 

• Analyze and interpret experimental results critically, identifying potential errors and proposing improvements. 

• Demonstrate collaborative and autonomous work skills, contributing effectively to group tasks while taking responsibility for individual learning.