1. Required Practical 6 – Using Aseptic Technique
Apparatus and techniques
AT c
Use laboratory glassware apparatus for a variety of experimental techniques to include serial dilutions
AT I
use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth
Practical skill
PS 1.2
Apply scientific knowledge to practical contexts
PS 2.2
Present data in appropriate ways
PS 2.3
Evaluate results and draw conclusions with reference to measurement uncertainties and errors
PS 2.4
Identify variables including those that must be controlled
PS 3.3
Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data
PS 3.2
Process and analyse data using appropriate mathematical skills as exemplified in the mathematical appendix for each science
PS 4.1
Know and understand how to use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments, equipment and techniques

2. Aseptic Technique: Investigating Antimicrobials on bacterial growth
Skills Outcomes:
AT I use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth
P2.4 Identify variables including those that must be controlled.
P3.3 Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data
Aseptic Technique: Investigating Antimicrobials on bacterial growth
Aim: to investigate the effect of different antimicrobials on the growth of a bacterial culture.
1) READ THROUGH THIS METHOD IN DETAIL
2) Variables: In your lab book, write down the variables in this investigation. (Independent, dependent, controls) Explain for independent variable, the effect you likely expect on the dependent variable. Explain in detail the importance of managing each control variable.
3) Risk assessment: write your risk assessment identifying hazards and preventative and control measures.
3) Challenge: Explain where sources of error may enter the investigation in the method if care is not taken
20: settle and read through method. – Students to write variables in detail, and explain where sources of error may enter in their results
5: video on aseptic technique – highlight the importance of certain steps. In lab books
10: demonstrate technique to students.
20: students to prepare their agar plates part 1 and 2 and seal their plates
5: make a null hypothesis
5: (set HW: research why some antimicrobials will be more affective than others at inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Produce a detailed report for Monday)

3. Why is aseptic technique important?
Skills Outcomes:
AT I use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth
P2.4 Identify variables including those that must be controlled.
P3.3 Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data
Why is aseptic technique important?
Look at this clip:
1) Highlight key tips you might need to remember
2) note down the importance of any key steps.
15: settle and read through method. – Students to write variables in detail, and explain where sources of error may enter in their results
5: video on aseptic technique – highlight the importance of certain steps. In lab books
10: demonstrate technique to students.
15: students to prepare their agar plates part 1 and 2 and seal their plates
10: make a null hypothesis
5: (set HW: research why some antimicrobials will be more affective than others at inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Produce a detailed report for Monday)

4. Producing the agar plates – Part 1 and 2
Skills Outcomes:
AT I use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth
P2.4 Identify variables including those that must be controlled.
P3.3 Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data
Producing the agar plates – Part 1 and 2
You have 10 minutes to produce your agar plates and a further 5 minutes to place the antimicrobial plates.
Use your methods and tips to do this.
Null hypothesis: a hypothesis that suggests the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable.
What would be the null hypothesis here?
15: settle and read through method. – Students to write variables in detail, and explain where sources of error may enter in their results
5: video on aseptic technique – highlight the importance of certain steps. In lab books
10: demonstrate technique to students.
15: students to prepare their agar plates part 1 and 2 and seal their plates
10: make a null hypothesis
5: (set HW: research why some antimicrobials will be more affective than others at inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Produce a detailed report for Monday)

5. Skills Outcomes:
AT I use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth
P2.4 Identify variables including those that must be controlled.
P3.3 Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data
HW: Research task
Research why some of the antimicrobials being investigated here will be more effective than the others at inhibiting bacterial growth. Produce a detailed report to go with your method in your lab book
Due Maundy Thursday.
15: settle and read through method. – Students to write variables in detail, and explain where sources of error may enter in their results
10: video on aseptic technique – highlight the importance of certain steps. In lab books
10: demonstrate technique to students.
15: students to prepare their agar plates part 1 and 2 and seal their plates
10: make a null hypothesis and set HW: research why some antimicrobials will be more affective than others at inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Produce a detailed report for Monday)