Overview
This course introduces participants to fundamental lab skills required in a cGMP and/or GLP setting. Using a combination of hands-on practical components at the training facility and equipment demonstration by the training team, participants will be introduced to general lab instruments and processes, such as balances and balance verification checks, good weighing practices, pH and conductivity calibrations, measuring solution pH and conductivity, and preparing solutions at a benchtop scale. It also includes an introduction to pipetting (serological and micropipettes) and use of volumetric measurements in general lab function (use of graduated cylinders).

Who should take this course?
Individuals who aspire to enter the bioscience industry at entry-level positions and for those already in the industry who want to gain practical experience with common lab instrumentation and improve their overall understanding of industry best practices.

Key Topics

• Weighing operations using benchtop scale balances and  application of Good Documentation Principles (GDP), best practices when using balances and performing calibration verification checks, and the solution preparation process at the benchtop scale
• Using pH and conductivity multimeters, including the use of pH standard buffers to perform a two-point standard calibration check, calculating the percent slope of calibration, and measuring the pH and conductivity of solution samples
• Volumetric measurement of process solutions, as well as understanding graduations and menisci in the context of accurate measuring and dispensing 
• Pipetting practices for accurate and consistent pipette solutions using both serological pipettes and micropipettes

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the importance of calibration activities for routine operations in GMP (balances, pH, and conductivity multimeters)
• Identify and follow best practices when weighing lab reagents and measuring and dispensing solutions for use in laboratories 
• Demonstrate proper use of micropipettes and serological pipettes for accurate and consistent solution dispensing tasks
• Understand the use of multimeters (pH and conductivity), the process for measuring the pH and conductivity of process solutions or samples, and proper handling and use of pH and conductivity probes 
• Understand the process for hydrating a lab reagent and preparing a small volume solution using benchtop equipment

Delivery

• In French
• 1 day practical at the CASTL Biomanufacturing Training Facility in Montreal