Practical Skills in Biomolecular Science, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (25 October 2021) © 2022

  • Rob Reed Emeritus at Central Queensland University
  • David A Holmes Emeritus at St George's International School of Medicine
  • Jonathan Weyers University of Dundee
  • Allan Jones University of Dundee
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Products list

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Fulfilled by VitalSource

Features

  • Add notes and highlights
  • Search by keyword or page

Title overview

Success in biomolecular sciences requires more than theoretical knowledge—it depends on the ability to apply scientific methods, analyse data and work confidently in laboratory environments. Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences provides a comprehensive guide to the essential practical, analytical and study skills needed across cellular and molecular life sciences. Covering everything from laboratory techniques and experimental design to scientific communication and data analysis, the resource helps students build the skills required for academic and professional success.

Designed as an all-in-one practical companion, the content combines clear explanations, step-by-step guidance and real-world applications to support learning at every stage of study. Extensive coverage of laboratory methods, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and analytical techniques helps students connect theory with practice while developing confidence in scientific investigation and problem-solving.

Students gain the practical and academic skills needed to work effectively in laboratory, research and learning environments. By strengthening competencies in experimental design, scientific communication, data interpretation and laboratory practice, they become better prepared to undertake investigations, analyse results and present findings clearly. The broad coverage of biomolecular techniques and study skills supports both day-to-day learning and long-term development in the life sciences.

    Who It's For

    Ideal for students studying biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology and related life science disciplines who want to develop the practical laboratory, analytical and scientific communication skills required for academic and professional success.

    Table of contents

    • Study strategies
    • Developing your skills
    • Self-management
    • Learning effectively
    • Making the most of learning resources
    • Locating and citing published information
    • Evaluating information
    • Working with others
    • Mapping your personal development
    • Assessment skills
    • Succeeding in assessments
    • Scientific writing
    • Writing essays
    • Reporting practical and project work
    • Tackling literature surveys and reviews
    • Presenting written assignments
    • Preparing a poster
    • Giving a spoken presentation
    • Revision strategies
    • Improving your performance in exams
    • Fundamental laboratory techniques
    • Preparing for practical work
    • Working safely in the lab
    • Basic laboratory skills
    • Measuring and dispensing liquids
    • Preparing solutions - principles and practice
    • Measuring and maintaining pH
    • Understanding microscopy
    • Setting up and using a light microscope
    • The investigative approach
    • Making measurements
    • Understanding SI units and their use
    • Designing experiments
    • Understanding bioethics
    • Recording data and images
    • Tackling project work and placements
    • Working with microbes, cells and tissues
    • Learning sterile technique
    • Culturing cells and measuring growth
    • Collecting and isolating microbes
    • Identifying microbes
    • Naming microbes and other organisms
    • Working with bacteria
    • Working with eukaryotic microbes: fungi and protists
    • Working with viruses
    • Working with animal and plant cells and tissues
    • Homogenising and fractionating cells and tissues
    • Analytical techniques
    • Understanding calibration and quantitative analysis
    • Centrifugation techniques
    • Measuring light
    • Using advanced spectroscopy and spectrometry
    • Carrying out basic spectroscopy and spectrometry
    • Separating compounds using chromatography
    • Detecting and analysing compounds after chromatography
    • Methods of electrophoresis
    • Advanced electrophoretic techniques
    • Electroanalytical techniques
    • Using immunological methods
    • Using radioisotopes
    • Analysing stable isotopes
    • Assaying biomolecules and studying metabolism
    • Analysing biomolecules
    • Assaying amino acids, peptides and proteins
    • Assaying lipids
    • Assaying carbohydrates
    • Assaying nucleic acids and nucleotides
    • Protein purification
    • Studying enzymes
    • Measuring membrane transport
    • Quantifying photosynthesis and respiration
    • Genetics and molecular biology
    • Studying Mendelian and population genetics
    • Studying bacterial and phage genetics
    • Understanding molecular genetics - fundamental principles
    • Using the polymerase chain reaction in molecular genetics
    • Genetic manipulation techniques
    • Applying bioinformatics
    • Analysing and presenting data
    • Manipulating and transforming raw data
    • Analysing data with spreadsheets
    • Summarising data in tables
    • Illustrating data in graphs
    • Solving numerical problems
    • Using descriptive statistics
    • Selecting and interpreting statistical tests

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