This entry-level workshop introduces you to the two most widely used techniques in any biology lab: pipetting and microscopy. Accurate pipetting is the foundation of nearly every experiment, while microscopy allows us to explore the hidden world of cells and microorganisms. You’ll gain confidence handling scientific equipment, understand why precision matters, and experience the thrill of seeing biological structures up close. No prior lab experience is required—this session is designed to give you the skills to progress into more advanced techniques in future workshops.

What you’ll do:

Get hands-on with different pipettes (P10, P100, P1000) and practice measuring a range of volumes.
Try pipetting challenges to test your accuracy and consistency.
Prepare slides and learn safe handling of biological samples.
Use brightfield and fluorescence microscopes to visualise prepared slides of cells, microbes, and tissues.
Capture microscope images and compare your observations with others in the group.

Key techniques you’ll learn:

Proper pipette handling and calibration checks.
Best practices to avoid cross-contamination when transferring liquids.
Slide preparation and microscope focusing techniques.
Identifying cellular structures under brightfield microscopy.
Introduction to fluorescence microscopy for visualising tagged molecules.

Outcome:
By the end of this session, participants will be confident using pipettes accurately and independently setting up and using a microscope, forming the foundation for all future Lab Academy workshops.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE please complete this COMMUNITY ONBOARDING MODULE