Lab 1 Flashcards
Describe, compare, and contrast the characteristics of BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 microbes.
BSL-1 microbes are not primary pathogens and pose minimal risk; they may be opportunistic [rarely infect]. BSL-2 microbes can cause disease, may be primary or opportunistic pathogens, and are moderately hazardous. BSL-3 microbes cause serious or fatal disease and are transmissible via respiratory routes; some have treatments. BSL-4 microbes are highly transmissible, often by aerosol, cause fatal disease, and lack treatment or vaccines.
Describe, compare, and contrast the containment and safety protocols of BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 labs.
BSL-1 labs require minimal protocols: open bench work, handwashing, and PPE as needed. BSL-2 adds routine PPE, restricted access, and use of biosafety cabinets for splash hazards. BSL-3 includes BSL-2 precautions plus medical screening, respirators, biosafety cabinets, and negative air pressure. BSL-4 requires all prior protocols plus sealed suits, airlocks, decontamination showers, and isolated facilities.
Name, compare, and contrast the types of disease transmission found BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 microbes. Explain why modes of transmission affect biosafety level.
BSL-1 microbes have minimal transmission risk. BSL-2 microbes are typically spread by direct contact. BSL-3 microbes spread through respiratory routes (droplets, airborne, aerosols). BSL-4 microbes are easily transmissible via aerosols. Higher biosafety levels are required as transmission becomes easier and more dangerous.
Name the basic safety guidelines of the BSL-1 Teaching Lab at Cascade.
Follow BSL-1 lab safeguards: wash hands, wear gloves and goggles as required, keep lab doors closed, no food or electronics, tie back long hair, clean benches, sterilize tools, and dispose of waste properly.
Gloves required:
1. when there are breaks or cuts in the skin
2. when handling chemical reagents
3. when staining smears
4. when handling human body fluids
Googles required:
When handling chemicals
When making bacterial smears
When staining bacterial smears
When transferring and handling liquid cultures
Name when handwashing is required in the lab.
Immediately after entering and before leaving the lab, after removing gloves, and after potential contamination.
Name when chemical safety goggles are required in the lab.
- When handling chemicals
- When making bacterial smears
- When staining bacterial smears
- When transferring and handling liquid cultures
Name when disposable glove use is required in the lab.
- when there are breaks or cuts in the skin
- when handling chemical reagents
- when staining smears
- when handling human body fluids
Identify and locate the safety equipment found in lab.
Includes eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and biosafety cabinet.
Describe the purpose of science.
To explain natural phenomena using evidence, logic, and reasoning through observation and testing.
Name and describe the steps of the basic or ‘typical’ scientific method.
- Observation 2. Question 3. Hypothesis 4. Prediction 5. Experiment 6. Conclusion. Used to explore cause-and-effect relationships.
Name and describe the characteristics of a good hypothesis.
A good hypothesis is testable, falsifiable, based on prior evidence, consistent with known facts, and clearly defines the variables involved.
Describe the fundamental difference between controlled experiments and observational experiments.
Controlled experiments involve manipulation of the independent variable; observational experiments observe natural variation without intervention.
Describe the relationship between independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is measured.
Explain why controlled/standardized variables are important.
They ensure only the independent variable affects the dependent variable, increasing experiment validity.
Describe the relationship between experimental and control groups in an experiment.
The experimental group receives the independent variable; the control group does not, serving as a baseline for comparison.
Describe the relationships between the various scientific variables and the experimental and control groups.
Experimental groups vary the independent variable; control groups do not. Both groups should share standardized variables to reduce confounding.
Describe how predictions relate to hypotheses and experiments.
Predictions are specific outcomes expected if the hypothesis is true, often in if/then format, and guide experimental testing.
Identify the hypothesis of an experiment.
A tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon that can be tested and potentially falsified.
Formulate hypotheses and predictions.
Hypothesis: testable explanation of an observation. Prediction: specific, testable outcome based on the hypothesis.
Identify the controlled, independent, and dependent variables in an experiment.
Independent variable is manipulated, dependent variable is measured, controlled variables remain constant across groups.
Identify the control and experimental groups in an experiment.
Control group does not receive the independent variable; experimental group does. Both should be otherwise identical.
Describe the relationship between observations and conclusions with respect to experimental results.
Observations are raw data collected; conclusions interpret the meaning of those observations in relation to the hypothesis.
Describe the purpose and function of critical thinking.
To objectively evaluate evidence, test explanations, and make reasoned conclusions in scientific investigations.
