Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- orientation [2016/06/01 02:26] – created admin
+++ orientation [2018/05/09 15:38] – minor grammar and sentences admin
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 ===== Gupta Lab Orientation Information =====
-**Training/safety-related (before starting any experiment in the lab!)**
+**Training/safety-related (before starting experiments in the lab!)**
-  * Complete all safety trainings and update the <color blue>Safety Training</color> checklist
+  * Complete the safety training (available through online Mosaic system). WHMIS is mandatory for everyone. Update the <color blue>Safety Training</color> checklist. A copy of signed checklist must be filed in the lab binder.
-  * Fill out the “Working alone” and <color blue>Volunteer agreement</color> forms, if required
+  * Fill out the “Working alone” and <color blue>Volunteer agreement</color> forms, if required.
-  * Familiarize with various equipment in the lab, read SOPs and update the <color blue>Equipment Training</color> checklist
+  * Familiarize with equipment in the lab, read SOPs and update the <color blue>Equipment Training</color> checklist. It is important for your safety and keeping equipment in good, working condition.
-  * Read and sign the <color blue>Gupta Lab Safety Procedures</color> form
+  * Read and sign the <color blue>Gupta Lab Safety Procedures</color> form. File it in the lab binder.
 **General**
-  * Familiarize yourself where equipment and other general things are kept in the lab
+  * Familiarize yourself with various chemical stocks (liquid/solid) stored at room temperature and in -4C refrigerator and -20C freezer.
-  * Familiarize yourself with various chemicals (liquid and solid) in the lab
+  * Learn about enzymes, kits, and other molecular biology stocks in lab freezers.
-  * Keep your lab notebook up-to-date
+  * Learn to prepare common media and buffers (LB, M9, PO4 etc.).
+  * Keep your lab notebook up-to-date. Discuss with Bhagwati if you need access to online [[https://www.macwormlab.net/labdb/|lab database resources]] and [[http://www.labarchives.com|LabArchives]] digital notebook systems. All experiment-related data should be stored in LabArchives.
 **Worm-related**
   * Read basic worm culturing techniques and //C. elegans// genetics and anatomy ("Methods" chapter in Wood's //C. elegans// book and the websites www.wormatlas.org and www.wormbook.org)
+  * Review basic //C. elegans// literature. A few important links are posted in the [[resources|Resources]] section.
+  * Using Nomarski microscope examine different stages of the developing vulva and gonad in hermaphrodites and take pictures
   * Learn to
-    * Make and seed //C. elegans// culture plates (NG agar)
+    * Make and seed //C. elegans// culture plates (NG-Agar)
     * Make platinum wire pick for handling worms
     * Propagate worm cultures by bulk transfer
-    * Transfer single/few worm(s) without poking holes in agar
+    * Transfer single/few worm(s) without poking holes in the agar
     * Recognize males and hermaphrodites
-    * Distinguish between egg, larval and adult stages
+    * Distinguish between egg, larval, and adult stages
-    * Recognize L4 stage hermaphrodites (based on the vulval invagination)
+    * Recognize L4 larval stage hermaphrodites (based on vulval invagination)
-    * Recognize young hermaphrodites (without fertilized eggs in the uterus) and those that are actively laying eggs
+    * Recognize fresh young hermaphrodites (empty uterus, no fertilized eggs) and gravid hermaphrodites
     * Mount worms on glass slides for Nomarski observations
-  * Study various stages of the developing vulva and gonad in wild type worms and take pictures
-  * Setup a genetic cross
+  * Learn to setup a simple genetic cross
-    * Cross Unc/Dpy hermaphrodites to wild type males
+    * Cross Unc/Dpy hermaphrodites to wildtype males
-    * Clone 3 wild type-looking worms in the F1 generation
+    * Clone 3 wildtype-looking worms in the F1 generation
-    * Recover the mutant in F2 generation
+    * Recover the homozygous mutant in F2 generation
 **Microscopy-related**
   * Learn to operate the Nomarski microscopes. Read microscopy books and ask the supervisor to demonstrate the correct method of handling.
-  * Cover the Nomarski microscopes EVERYTIME after you have finished using it. Microscope lenses are expensive.
+  * Cover the Nomarski microscopes after every use. Microscope lenses are expensive and dust can cause damage.
-  * Organize your imaging files on the computer. Create your own folder to keep all the data files inside. Unorganized files may get deleted without any warning!
+  * Organize captured images in a folder on the computer. Label files and folders clearly so these could be easily identified. Unorganized files may get deleted without prior warning!
-  * Use the Log Book. It is a MUST for everyone. You should also keep an eye on others to make sure that they are doing it as well.
+  * Use the Log Book. It is a MUST for everyone. Also, keep an eye on others to make sure that they are doing it as well.
-  * Report problems with microscopes to me IMMEDIATELY. It is a collective responsibility of lab workers to keep things running smoothly.
+  * Report problems with microscopes to supervisor PROMPTLY. It is a collective responsibility of lab workers to keep things running smoothly.
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