20.109(S19):Design cell viability experiment and complete RNA-seq data analysis (Day6)
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Introduction
Today you will finalize the design for your cell viability experiment and seed cells in preparation for etoposide treatment later this week.
Experimental design refers to the process by which the details of an experiment are organized to ensure that the data collected are appropriate and answer the correct question. In an experiment, a treatment is intentionally imposed on a sample such that the outcome(s) can be observed. You should consider these points when designing an experiment:
- Treatments should be administered in measurable levels. The level, or amount, of treatment must be conserved across samples to limit unintended variability in the results.
- Controls should be included. The controls, or untreated samples, are a baseline to which the treated samples are compared.
- In the negative control group, no result is expected. This treatment will lack enzyme or other important factor necessary for the result / reaction that is being tested.
- In the positive control group, an expected result is generated to ensure that you can see what you are testing.
- Each experiment should have only one variable. If multiple variables (e.g. treatments, conditions, etc) are included in a single experiment, the results will be inconclusive because the outcome may be attributed to any of the variables within the experiment.
- Replicates should be included. The replicates test for technical error introduced by the researcher.
Designing a successful experiment requires time, effort, and practice.
Protocols
Reagents
Next day: Journal club presentations
