Laboratory techniques are an essential part of study within the biosciences. However, the current trend towards increasing dependence on demonstrations at A level, rather than first hand laboratory experience, means that the majority of bioscience students entering higher education have poor practical skills. For example, it is often taken for granted that students can use various pieces of laboratory apparatus such as a micropipette - more often than not they have never even seen one let alone used one! Whilst there are some good laboratory books available, they tend to be used for reference and, quite simply, are not basic enough for the majority of current bioscience first years. The authors and the reviewers feel strongly that there is a real need for this book as it will focus on what the student needs to know to understand the basics, presented in a user-friendly format in terms of both content and size.