Skip to practical collection
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUB
BIOCHEMISTRY / THE INSTRUMENT ATLAS

See the instrument.
Understand the principle.

From a micropipette to a spectrophotometer. Learn what each instrument does, identify its parts and practise explaining the science behind it.

MBBS + BDS20 instruments80 viva promptsFirst-year foundation + revision
Back to Practical Hub

20 instruments to explore

Photoelectric colorimeter — reference view
Photometry & pH

Photoelectric colorimeter

Measures light absorption by coloured solutions in suitable biochemical assays.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
UV–visible spectrophotometer — reference view
Photometry & pH

UV–visible spectrophotometer

Measures absorbance at selected wavelengths or across a spectrum in compatible samples.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Cuvette — reference view
Photometry & pH

Cuvette

Holds a sample in the optical path of a colorimeter or spectrophotometer.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Adjustable micropipette — reference view
Liquid measurement

Adjustable micropipette

Transfers small liquid volumes within the instrument’s stated range.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Volumetric pipette — reference view
Liquid measurement

Volumetric pipette

Transfers a fixed calibrated volume for accurate solution preparation.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Burette — reference view
Liquid measurement

Burette

Delivers a measured variable volume during titration.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Volumetric flask — reference view
Glassware & preparation

Volumetric flask

Prepares a solution to a specified final volume.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Graduated measuring cylinder — reference view
Liquid measurement

Graduated measuring cylinder

Measures liquid volume when moderate precision is sufficient.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Test tubes — reference view
Glassware & preparation

Test tubes

Holds small samples for reactions, observation or compatible heating in supervised practicals.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Laboratory beaker — reference view
Glassware & preparation

Laboratory beaker

Holds, mixes and transfers liquids during sample and reagent preparation.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Conical flask — reference view
Glassware & preparation

Conical flask

Mixes solutions by swirling and receives titrant during titration.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Vacuum filtration apparatus — reference view
Glassware & preparation

Vacuum filtration apparatus

Separates suspended solids from a liquid using a suitable filter medium and reduced pressure.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Bench centrifuge — reference view
Separation & mixing

Bench centrifuge

Separates components such as cells and liquid according to their sedimentation behaviour.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Laboratory water bath — reference view
Temperature & incubation

Laboratory water bath

Maintains samples at a controlled temperature for suitable biochemical reactions.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
pH meter — reference view
Photometry & pH

pH meter

Measures the acidity or alkalinity of compatible aqueous samples.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Analytical balance — reference view
Mass & density

Analytical balance

Measures mass accurately for reagent and standard preparation.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Urinometer with measuring cylinder — historical hydrometer reference
Mass & density

Urinometer

Estimates urine specific gravity by flotation in a suitable specimen volume.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Handheld refractometer — reference view
Mass & density

Handheld refractometer

Estimates dissolved-solute concentration or specific gravity using the appropriate calibrated scale.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Laboratory hot plate — reference view
Temperature & incubation

Laboratory hot plate

Heats compatible vessels; some models also provide magnetic stirring.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference
Vortex mixer — reference view
Separation & mixing

Vortex mixer

Rapidly mixes small samples in compatible closed tubes.

Identify · Locate · Practise 4 viva questions · Zoomable reference

A core teaching collection for both courses. Instrument models and practical lists vary by college. Photographs illustrate specific models; follow your department’s supervised practical programme.