Introduction to Experimental Design & AAO FX Software

For additional information, contact your Beckman Coulter representative or the Training Coordinator 1-800-862-7684 and select option #2.

Course Description

Part Number: 969250

Introduction to Experimental Design & AAO FX Software is a 3-1/2 day course designed to provide you with a foundation in statistical design of experiments (DOE) and the use of Automated Assay Optimization (AAO) FX Software to translate your assay experimental designs into corresponding Biomek® FX methods. This course is unique in that it is designed and taught with Stat-Ease, Inc., a world-class company specializing in DOE software, training, and consulting services. The DOE portions of this course include the use of Design-Expert® software.

DOE is a statistics-based approach for determining cause and effect relationships between multiple experimental factors. Automated Assay Optimization (AAO) FX Software is a Biomek® FX tool that incorporates statistical experimental design to generate Biomek FX methods to optimize assays conditions. In order to maximize the power of AAO FX, the principles of DOE must be understood prior to using AAO FX. The figure below illustrates the concept of how DOE and AAO FX software work together:

This is an advanced course that requires working knowledge of the Biomek® FX Span-8 system as well as basic statistics. In order to maximize the benefit to all students, certain knowledge and skills are assumed. Please thoroughly review the prerequisites required for this course.

Course Highlights

• design two-level full factorials, replicated full factorials with blocking and fractional factorials using DOE
  
  
• select assay optimization factors to incorporate into an experimental design
  
  
• determine design considerations & factor types used with AAO FX software
  
  
• create an experimental design in Design-Expert® software
  
  
• import an experimental design from Design-Expert® software into AAO FX software
  
  
• develop a Biomek® FX method in AAO FX selecting the appropriate labware & pipetting options
  
  
• select assay optimization factors to incorporate into an experimental design
  
  
• specify design parameters, factor types, experimental plate format, and experimental randomization options
  
  
• examine plate maps that illustrate the experimental factors per well
  
  
• specify deck configuration, additional sources, experimental and source plate types, and buffer creation labware
  
  
• select pipetting options including volume, liquid type, techniques, and volume
  
  
• specify incubation times for source labware
  
  
• construct a Biomek® FX method specifying the order of completion and any time critical sections
  
  
• select labware properties and generate a Biomek® FX method
  
  
• generate plate data and deconvoluted data into the appropriate format
  
  
• transfer deconvoluted data into Design-Expert® software
  
  
• analyze two-level full factorial, replicated full factorials with blocking and fractional factorials using Design-Expert® software
  
  
• learn about advanced topics including split-plot designs, factorials with center points, and response surface methodology
  
  
• know what additional training, support and services are available from Beckman Coulter, Inc. & Stat-Ease, Inc.

Recommended Job Roles

• This course would be valuable to researchers, research associates/assistants, technicians and in-house statisticians

Course Outline

DAY 1:

	Introduction
	Two-level Full Factorials Design construction for 2,3 or more factors Step-by-step analysis Advantage over one-factor-at-a-time approach

DAY 2:

Enhancement for full Factorials Explanation of statistical outputs Biomek® FX Method using two-level Full Factorials AAO FX Software Process Overview Design Considerations Software configuration Replicated Full Factorial (Biomek® FX 23 Assay) Explanation of Power

DAY 3:

Blocking & Fractional Factorials AAO FX Tutorial: 25 factorials with 4 replicates and 4 blocks Assay contaminants study: 28 factorial with four blocks 28 full factorials v. 28-2 fractional factorials Video "Planned Experimentation" Homework

DAY 4:

	Advanced Topics Overview Split Plot Design Factorials with center points Response surface methodology Optional exercise: Outliers
	Summary

Duration

Product

Required Prerequisites

• 	Prerequisites	Available Resources	Typical Time Required
  1	Complete one of the following: Biomek® FX Start-Up Training Biomek® FX Fundamentals for 2.x software Biomek® FX Fundamentals for 3.x software	Provided on-site during installation Courses offered at Beckman Coulter facilities	1 day
  2	Complete one of the following: Biomek® FX Methods Programming for 2.x software Biomek® FX Methods Programming for 3.x software	Course offered at Beckman Coulter facilities	2 days
  3	Complete one of the following: Biomek® FX Tutorials for 2.x software Biomek® FX Quick-Start Guides for 3.x software	Biomek® FX 2.x User Manual Biomek® FX Quick-Start Guides	1/2 day
  4	Working knowledge of the Biomek® FX Span-8 system	Experience in creating methods	Minimum 3 months experience recommended

  
  
  *If you have not attended a Biomek® FX course, but feel that you have sufficient experience with the Biomek® FX, please obtain Instructor's approval

  Statistical Prerequisites

  Basic statistics is foundational to DOE. Knowledge of statistical concepts is essential to understanding experimental design and assessing the reliability of information and conclusions. The general requirements needed for the course are Microsoft Excel software, simple statistics (average, standard deviation, normal distribution), and general comfort with mathematics (use of formulas, algebra). If you are unsure of your basic statistics skills, we recommend the free online PreDOE Self Assessment available at www.statease.net

  The following must be successfully completed prior to attending this course.

  	Prerequisites	Available Resources	Typical Time Required
  1	PreDOE-Basic Statistics**	Visit http://www.statease.net/to take this on-line course.	1 day
  2	DOE Tutorials -DXO3-Factorial-Levels_Two.pdf	Please install the free 180-day trial version of Design-Ease® DOE software to complete tutorials. (CD is located at the back of the book enclosed in your enrollment package). The tutorial is included on the CD-ROM.	1/2 day

  **The need for this course is dependent upon results of the DOE-Self Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire is free. There is a $195 fee for enrolling in the PreDOE online course.