Laboratory Manual for Microbiology

This laboratory manual contains exercises designed for a semester- or quarter-long course in introductory microbiology, for non-biology majors.  As such, it assumes no previous laboratory experience in biology and no college-level coursework in biology.  Exercises are designed to teach critical laboratory skills through hands-on experience, including compound microscopy, aseptic technique, and bacterial staining. Uniquely, student engagement is enhanced by a multi-week study of a microbe of their choice, cultured from their everyday environment.

The exercises are designed to stand alone, and also to complement typical lecture content in an introductory microbiology course, providing reinforcement of concepts and vocabulary. Some of the exercises are designed to be completed during a single 2-hour laboratory period, while others are initiated in one period but require follow-up in one or more subsequent laboratory periods after incubation of cultures.  Usually, follow-up for one exercise can be completed during the same period as initiation of another exercise.  Although a laboratory course may consist entirely of the exercises contained in the manual, an instructor may choose to enrich the course through the use of quizzes on lab concepts, microscopy skill assessment, and one or more practical examinations