Microbiology
Laboratory Schedule

Updated 7 February 05

Week 1  Laboratory orientation; Safety and directions; 
        Use of microscopes;Handling and examining cultures; 
        Electronic resources: E-mail, Web resources
     2  Microscopic observation and culture: Bright field and phase-contrast 
          Wet mounts, hanging drops, smears, stains, "Pet" culture
     3  Preparation of growth media: Plates, slants, broth
        Inoculation of cultures; Microbial analysis of environmental sources
     4  Differential & selective media: 
          EMB, MacConkey, TSI, IMViC, Vogel-Johnson, XLD
     5  Enzyme tests: Differentiation of bacterial species. 
     6  Dilution technique to estimate population numbers: 
          Pour-plate, spread plate
        Group investigation project
     7  Environmental effects on microorganisms: 
          Temperature, disinfectants, uv light, antibiotics
     8  Estimating fecal contamination: Food & water  
     9  Completion of group project. 
        Virtual unknown identification via Identibacter Interactus.
    10  Identifying unknown bacteria from a mixed culture.
    11  Unknowns continued.                  
    12  Unknowns due 
    13  Lab cleanup

Notes:

  1. A lab book (8.5" x 11" format) will be kept by each student during labs to record the details of lab activities. Included will be any rough notes and a brief summary on background, purpose, steps taken, times, obsevations, results, conclusions, applications, or significance of the lab work for each week. The lab book will be subject to review by the instructor anytime and will be turned in for a preliminary evaluation on Friday, January 21.
  2. It is usually not possible to makeup missed laboratory work. You need to be in labs at the start of the period except for an emergency or personal illness.
  3. It is a bad idea to be late for laboratory sessions. Instructions and demonstrations are given during the first part of each meeting. It is important for your success that you be on time and have the benefit of introductory information.
  4. It is also a bad idea to schedule other appointments to conflict with laboratory meetings. Be sure that there are no other alternative appointment times with phycians, employers, other professors, etc.

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