Introduction to the Microbiology Laboratory
Overall Objectives of the Microbiology Laboratory
Welcome to Microbiology! In this portion of the course, we will explore the central roles of microorganisms in nature and in our daily lives. In this process of discovery, we will become adept with standard microbiological techniques that will allow us to investigate the structure and physiology of microorganisms. The various sub-disciplines of Microbiology including Bacterial Genetics, Bacteriology, Immunology, and Environmental and Applied Microbiology will be introduced.
The objectives over the course of the semester are to...
- become proficient in laboratory skills and safety protocols.
- learn to follow experimental procedures. apply the scientific method: formulate answerable questions/hypotheses, predict expected results, make careful observations, collect and analyze/interpret data, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- begin to gain proficiency in scientific writing (laboratory reports and notebook entries)
- embark in active learning opportunities in the laboratory.
- demonstrate good lab citizenry and the ability to work with others.
- have Fun!!!
The Microbiology Laboratory Manual, Photographic Atlas and Course Web Site
The experiments to be conducted in the General Microbiology Laboratory are outlined in this manual. Students may also purchase A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory by Michael J. Leboffe and Burton E. Pierce. This atlas includes concise descriptions and color photographs of numerous biochemical tests, stains, and other procedures that are pertinent to most of the labs that we will perform throughout the course. It is a VALUABLE RESOURCE if referred to regularly.
At the beginning of every lab procedure, the TA or instructor will give a lecture which will include pertinent background information, tips on how to perform various laboratory procedures, and other important instructions. The lecture notes and any additional course information or visual aides will be posted on the course web site at:
http://www.uwyo.edu/molb2210_lab/
Please check the course web site before each scheduled lab session as additional, helpful information will often be found there.
Microscopes
In this lab we will use Olympus Biological Microscopes. These are better than average teaching microscopes and are very expensive, each costs over $2,000. Handle it with extreme care! The KEY to having a microscope work well is to keep it clean. To eliminate the most common source of frustration in microscopy, be sure to CLEAN the ocular and objective lenses with lens paper BEFORE and AFTER the lab session. Clean up any oil spills immediately and properly store the microscope with a cover. In using the microscope always follow the appropriate procedure as described in LABS 1 and 2.
Grading Policy
- Practical Exam #1: 30
- Practical Exam #2: 30
- Weekly Quizzes: (best 6 out of 7) 60
- Assignments/Lab Reports:
- Unknown Press Release 5
- Dilution Problems 10
- Pipetman tutorial 5
- Gram Stain Report 15
- Unknown Report (includes hypotheses and references) 25
- Notebook: 20
- Laboratory Total 200 points
Extra credit opportunities (worth a total of 5 points) will be provided throughout the semester.
- Five percentage points will be deducted for everyday that an assignment is submitted late. Assignments more than one week late will not be graded. One late assignment may be submitted without deduction using the late coupon found in the appendix.
Your grade for General Microbiology will be based on a total of 800 points (600 from lecture, 200 from lab).
Required Lab Supplies
- Lab coat (There is a limited supply of lab coats in the lab. Lab coats can also be purchased at the bookstore.)
- Safety glasses (supplied in lab)
Optional Lab Supplies
- Colored pencils/pens
- 3 x 5 cards (a file box is a handy way to store your cards)
Absentee Policy
Attendance in lab is mandatory. If, due to circumstances beyond your control, you have to miss a lab, you must contact your T.A. or professor prior to the absence. Unexcused absences will not be accepted. One unexcused absence will result in the loss of 5 points and two unexcused absences will result in an automatic F in the course. Missed labs must be made up during open lab hours.
Learning Tips
- To get the most out of the laboratory, read the scheduled exercise(s) before the lab. This allows you to be efficient and productive and facilitates a better understanding of the material.
- Be thorough! Many of the exercises performed in this lab require several days to complete. Generally, each lab period will involve finishing the previous exercise and then starting another. Therefore, it is imperative that you complete each lab by recording all of the results (especially for large group projects), and answering the questions for each lab before starting with the next lab exercise.
- Use the resources provided on the lab website! Summaries, reviews and supplemental materials can be found here! In studying for quizzes and lab practical exams, you may find it useful to prepare index cards. These may help you review specific microorganisms, microbiological tests, and procedures.
Laboratory Safety
- Lab coats and safety glasses must be worn at all times while in the laboratory. Regular prescription glasses are generally not made with safety glass and thus safety glasses must be worn over the top of these glasses at all times. Safety glass checks will be made throughout the semester and students without their glasses will loose 2 points.
- Only the materials pertinent to lab work, such as a lab manual/notebook, and other lab materials, should be brought to your workspace. All other items such as coats, books, and bags should be stored on the shelves provided for this purpose.
- No eating, drinking or smoking in the lab.
- Know lab safety procedures and the location of the first aid kit, eyewash, and fire extinguisher.
- All culture material should be handled as if it were potentially harmful.
- Be very careful with Bunsen burners. Avoid wearing loose clothing that may be exposed beneath a lab coat and thus provide potential fuel for the flame. Burners should be turned off when not in use.
- Long hair must be tied back while in the laboratory. Long pants and closed toed shoes are suggested.
- The chemical compounds used to stain bacteria can be irritating to the skin and some are potential carcinogens. The use of gloves when performing staining procedures will help minimize exposure.
- Dispose of materials as instructed. Do not carelessly throw materials in wastebaskets or sinks; biohazard waste containers are available.
- Report any accident or injury immediately to the laboratory instructor so that prompt action can be taken.
- After each lab, WASH your hands before leaving the laboratory.
- The surfaces of lab benches are washed with disinfectant and rinsed with water twice a day by the teaching assistants and instructor.
- If you have any allergies, chemical sensitivities or if you are pregnant or think you may become pregnant, please identify yourself to the instructor. If, for any of these reasons (or others), you believe that your safety is compromised in the lab, we will make alternative arrangements for completion of this portion of the course.
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