MCB 3020L - Microbiology Lab

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 1
Contact Hours: 45
Effective Term Fall 2024 (640)

Requisites

((Prerequisite BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2010L with a minimum grade of C) or
Prerequisite BSC 2010CH with a minimum grade of C) and
(Prerequisite CHM 2210 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite CHM 2210L with a minimum grade of C) and
Pre- or Co-requisite MCB 3020 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

Microbiology is the study of organisms and agents too small to be seen clearly by the unaided eye. This laboratory course will consist of experiments that include the application of fundamental techniques used in isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms and using microorganisms to study current topics in biotechnology. (Note: Credit is only given for (MCB 3020C) or (MCB 3020/MCB 3020L)).

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will illustrate advanced techniques for microscopy, lab safety, biotechnology protocols and bacterial staining by:
    1. comparing and contrasting various types of microscopes and their uses.
    2. determining biologically safe levels of selected microorganisms.
    3. following standard laboratory rules and proper disposal of biological waste.
    4. interpreting data from stimulated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments.
    5. describing the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing and operating a thermal cycler to perform the polymerase chain reaction.
    6. isolating DNA and interpreting DNA restriction digest electrophoretic gels.
    7. conducting and analyzing experiments to transform bacteria with plasmids containing genes for selected proteins.
    8. evaluating RNA expression levels by analysis.
    9. completing the steps of the Gram stain to correctly identify Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
    10. employing differential staining methods to identify mycobateria, flagella, endospores and capsules.
  2. The student will evaluate bacterial culturing and microbial isolation techniques by:
    1. employing proper aseptic technique.
    2. analyzing microbial growth using various measurement methods.
    3. performing standard plate counts and coliform plate counts.
    4. performing streak plate and pour plate methods to obtain pure cultures and analyzing data from serial dilutions.
    5. assessing the effects of temperature, pH, oxygen concentration and osmolarity on bacterial growth.
    6. explaining the effects of UV radiation on microbial growth.
    7. determining the susceptibility of bacteria to selected antibiotics and disinfectants.
    8. identifying organisms based on citrate utilization, sugar fermentation, oxidase and catalase production.
    9. operating a spectrophotometer to measure cell density.
  3. The student will interpret scientific data to gain confidence and skill in problem solving techniques by:
    1. using critical thinking skills to determine the identity of unknown specimens.
    2. analyzing and interpreting data and writing comprehensive laboratory reports.
    3. analyzing results from qualitative tests on environmental water samples.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of the above stated objectives through laboratory measurements developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495).
C&I Approval: 02/17/2024, BOT Approval: 03/19/2024, Effective Term: Fall 2024 (640)

Related Programs

  1. Biology (BIOLOGY-BS) (670) (Active)
  2. Biology (BIOLOGY-BS) (640) (Draft)
  3. Laboratory Specialist (LAB-ATC) (670) (Active)