IEP 266 Applied Microbiology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Differentiate fundamental biological concepts such as characteristics of living organisms, structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, biological classification, evolution of life, metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids.
2. Appraise core microbiological concepts such as Bacteria and Archaea, Fungi, protozoans, algae, viruses, viroids, prions, and describe social, economic and historic roles of microorganisms.
3. List and critique applications of microbiology.
4. Practice and assimilate safe microbiological laboratory skills, demonstrate the use of common laboratory apparatus, perform appropriate lab record keeping, calibrate and operate basic instruments such as compound and dissecting microscopes, autoclave, and spectrophotometer, justify the choice of instrument, and evaluate the instrument's strengths and weaknesses.
5. Complete and apply standard microbiological lab procedures such as aseptic technique, preparing sterile media, pouring plates, isolating bacteria, tissue culture, Gram staining, and biochemical testing to identify microorganisms.
6. Perform and compare bacterial enumeration techniques such as pour plates, spread plates, optical density and most probable number, interpret results, and evaluate factors that will indicate precision and factors that will affect accuracy.
7. Apply and assess common industrial and environmental microbiological principles to prepare yogurt and sauerkraut, identify and isolate an antibiotic-producing fungus from an environmental sample, and cultivate and manage the growth of a fungus.