BIOL 239 Experimental Microbiology


BIOL 239 Experimental Microbiology
Dr. Joan Slonczewski with Darcy Blankenhorn		Spring Semester 2008, HIG 322 Thurs. 1:10-4:00; Fridays as needed
Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye. In this experimental lab course, we observe bacteria, protists, and archaea. Our experimental approaches include: Microscopy of live and stained organisms from human and environmental sources Culturing and biochemistry, using state-of-the-art digital instrumentation PCR molecular genetic analysis and bioinformatic taxonomy Clinical methods to identify potential pathogens from food Prerequisite courses. BIOL 109 is required. BIOL 238 must be taken concurrently. Lab hours. Lab starts in HIG 322 Thursday at 1:10. Followup for microbial growth requires work on Fridays. All lab procedures must be read before the day the exercise is performed. All lab exercises must be turned in on the date indicated. Text: *Leboffe, M. J., and Burton E. Pierce, Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Applications,* 2E, Morton, 2006. Handouts will be provided for each lab. Always check the blackboard in class for any additions or modifications. Lab reports. All pages must be stapled. Do not redraw sketches; use pencil on un-lined paper. Each lab report must show all results, including those of your lab partner(s). Always cite the names of all your lab partners. You are encouraged to discuss results with your fellow students, and cite their assistance (as professional scientists do) but the text and graphics of your report must be your own work. Lab reports are due promptly as noted in the syllabus, and they will be graded and returned promptly. Evaluation. Your final grade is based on lab reports: Labs 1-4 (50% total); Lab 5 (20%); Lab 6 (30%). Each report must be word-processed and proof-read, with Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Attendance. All missed labs will count against your grade. Lab attendance is 100% absolutely required. If you have a sports conflict, you must inform the instructor in writing a week before the lab date. In some cases, a lab partner may be able to help complete the procedures. No labs can be "made up." A missed lab results in final grade F for the course.** Withdrawals. Passing this course assumes 100 % participation up to and including the final lab. The instructor of this course does NOT sign forms for Withdrawal Passing (WP) or Withdrawal Late (WL). This lab has a long waiting list; make sure you intend to complete the course.

**BIOL 239 Syllabus**
Date		Topic	Reading	Report Due
Jan	17 18	Lab 1. Visualizing eukaryotes. Pour plates. Complete observations as needed.	Lab 1
Jan	24 25	Lab 2. Throat Culture: streak plate & Gram Stain Complete as needed. Throat Slides; Haloarchaea	Lab 2	Lab 1
Jan Feb	31 01	Lab 3. Growth and temperature. Growth calculations.	Lab 3	Lab 2
Feb	07 08	Lab 4. Metabolism. Observe tubes and plates.	Lab 4	Lab 3
Feb	14 15	Lab 5. Bioassay of food nutrients. Food Lysine Content Continue Lab 5	Lab 5	Lab 4
Feb	21 22	Continue Lab 5. 4:15 Mike Maguire, Bio Seminar 5:30 Middle School Science Fair -- Extra Credit --
Feb	28 29	Field Trip to Knox Community Hospital --
SPRING VACATION
Mar	21 22	Lab 5. Bioassay on food samples. Lab 6. Isolate and Identify. Restreak colonies & stab cultures.	Lab 6
Mar	27 28	Lab 6. Environmental Bacteria: DNA prep. Continue as needed		Lab 5
Apr	03 04	PCR amplification. --
Apr	10 11	Monday or Tuesday: Gel electrophoresis Purify PCR; Physiology tests; Enterotube; ENTERIC program Send out DNA for sequencing
Apr	17 18	Followup physiology tests. ENTERIC program.
Apr	24	DNA analysis--BLAST. Followup physiology tests.
May	01	Lab 6 Presentations. Field Trip to Water Treatment Plant		Lab 6


Academic Honesty. All rules and standards stated in the *Student Handbook* apply.You must cite the source of all information obtained from another source, including your lab partner and other students. Learning Disabilities. The Coordinator of Disability Services must be consulted for special arrangements.
Laboratory Safety Rules The purpose of these rules is to keep you and your fellow students safe and healthy.Remember that in a microbiology lab, any microorganism is considered a potential pathogen.Observance of safety rules will be a factor in your lab grade. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, emergency shower and first aid kit. Remember to assume that any microbe is a potential pathogen. There is no mouth pipetting in microbiology lab; use the pipettors.Smoking, eating, drinking and chewing gum are not allowed in the lab. Read the day’s procedure for the lab exercise and the appropriate report pages before you come to class. Before the lab period begins, check the lab blackboard for any modification of your procedure.Wait for the instructor to arrive before beginning work. Protect your microscope.Always carry with both hands; grasp the arm with one hand, and support the base with the other hand.Keep your microscope covered when not in use. Never remove or exchange eyepieces with other microscopes. Avoid excess immersion oil. Always clean oil off lenses and slides when you are finished. Use only lens paper with 70% ethanol to clean lenses; blot, not rub. Do not pour liquefied agar medium down the sink drain, as it will cool and gel in the pipes. Do not pour any contaminated media down the drain; instead, leave it in the prep room for autoclaving and safe disposal. Your lab area must be left clear and disinfected with ethanol before you leave the lab. Hang up your lab coat before you leave the lab. Always bring a friend when working in the lab after 5:00 pm or on weekends.