15 Lab 2 Aims and Overview
16 Aims
To understand how to examine microorganisms, both at the macroscopic (colony morphology), and the microscopic (including the use of appropriate staining techniques) scale.
17 Learning Outcomes
At the end of this laboratory session, you should understand:
How to identify microorganisms from their macroscopic characteristics.
How to identify microorganisms from their microscopic characteristics.
How to use differential media to identify bacterial species.
18 Competencies
Using aseptic technique.
Observing colony morphology of bacterial and eukaryotic microorganisms.
Preparing and viewing specimens for examination using microscopy.
Using appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (differential stains and media).
Documenting and reporting on experimental results and conclusions.
19 Importance
This laboratory session aligns with lectures from BM329 block A and reinforces material relating to bacterial morphology, bacterial cell wall structure, bacterial identification and phylogeny, fungal classification.
19.1 Overview of Lab 2
In this lab session, you will perform the following tasks:
Task 2A: Observation of macroscopic characteristics
Task 2B: Observation of microscopic characteristics
Task 2C: Differential media - use of blood agar to differentiate bacteria based on their haemolytic activity
Before attending the practical lab, you should ensure that you have read and understood:
The introductory section covering Microscopy
The introductory sections covering the theory on Microbial Identification, Selective and Differential Media, Differential Stains - Gram Staining, and Moulds and Fungi
The Protocols we will be following in the lab
You also must ensure that you have read and signed the safety forms, or you will not be admitted to the lab.