MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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Elementary Microbiology Laboratory (MICRB 107)
Spring 2003
Lab Room 124 MCB
W 2:00 – 3:40 p.m.; F 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
Instructor: Matthew P. Hoch, Ph.D.
E-mail: mph13@psu.edu
Assistant Professor of Biology
Campus Phone: 4016
Website: www.yk.psu.edu/~mph13/
Office/Lab: Office Rm 131 MCB / Biology Lab Rm 124 MCB
Office Hours: W 4:00-5:00 p.m., F 3:00-4:00 p.m., or by appointment
Course Description:
An introduction to elementary technical skills and operational protocols of a microbiology laboratory.
Specific experiments address topics in the study of cell structure and metabolism, microbial identification,
applied microbiology and microbial interactions in natural environments.
Corequisite or Prerequisite: MICRB 106
Required Laboratory Manual: Benson, H.J. 2002. Microbiological Applications (short
version), 8th ed. McGraw Hill.
Course Goals and Objectives:
 Practice proper laboratory safety, etiquette, and equipment care at all times.
 Students will correctly follow all procedures and protocols described in the “Fire, Safety,
and Lab Policies” document for this laboratory course.
 Learn basic specimen preparation and microscopy skills used in studying cell structures.
 Students will properly maintain and use a compound microscope to view and interpret
slides with live or stained microorganism specimens.
 Using a variety of staining methods, students will prepare microorganism specimens on
slides.
 Practice aseptic technique at all times to protect personal and public health, as well as, to
prevent contamination of cultures or other experimental procedures.
 Students will properly maintain an uncluttered and disinfected work space.
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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 All equipment used by the student to manipulate microorganisms will be sterilized using
appropriate protocols which the student will have mastered (e.g. lighting Bunsen burner).
 Students will correctly transfer pure cultures of microorganisms growing in either solid or
liquid media.
 Understand the formulation and proper use of microbiological media and diagnostic test
procedures.
 Students will correctly explain the formulation of solid and liquid media designed as
being non-selective versus selective and/or differential for specific groups of bacteria.
 Students will correctly record and interpret macroscopic observations of cultures results.
 Students will correctly explain the essential ingredients of media used in diagnostic tests
for determining various biochemical phenotypes.
 Know how to enumerate microbes in a sample using both indirect culturing procedures.
 Using the appropriate pipette, or pipetting device, students will quantitatively dilute a
culture or unknown liquid sample to specific dilution factors.
 Students will correctly calculate CFU or PFU from plate counts based on known dilution
factors and sample volumes used to inoculate plates.
 Develop thinking skills relevant to the application of the scientific method in microbiology.
 Students will formulate clear, answerable questions and testable hypotheses.
 Student will correctly follow experimental protocols and be able to predict their expected
results.
 Student will properly collect and organize data into a presentable format (e.g. table, text
description, or graph).
 After assessing the validity and significance of the date, students will draw appropriate
conclusions.
Student Evaluation:
Your grade in the course will be based on your participation inside and outside of class, presentation and
interpretation of results, preparation before lab meetings, assimilation of lab knowledge and skills, and
your lab behavior/etiquette. How you participate in the course, as well as your ability to properly present
and interpret results, will be documented by your lab worksheet assignments, which are found in your
laboratory manual or as an independent handout from your instructor. Quizzes will evaluate how well
prepared you are in understanding the background information, experimental design and protocols for
exercises scheduled for that lab meeting. Two practical exams will evaluate your overall knowledge,
skills and related theory.
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
Lab Assignments
Lab Quizzes
Practicum I
Practicum II
Lab Behavior
Total
3
50 %
12 %
15 %
15 %
8%
100 %
Lab Assignments: The lab manual has exercise worksheets with questions for most exercises;
assignment handouts will be supplied for other exercises. You are expected to work independently in
answering assignment questions; however, experimentation and data collection will involve working
with a lab partner. Most labs involve starting experiments on Wednesday and interpreting the results on
Friday. Assignment submission deadlines will be announced 5 times throughout the semester for 10% of
the course grade per submission. Completed exercise worksheets and questions (from lab manual or
handout) will be evaluated for a total of 50% of the final grade.
Lab Quizzes: You are expected to read and study the pertinent lab manual exercises in advance of
each lab meeting. Periodic quizzes will be given to assess your background knowledge, preparation and
understanding of lab exercises. There are six quizzes equal to 2 % of your course grade each, for total of
12% of your course grade. The instructor will base quiz questions on the exercise(s) assigned for that
period. Quizzes will always be on Wednesdays, yet unannounced. Quizzes will begin promptly at the
start of the period, and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Practical Exams: Students will demonstrate common laboratory skills in the middle and at the end of
the semester in the lab room. Students will be graded on good technique in handling organisms in an
aseptic manner, colony isolation, preparing specimens for microscopic observation, and interpretation of
various test and experimental results. Each practicum is 15% of the course grade.
Lab Behavior: The instructor will evaluate you on a number of criteria throughout the semester. You
will be expected to arrive on time, demonstrate a state of preparedness (know what's going on in the
lab), follow safety rules, perform work properly, take care of the equipment correctly and participate in
class discussions. Microscopes are to be cared for properly. Each student will be assigned a microscope
and will be expected to keep it clean and in good working order. Failure to do so will result in loss of
instructor evaluation points. NEVER disassemble your microscope. This is 8% of your course grade.
Grades:
Letter grades are based on the total percentage of course marks accumulated as indicated below. Plus (+)
or minus (-) designations will be assigned only at final grade submission, and will be based on the
distribution of marks, i.e. "the curve", within each posted letter grade range. [E.g.: total course marks
equal to or above 89, the A-range, will always be either an A-, A, or A+; which +/- designation received
within the A-range will depend on the distribution and number of students within the A-range.
A
B
C
D
F
89 - 100 %
77 - 88 %
65 - 76 %
53 - 64 %
< 52 %
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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Lab Exercise Schedule*:
(Note that bold text indicates the start of an exercise, whereas italic text indicates a continuation)
Lab
Period
Date
1
Jan 15
2
Jan 17
3
Exercise†
Topic
Ex.7
Ex. 8
Ex.7
Ex. 8
Aseptic Technique
Bacteria
Aseptic Technique
Bacteria
Jan 22
Ex. 1
Ex. 11
Ex. 12
Brightfield Microscopy
Smear Preparation
Simple Staining
4
Jan 24
Ex. 1
Ex. 12
Brightfield Microscopy
Simple Staining
5
Jan 29
Ex. 14
Ex. 15
Gram Stain
Spore Stain
6
Jan 31
Ex. 14
Ex. 15
Gram Stain
Spore Stain
7
Feb 5
Ex. 19
Ex. 25
Pure culture techniques
Temperature effects on growth
8
Feb 7
Ex. 19
Ex. 25
Pure culture techniques
Temperature effects on growth
9
Feb 12
Ex. 21
Bacterial Population Counts
10
Feb 14
Ex. 21
Bacterial Population Counts
11
Feb 19
Ex. 48
Ex. 52
Water Testing
Alcohol Fermentation (Making Wine)
12
Feb 21
Ex. 48
Water Testing
13
Feb 26
14
Feb 28
Ex. 48
Ex. 29
Ex. 52
Ex. 29
Water Testing
UV Light: Lethal effects
Alcohol Fermentation (Making Wine)
UV Light: Lethal effects
15
Mar 5
Mar 7
Practicum I
No Lab
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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Mar 10-14
Spring Break
16
Mar 19
Handout (Ex 24)
Phage Isolation
17
Mar 21
Handout (Ex 24)
Phage Isolation
18
Mar 26
Ex. 57
Ex. 36
Gram-Negative Intestinal Pathogens
Effectiveness of Hand scrubbing
19
Mar 28
Ex. 57
Ex. 36
Gram-Negative Intestinal Pathogens
Effectiveness of Hand scrubbing
20
Apr 2
21
Apr 4
22
Apr 9
Ex. 57
Ex. 45
Ex. 57
Ex. 45
Handout
Ex. 55
Gram-Negative Intestinal Pathogens
Enterotube II Multi-Test System
Gram-Negative Intestinal Pathogens
Enterotube II Multi-Test System
Lytic effect of tears and saliva
Staphylococci isolation and identification
23
Apr 11
Handout
Ex. 55
Lytic effect of tears and saliva
Staphylococci isolation and identification
24
Apr 16
Ex. 55
Ex. 33
Staphylococci isolation and identification
Antimicrobial sensitivity testing (Kirby Bauer)
25
Apr 18
Ex. 55
Ex. 33
Staphylococci isolation and identification
Antimicrobial sensitivity testing (Kirby Bauer)
26
Apr 23
Handout (Ex 51)
Making Yogurt
27
Apr 25
Handout (Ex 51)
Making Yogurt
28
Apr 30
May 2
Practicum II
No Lab
* Dates for specific topics may change during the semester. Please be advised that all updates of the
syllabus will be posted on the course website (www.yk.psu.edu/~mph13/).
† Some laboratory exercises we perform may be modified from what is printed in the lab manual. At the
beginning of each lab any substitution in microorganism, media and/or protocol will be discussed.
Lab Attendance Policy:
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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This laboratory course, like most others, is all about being minds-on and hand-on. Considering the later,
it should come as no surprise that you need to physically (and I hope mental) be at each lab. How else are
you going to perform the experiment or interpret results? Therefore, attendance and participation is
required for all labs. Assignments will not be accepted if you were absent from lab unless you properly
follow the “Make-Up” Policy (see below).
"Make-Up" Policy:
Missed examinations, quizzes, labs, or assignments can only be made up, or waived, by prior arrangement
and/or with proof of an excusable absence (e.g., documented medical reason, sanctioned University
Function). A different set of questions may be used for any make up assignments or exams.
Snow Closure Policy:
We are expected to have a snowy winter this semester, and cancellation of lab meetings is very likely.
Please be advised to check your email (PSU account) as to how we will handle the cancellation of any
particular laboratory exercise. In most cases we will not be able to make up lost lab time. However,
depending on the nature on on-going exercises we may postpone completion and/or cancel other
exercises. Cancellations on due dates for assignment submission or a practical exam will require you to
submit the assignment of take the practical exam at the next scheduled lab period.
Course Requirements:
1. You are responsible for your own laboratory safety. Thereby, you will need a lab coat and
safety glass to be worn during labs.
2. You are responsible for having read and understood the day’s lab before the lab period!
3. A PSU Access Account. Go to IST Rm 106 and make the request for your user-ID and
password. It will take about 24 hours for activation, at which time I recommend you change
your password.
4. A single Email address. I will send all course announcements and notes to your PSU user-ID
address. This is also the easiest address for other PSU students to use in reaching you, as it is
on the PSU Directory. I suggest you use the PSU Webmail.
5. You will keep in touch with me and other students in the class by Email. Check your Email
frequently (i.e. daily) so you don’t miss important announcements.
6. Anticipate out-of-class lab time. Yes, this means coming into the lab at unscheduled times
to make observations, record results, and possibly inoculate cultures. It’s the nature of those
little beasts to grow really fast – they just can’t wait for our schedule.
7. Observe all class guidelines (see below) and bring your most positive attitude.
Class Guidelines:
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
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I would like everyone to participate in making our class times a nice comfortable place to learn
throughout the next fifteen weeks. To this end, please, let us all adopt the following guidelines on
appropriate and considerate behavior.
 Unless you are waiting for an organ transplant, or a birth is imminent, please turn off all electronic
devices (e.g. cell phones, pagers, etc) that could generate distracting noises prior to entering class.

I encourage you to fill the room with questions and discussion on the topic at hand. Please ask
questions freely, and if not in class then out of class, either verbally or via Email. When others ask, or
answer, questions in class, please give them your full attention and respect.

If you have a comment or complaint regarding any aspect of the course other than the course content
or activity being discussed, please wait to speak with me until after class, outside of class, or by
Email. This saves valuable class time and is much more discrete, particular on issues of grade
disputes or any other potential misunderstanding.

Please don’t study or read other course material in class. If you find yourself in a time management
crises come see me before class instead.

Also, refer to “Promoting a Vibrant Learning Culture” at www.psu.edu/oue/vibrant.html.
Academic Integrity:
Academic dishonesty, aka cheating, is not something you want on your record, nor do you want to lower
your grade or fail the course. This first year of university is a time to focus on developing study skills and
learning your strengths and weaknesses. Students that cheat are not challenging themselves, and such
cowardly behavior now, will leave them even more ill prepared for their future. If you ever feel the urge
to cheat in any form, that is your signal to seek help from your peers, instructor, and/or the learning
center. Faculty will have great respect for the hard working honest student that feels they have learned
something, regardless of any grade outcome. Preservation of a high standard of academic integrity is, for
many individuals, a source of self-confidence and pride.
To possess academic integrity means you don’t cheat. So what is cheating?
 Copying someone else’s assignment or and submitting it as yours.
 Referring to another student or sources during a quiz or exam.
It is NOT cheating to work with other students while studying for quizzes and exams. It is NOT cheating
to seek assistance from another student, a tutor, or your instructor, in order to understand an in-class
activity or out-of-class assignment.
If the instructor suspects you of cheating, they will immediately notify you to meet informally after class
or at some other time outside of class. At that time, the instructor will inform the student of the
accusation and its circumstances, and the student will have the opportunity to explain their view point or
situation. The instructor will then decide whether to proceed with a formal academic sanction.
Notification of an academic sanction will involve a formal meeting between accused student and
instructor. At this formal meeting, the student will be presented with an academic sanction form that
explains the accusation and the sanctions, such as a failing grade on an assignment, quiz, or exam. The
formal meeting will be arranged by e-mail or phone call. The student may agree and sign the form or
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
contest the allegations through the university authorities. If a student is absent from the formal meeting
time, they will be given three additional days to contact and meet with the instructor. Failure to formally
meet with the instructor will be deemed as the student's acceptance of academic sanction, and waives the
student's right to contest the allegations of academic dishonesty. Note, that any student(s) assisting or
facilitating others in cheating will be subject to equal penalty and treated according to these same
guidelines The official guideline on this policy can be found in the Academic Administrative Policies
Manual, which is available on the PSU website at item “G9” at: www.psu.edu/dept/oue/aappm/.
Disability Statement:
Please see me immediately after the first class if you have a documented disability that may
require special accommodations for this course. I will do all I can to accommodate your needs and/or
arrange to get you any additional required assistance.
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