Laboratory Course in Microbiology (4 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Student is able to
- work aseptically and safely in microbiology laboratory
- utilize the most common laboratory devices (including automatic pipettes) and equipment used in the microbiology laboratory
- prepare and sterilize culture media
- culture microbiological samples and identify microbes using common methods
- document the laboratory work clearly to laboratory notebook and report the results in the form of a laboratory report
- use the professional vocabulary of the field

Content (course unit)

- aseptic working techniques
- preparation and sterilization of culture media
- preparation and culture of microbiological samples
- microbe identification and microscopy

Prerequisites (course unit)

Microbiology (5O00CE57 or equivalent)

Exam schedules

Skills test 8.3. (A and B -groups)

Evaluation methods and criteria

The entire course is compulsory attendance, so that all absences must be replaced. The compensation will be agreed personally with the teacher. Sickness absences must be reported to the teacher and the lab partner before the class.
Skills test is a mandatory part of the course for TAMK groups B and C. The students read the automatic pipetting material beforehand. The skills test contains a theory test on the subject. Skills test is graded pass/fail.
Written reports are graded 0-5. Late return of the report lowers the grading according to the common practice in the degree programme.
Lab book and working in the laboratory (the activity of work, responsibility, planning, independence, methods of work, occupational safety) are assessed throughout the course.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Classroom teaching, report, skills test (groups A and B), laboratory work

Learning materials

Material in Tabula.
Supplementary material such as Microbiology: A Laboratory Manual / James G. Cappuccino, Natalie Sherman.
Collins and Lyne's Microbiological Methods / C.H. Collins et al.
Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook / B.P. Dey et al.

Student workload

Lectures and exercises 43 h. Independent work approx. 60 h (preparation for work and reports).

Content scheduling

At the beginning of the course : instructions for work, division to groups, group work and the general guidelines for laboratory work. Preparation of media, laboratory work. Preparing reports from the lab work. TAMK groups: Practising pipetting with automatic pipettes, skills test in small groups.

Further information

Prerequisites: Microbiology theory course of Laboratory engineering degree programme, or equivalent course. The theory course must be successfully completed before the start of the laboratory course.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Task not finished or returned.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student can work aseptically and safely in microbiology laboratory. He is able to prepare and sterilize culture media, to make microbiological cultures using the most common techniques, and perform the most common microbial identification tests under supervision.
Students are able to report the results in the form of a work report .

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student can work aseptically and safely in microbiology laboratory. He is able to independently prepare and sterilize culture media. Students are able to do microbiological cultures using different techniques. The student is able to perform microbial identification tests independently following written instructions. The student is able to interpret the results. Students are able to report the results in accordance with the instructions in the form of a work report.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student can work aseptically and safely in microbiology laboratory. He is able to independently prepare and sterilize culture media, as well as perform microbiological cultures using different techniques. The student is able to perform microbial identification tests independently following and spplying written guidelines. The student is able to interpret the results obtained independently. Student is able to report the results in accordance with the instructions in the form of a work report, and in written reports the student is able to reflect on and evaluate the results, their reliability and the importance in comprehensive and versatile manner.