FOME 2024 MicroFOME 2: Developing Microbiology Laboratory Excellence in a Non-Modular Format

Описание к видео FOME 2024 MicroFOME 2: Developing Microbiology Laboratory Excellence in a Non-Modular Format

Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Zukowski , Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University

Overview: Conventional approaches in undergraduate laboratory courses often follow a modular or expository format, disseminating knowledge and practical skills across predetermined, self-contained laboratory sessions. In contrast, within academic, clinical, and industrial environments, real-world scientific inquiry unfolds continuously through ongoing research projects. This iterative process requires the amalgamation of information collected from various sources and the analysis of results from diverse procedures, where each experiment contributes findings or insights that serve as a foundation for subsequent investigations. Recognizing the educational benefits of implementing real- world laboratory experiences, we have developed an undergraduate microbiology laboratory course wherein all lab and lecture activities take place in the context of a bioprospecting and biotechnology product development pipeline. In this curriculum, students first isolate an unidentified bacterium—a “lab pet”—from the environment, then proceed to identify and biochemically characterize the organism. Subsequently, students undertake the tasks of cloning, expressing, purifying, and characterizing an industrially relevant enzyme derived from their organism. Each laboratory session imparts conventional microbiological training, fostering an understanding of diverse microbiology techniques employed in academic research, clinical microbiology, as well as in food and biotechnology industries. In parallel, the overarching biotechnology pipeline offers a continuous learning experience, and students not only gain proficiency in conventional microbiological techniques but also acquire the skills to formulate and execute long-term research plans. Ultimately, with this curriculum students learn how to adapt research strategies based on newly acquired data and develop the ability to synthesize information and research methodologies, drawing on data and concepts accumulated over several months.

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