Table 5 Comparative analysis of Microbiology lab curriculum
ASM Objectives Of Undergraduate Microbiology Education (Part 2: Microbiology Lab Skills) | AGU Microbiology Lab Objectives | Faculty preference (n=7) | Year 3 students’ preference (n=86) | Year 4 students’ preference (n=82) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Face to Face | Blended | Online | Face to Face | Blended | Online | Face to Face | Blended | ||
1 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast). | ✓ | 23% | 34% | 44% | 21% | 35% | 44% | 23% | 34% | 44% |
2 Use pure culture and selective techniques to enrich for and isolate microorganisms. | ✓ | 26% | 28% | 46% | 20% | 35% | 45% | 22% | 34% | 44% |
3 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological). | ✓ | 28% | 26% | 47% | 20% | 35% | 45% | 23% | 34% | 44% |
4 Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample (using, for example, direct count, viable plate count, and spectrophotometric methods). | ✓ | 0% | 29% | 71% | 20% | 36% | 44% | 22% | 33% | 45% |
5 Use appropriate microbiological and molecular lab equipment and methods. | ✓ | 30% | 24% | 46% | 20% | 35% | 44% | 23% | 34% | 44% |
6 Practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures. | ✓ | 31% | 24% | 45% | 19% | 33% | 48% | 22% | 34% | 46% |
7 Document and report on experimental protocols, results, and conclusions. | ✓ | 56% | 14% | 30% | 26% | 33% | 41% | 27% | 30% | 45% |