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BIO250L: Microbiology Lab

Microbiology Lab (BIO250L)

Course Materials

● Custom Lab Kit from​ ​eScienceLabs.com​ (please use the “find my kit” button) which is
$195.00; please enter this c​ode [​kit6033​] t​o ensure that you purchase the correct
Lab.

Course Description

This lab-only course is designed as a standalone addition to StraighterLine’s

Microbiology

course (BIO250). Students will complete at-home laboratory experiments, track and record

results, answer lab-based questions reflected in graded lab reports, and complete lab-based

assessments to meet the lab requirement. The labs are provided by eScience Labs, a

leading provider of at home lab kits and online lab instructional materials and resources.

Course Prerequisites

StraighterLine suggests, but does not require, that students complete an equivalent to

Introduction to Biology (BIO101) and Introduction to Biology Lab (BIO101L) prior to

enrolling in this course. Concurrent enrollment in StraighterLine’s Microbiology course

(BIO250) is strongly encouraged.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

● describe the various types of

microorganisms

● quantify the number of microorganisms

in a given sample

● use proper technique to culture bacteria
● explain the techniques used to control microbial growth
● discuss how microbes are used in food production
● describe how different types of media can be used to select for specific

microorganisms

● explain the various nutrient sources used by microbes
● discuss the ecological factors involved in microbial growth

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BIO250L: Microbiology Lab

Important Terms

In this course, different terms are used to designate tasks:

● Tutoring​: memberships include online tutoring for students to access with any
content/subject related questions in the place of faculty. If your tutor is not able to

answer your questions please contact a student advisor.

● Lab Worksheets​: These are experiments that you will complete at home and be
assessed on through online exercises.

● Lab Exam​: A graded online test.

Important Note​: ​All lab uploads must represent your own individual work. Even if you are
working in a group with other students, each individual student must submit independent

work. If you submit identical submissions or share submissions with another student, you

will earn a zero for the assignment and will not earn credit for the course.

Course Evaluation Criteria

StraighterLine provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. See ​Academic
Questions​ section in FAQ for further details on percentage scores and grading scale. A
passing percentage is​ 70%​ or higher.

If you have chosen a Partner College to award credit for this course, your final grade will be

based upon that college’s grading scale. Only passing scores will be considered by Partner

Colleges for an award of credit .
1

There are a total of 1000 points in the course :
2

Topic Assessment Points

1 Microbial Cell Structure & Function Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

2 Introduction to Culturing & Aseptic Technique Worksheet 95

1 ​Please note that all required materials (as reflected in lab instructions) must be completed
to be eligible for a transcript. Required materials include lab exercises (Worksheets) and

digital photographs of laboratory exercises. If these files are not submitted, StraighterLine

will not be able to provide students a final grade.

2
Note that the actual total reflected here is 1144. However, your lowest lab worksheet and

lowest lab exam grade will be dropped for a total of 1001 points. For purposes of simplicity,

your final grade will be calculated out of 1000 possible points.

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BIO250L: Microbiology Lab

Lab Exam 48

3 Quantification of Cultured Microorganisms Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

4 Selective Media & Agar Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

5 Microbial Nutrition Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

6 Microbial Ecology Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

7 Microbial Control Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

8 Industrial Microbiology Worksheet 95

Lab Exam 48

Total 1000

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BIO250L: Microbiology Lab

Course Topics and Objectives

Lab Title Objectives

1 Microbial Cell

Structure &

Function

● Name the structures that all bacteria possess
● Compare and contrast the features of prokaryotic and

eukaryotic cells

2 Introduction to

Culturing &

Aseptic

Technique

● Describe the components of complete growth media
● Understand the processes required to keep samples sterile
● Explain proper disposal techniques for microbial samples
● Perform basic aseptic techniques

3 Quantification

of Cultured

Microorganisms

● Provide examples of techniques used to quantify bacteria
● Understand Colony Forming Units and what they represent
● Quantify bacterial samples using a serial dilution

4 Selective Media

& Agar

● Understand the physical requirements for growth
● Describe the chemical requirements for growth

5 Microbial

Nutrition

● List the fundamental nutrients required for survival
● Explain the process of detecting starch-degrading bacteria

in a given sample

● Perform basic staining techniques

6 Microbial

Ecology

● Explain how different organisms deal with oxygen
● Describe how temperature and pH affect microbial growth
● Perform microbial identification

7 Microbial

Control

● Describe how antibiotics are used to control microbial
growth

● Examine the effects of chemical germicides on bacterial
growth

8 Industrial

Microbiology

● Describe how fermentation by microorganisms is utilized in
food production

● Understand the health hazards associated with harmful
microorganisms

● Explain how recombinant DNA is used for medical and
industrial applications

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