These modules are photographic presentations of the correct steps necessary to avoid contamination in the laboratory. They are designed to acquaint beginning microbiology students with one of the basic, and yet important, practices in microbiology—aseptic technique.
The module begins by showing the way inoculating loops and needles are sterilized before use. Handling of tube cultures is demonstrated with emphasis on the prevention of contamination due to airborne microbes. This module also covers the handling of highly infectious materials and the problems inherent in aerosols. At the end, students are shown how not following proper aseptic technique results in contaminated cultures.
The students find these modules helpful in familiarizing themselves with important aspects of their microbiology laboratory exercises. Students come to lab prepared and ready to execute activities with confidence using the aseptic techniques demonstrated in these modules.
The materials used in these modules are those used on a daily basis in the Student Microbiology Laboratory at Seminole Community College. Photographs were taken by Professor Williams using a Nikon D50 camera. Professor Agustin executed the laboratory techniques involved. Graphics and layout were accomplished using Appleworks 6 and later converted into PDF.
These modules are currently used as a Web enhancement for our undergraduate microbiology course. Most of the enrollees in this course are pursuing healthcare professions. Web availability provides easy access of these visual instructional materials to students at their convenience and during their free time (e.g., after work or during weekends).
References.
1. Agustin, S., and E. Ingram. 2007. Laboratory manual in microbiology, p. 24–34. Valencia Community College, Orlando, Fla.
2. Brown, A. E. 2007. Benson’s microbiological applications: laboratory manual in general microbiology, p. 63–69. McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.
