These case history studies were independently generated using information on clinical presentation, microbiology, and pathology obtained from a variety of microbiological textbooks. They are designed as problem solving exercises, to allow students to test their powers of deduction in identifying and treating important human pathogens. The vast expanse of Earth s history, featuring the predominance of microorganisms, is explored in four activities with increasing levels of student control. Students travel a 500 m course across campus. Students stand at points along a 5 m line.
Students work in small groups to identify the relative positions on a more familiar time scale.
Specifically, the students learn to use database searching for identification of an organism and its close relatives. Students are provided via e-mail with ribosomal RNA sequences from organisms unknown to the students. Because surrogate antigens and antibodies are used in this exercise, there is no risk Laboratory Investigations of Topical Issues in Microbiology Students become excited about experimentation in microbiology when they can investigate matters that are relevant to their own lives. The examples of laboratory exercises on everyday issues in microbiology included here are appropriate for student-designed investigations. They can also be used as laboratory exercises with instructor-provided protocols.