Student effort on these independent projects is quite good. For many, it is their only opportunity to practice the science they have learned. In order to present their project to the class, they have to explain the metabolic basis for the selection. Clearly, explaining sulfur oxidation to their peers encourages a deeper level of understanding of the principles of energy metabolism. These laboratory exercises utilize classical microbial enrichments to generate material for modified individual projects.
Students collaborate in groups of two to three in all stages of the exercise.
Individuals then write a formal lab report describing their results. Inoculate 4 flasks with inocula from 4 different sources. Incubate the flasks at 30 o C with shaking. Maintain one uninoculated flask as a control. Incubate the flasks at 30 o C with shaking for 7 days.