Biology 103 is an undergraduate level survey course examining bacteria, viruses, and fungi and their relationships in both the micro- and macroscopic worlds. The course consists of a lecture portion assessed by quizzes, reports, and a lab practical.

The lectures address the history of microbiology and the field's wide reaching biological, environmental, and industrial applications. Review of the reproduction, growth, and metabolism of cells, including photosynthesis, strengthened by limited background in biological science.

The labs meet twice a week to demonstrate classroom principles and to develop technical and analytical skills. I enjoyed having the opportunity to refine my microscope technique and to conduct more complicated procedures, such as polymerase chain reaction analysis of 16S rDNA, using Duke's state-of-the-art electron microscopes and enterotubes. The labs helped me appreciate that hands-on activities can bring a subject to life both metaphorically and physically. To grow and identify microbes made the topic more fascinating and understandable. My reports can be found here:
 

Antibiotic Sensitivity

Identification of Unknown Bacteria

As a student teacher, I have discovered how difficult it is to prepare to teach a lab: hours can be spent making solutions, cleaning glassware, and testing equipment. From a student perspective in microbiology, however, I understood the value of making this effort to incorporate laboratory activities into a course. I became aware that in lecture, I concentrated more on note taking than understanding the material. The labs gave me another opportunity to discover what was important. I hope to develop the knowledge, creativity, and patience to design labs which allow such discovery by my students.
 

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