The Microbiology Laboratory : An Introduction to Clinical Microbiology Concepts and Techniques (2 Revised edition)

The goal of this text is to instill a basic curiosity about and respect for microorganisms as students prepare for their future health care professions.

The Microbiology Laboratory: An Introduction to Clinical Microbiology Concepts and Techniques promotes the understanding of how microorganisms live and spread, as well as how to deter their presence when needed.

This text stresses the importance of constant vigilance in both quality control and infection control practices.

Using simulated patient cases, the text introduces identification techniques as well as the importance of effective communication in quality patient care.

Experiments utilize demonstration, critical thinking, and discovery to clarify and solidify important concepts regarding microbial life while remaining directly applicable to challenges encountered daily.

In addition to the more traditional activities, several exercises draw directly from student discussion of current events to utilize hands on exploration of relevant questions.

The introduction to each lab exercise provides background information to help solidify the "why" behind the many details found in best practices required of health care professionals.

The knowledge and experiences gained through these lab activities contribute to an early development of vigilant microbial control practices as a lifelong habit.

This text requires little previous science background and assumes only basic math skills.

Exercises do not require a large investment in equipment, utilizing hands-on experiences over automated alternatives, making it suitable for a wide variety of instructional situations.