Diagnostic Microbiology

Students examine the different methods and approaches to characterize, classify and identify bacteria. This course emphasizes the physiological, morphological, biochemical and serological characteristics used to identify bacteria found in the food, biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. As well, students examine rapid testing and automated systems to determine whether micro-organisms are present in a sample and identify the unknown organisms to the species level. During weekly laboratory sessions students develop sufficient knowledge of staining methods, isolation techniques, microbial nutrition, biochemical activities and the genetic characteristics of micro-organisms to independently identify unknown cultures.