Course: Systematic Bacteriology, Micr 537/637  4(2,4) F

Course Description:  Techniques for isolation, identification, classification, and preservation of bacterial cultures are presented. Current topic areas and theory in taxonomy and nomenclature are discussed in detail.

Current Instructor: William R. Gibbons

Course Objectives:

Lecture: Systematic Bacteriology provides students with a theoretical and working knowledge of the concepts of classification, nomenclature, and identification of bacteria. More specifically, students learn about techniques used to enrich, isolate, identify, and preserve microbial cultures. Moreover, students learn about the advantages and disadvantages of various taxonomic classification schemes, including traditional approaches as well as the more recently developed approaches of DNA homology, genetic characterization, computer assisted numeric taxonomy, serotaxonomy, and chemotaxonomy. During the process of learning about alternative identification and classification schemes, students are acquainted with the characteristics, role, and usefulness of the major groups of microbes. Students also are required to select a topic of interest and prepare a seminar for the class.

Laboratory: To reinforce the concepts discussed in lecture, the laboratory makes use of student-designed investigative projects. Student teams select a microbe or sample location to work with, then design a procedure for culture enrichment, isolation, identification, and preservation. During this semester-long exercise, students become experienced in the use of Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and other reference materials. Once their project is completed, students prepare a scientific article from the data and make a presentation to the class.

Placement in Curriculum: Systematic Bacteriology is primarily a graduate level course, although senior students at times will take the course as an elective. Systematic Bacteriology functions to build upon many of the microbial cultivation, isolation, identification, and maintenance skills introduced in General Microbiology (and some other undergraduate microbiology courses). Therefore, a solid background in the concepts and techniques of microbiology are required prior to taking Systematic Bacteriology. The majority of students in Systematic Bacteriology are either Microbiology or Dairy Science students, but periodically students from other disciplines will also take the course.

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