Welcome to the Micro-verse!

Microbes play a major role in our everyday lives, from fermented foods to industrial applications to our own microbiomes. In this four-week course, you will learn how to safely handle microbes in the laboratory, isolate a pure bacterial culture from a fermented food, and begin to characterize your bacterium with various techniques. We will also explore how microbes are used as tools in food production, the healthcare industry, and synthetic biology. All individuals aged 12 and above are welcome, and no prior scientific experience is required.

Sessions will be held every Wednesday night from September 24 until October 15, 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Skills gained:

• Safely handle bacterial cultures in the laboratory

• Maintain a sterile environment for manipulating microbes

• Isolate pure bacterial strains from a mixed culture

• Use a light microscope to visualize bacterial cells

• Characterize bacteria by cell shape, Gram staining, and behavior on selective media
  and differential growth media

• Discuss broader applications of microbiology