An accredited one day course for secondary school teachers and technicians which provides basic training in the techniques needed to carry out interesting microbiology investigations safely in schools. The course is suitable both for complete beginners and staff wishing to brush up their practical microbiology skills.

The course is delivered by Dr John Grainger, Chairman of MISAC and Dr John Schollar, National Centre for Biotechnology Education.

2008 Course Dates

Booking form for Reading and Swansea courses available.
For place on East Midlands course book directly with the Science Learning Centre.

Programme
PART 1. The Basics (introduction to microbiology, aseptic technique and safety)

• Preparation
  • Safety guidelines
  • Risk assessment
  • Good microbiological laboratory practice (GMLP)
  • Spillage management
  • Aerosols
  
  
• Resources
  
  • Equipment
  • Apparatus
  • Materials
  
  
• Media, Sterilization and Disinfectants
  • Preparation of culture media
  • Storage of media
  • Sterilization vs disinfection
  • Use of the autoclave/pressure cooker
  • Sterilization of equipment and materials
  • Choice, preparation and use of disinfectants
  
  
• Inoculation and Other Aseptic Procedures
  
  • Essential points
    
  • Using a wire loop
    
  • Using a pipette
    
  • Flaming the neck of bottles and tubes
    
  • Streak plate
    
  • Pour plate
    
  • Using a spreader
    
  • Spread plate
  
  
• Incubation
  
  
• Clearing Up

Part 2: Microbiology in Action (essential methods for maintaining, preparing and using cultures)

• Maintenance, Preparation and Sub-culturing
  
  • Obtaining suitable cultures
  • Pure cultures
  • Maintaining stock cultures
  • Checking cultures for contamination
  • Preventing contamination of cultures and the environment
  • Aseptic transfer of cultures and sterile solutions
  • Appropriate instruments for aseptic transfer procedures
  • Preparing cultures of bacteria and yeasts for class use
  • Preparing cultures of moulds for class use
  
  
• Activities
  
  • Testing sensitivity to antibacterial substances
    
  • Using the microscope and staining techniques

Part 3: Examination for Certification & Debrief
Practical examination and theory exam (20 short questions)

Cost:
The course fee for each delegate is £75, which covers course materials, certification, lunch and refreshments. SGM School Members are entitled to a discount of £15 on the fee.

Supply Cover:
Schools will be offered a flat sum of £110 per teacher per day to assist with supply cover. Payment will only be made to schools where the delegate(s) have completed the course and achieved the standard required in the examination.

The day runs from 9 am to 5.15 pm and is split into three sessions made up of short presentations and hands-on activities. Safety in all aspects of microbiology practice is emphasized throughout. The course concludes with a short answer theory test and a practical examination. Delegates each receive a course manual a set of factsheets and Microbiology for Secondary Schools - a set of 21 investigations.