OBSERVATIONS ON MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY INSTRUCTION FOR ALLIED HEALTH STUDENTS

The purpose of this paper has been to suggest alternative emphases to the typical presentation of topics in laboratory manuals designed for introductory medical microbiology for the health careers student. Selected areas common to most microbiology laboratory manuals are critiqued in this paper. Medical applications of the experiments are stressed to emphasize the necessary relevance of the laboratory experience to the student’s career training and clinical experience. Many microbiology manuals today simply present the material without providing an adequate or proper medical background for the student to appreciate why they are completing an exercise and what it can teach them for their professional career. This paper suggests that some rethinking of approach and format is desirable in microbiology manuals geared for the allied health student. This should lead to a greater appreciation of the contribution of medical microbiology by individuals studying for careers in the allied health professions. © 1993, National Association of Biology Teachers. All rights reserved.