Significance of laboratory experience in undergraduate microbiology

The 2008 Review of Australian Higher Education 1 highlighted current financial constraints on higher education in Australia that impact negatively on the quality of student experience and their learning outcomes. Practical laboratory experience is costly in providing venues, staffing, materials and equipment. However, the practical nature of microbiology necessitates acquisition of significant knowledge and experience of laboratory skills to effectively support the profession. This article provides evidence that inclusion of practical classes in undergraduate microbiology courses has multiple advantages: quality learning facilitated through experiential, engaging learning activity; undergraduates in theory plus practical courses achieve significantly higher results than those taking theory-only units; and student feedback that articulates that laboratory experience facilitates quality learning outcomes.