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The future of microbiology laboratory classes — wet, dry or in combination?

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 2, pages 338–342 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

In recent years, the budgets available for microbiology practical classes have decreased in many university departments in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Although many microbiology educators are wary of the introduction of dry labs, the evidence indicates that, when used in combination with wet labs, dry labs can enhance student learning. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of dry labs compared with wet labs and discuss some of the alternatives available.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 376 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, 43210-1292, Ohio, USA

    Neil Baker

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Extension Building, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK

    Joanna Verran

Authors
  1. Neil Baker
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  2. Joanna Verran
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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Related links

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FURTHER INFORMATION

ASM

BacteriaID

Bacteria identification lab

Case studies in microscopy

Hyperclinic

IMMEX

Immunology lab

International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society

Learning and Teaching Support Network

Microbe Library

National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science

National Centre for Biotechnology Education

PBLI

SGM

Society for Applied Microbiology

'Fecal coliforms in Antarctica' case study

VirtualUnknown™ Microbiology

Neil Baker's laboratory

Joanna Verran's laboratory

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Baker, N., Verran, J. The future of microbiology laboratory classes — wet, dry or in combination?. Nat Rev Microbiol 2, 338–342 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro868

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