journals.asm.org
MicroID Lab Guide: an open-source, customizable web application to guide students through unknown bacterial identification in undergraduate microbiology labs | Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
Identifying the species of unknown bacterial isolates is one of the core competencies in many undergraduate microbiology courses, in which students have to apply various bacterial lab techniques to gather data on the unknown bacteria’s characteristics using a logical approach based on morphology, results of tests using selective and differential media, and biochemical test results (1, 2). The exercise develops critical thinking that parallels clinical and environmental workflows. However, the open-ended nature of the exercise poses challenges: students must decide which tests to run, interpret multi-observation assays such as Kligler’s Iron Agar, and maintain organized records across laboratory sessions (3). A paper or electronic record-based datasheet does not provide any feedback on the logical consistency of the results entered, and students may not realize gaps, errors, or inconsistencies in their results until a false result or inconclusive result is the final conclusion.
