The Muhlenberg College microbiology course is offered as an upper-level undergraduate biology course for multiple science majors. This lab CURE involves water sampling from the streams and lake at Cedar Beech Park (walking distance). The aims of this project are to teach microbiological laboratory procedures using microbes from the local park. All activities (assays) will follow BSL-2 and include batch cultures, microscopy, Gram stains (cell structure and function), growth curves, growth (microbial systems) on differential and selective media, anaerobic growth (metabolic pathways), BLAST identification (information flow and genetics), antibiotic tests, biofilm growth as single-species and co-cultures (microbial systems and evolution). Students will execute and analyze experiments concomitant with lecture material. The CURE will last the entire semester. Also, this CURE is a good example of place-based education, emphasizing learning though community service. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to address the human population diversity in the city of Allentown, PA.
