ELVIS Meltdown!
Microbiology Concepts of Culture, Growth, and Metabolism
Author(s)
http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/collection/detail.html?case_id=248&id=248Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics
University of Maryland
alec@umd.edu
Office of Undergraduate Studies
University of Maryland
asmith@umd.edu
Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics
University of Maryland
pshields@umd.edu
Abstract
In this interrupted case study, students assume the role of a microbiologist working at a chemical company that makes polyurethane. When a collection unit designed to pick up extraterrestrial (ET) samples (nicknamed ELVIS) returns to earth, much of the polyurethane material had been degraded. Using information given to them in the case, the students' task is to analyze the samples and to “isolate and characterize” the ET microbes that may be responsible for the polyurethane degradation. The case was developed for an introductory general microbiology course for biology and non-biology majors.
Objectives
- To understand and apply knowledge of bacterial structure and function.
- To understand the isolation and growth properties of microorganisms.
- To understand and apply principles of microbial metabolism.
- To understand the mechanisms of microbial growth and how to control growth.
Keywords
Bacteria; microbe; microbial growth; microbial degradation; light microscopy; phenotypic; phylogenetic; Gram positive; Gram negative; disinfection; sterilization; polyurethaneEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType Methods
Interrupted, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Microbiology
Date Posted
11/19/08Teaching Notes
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