Course Content
Microscopes and Microscopy
MICROSCOPES AND MICROSCOPY OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Name various types of microscopes. 2.State the function of parts of a microscope. 3.Describe the use of compound light microscopes describe care and maintenance of compound microscopes. 4.Describe preparation of microscope slides
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The Cell
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Define and explain meaning of terms. 2.State types of cells. 3.Describe the cell structure under the light microscope. 4.State the functions of cell organelles. 5.Describe the process of mitosis and meiosis. 6.Describe physiological processes of cells. 7.describe the techniques of cell isolation. 8.Describe the procedure of temporary cell preparation.
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Microorganisms
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic , the trainee should be able to: 1.Classify the major groups of microorganisms. 2.State the general characteristics of each group. 3.Explain their mode of nutrition and reproduction. 4.Describe culture media. 5.Describe culturing techniques for bacteria. 6.Describe methods for determining bacteria population. 7.Describe sterilization and disinfection techniques.
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Immunological Techniques
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Define terms. 2.Describe types of immunity. 3.Describe types of immune cells. 4.Describe the lymphoid organs and tissues. 5.Describe serological and immunological techniques.
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Herbarium Techniques
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic , the trainee should be able to: 1.Explain terms 2.Describe importance of collecting and preserving herbarium specimens 3.Describe sources of herbarium specimens 4.Describe collection of herbarium specimens 5.Describe preservation of herbarium specimens 6.Describe display of herbarium specimens
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Museum Techniques
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Explain terms. 2.Describe importance of collecting and preserving museum specimens. 3.Describe sources of museum specimens. 4.Describe collection of museum specimens. 5.Describe preservation of museum specimens. 6.Describe display of museum specimens
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Vivarium Techniques
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Explain terms. 2.Describe importance of vivarium. 3.Describe essential features of a vivarium. 4.Describe construction of a vivarium. 5.Describe maintenance of a vivarium.
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Aquarium Techniques
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Explain terms. 2.Describe importance of aquariums. 3.Describe essential features of an aquarium tank. 4.Describe construction of an aquarium tank. 5.Describe maintenance of an aquarium tank.
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Laboratory Animals
OBJECTIVES The objective of this chapter is to give a better understanding of the technical requirements regarding handling, care and maintained of various laboratory animals In this chapter, we will; 1. Identify the various types of laboratory animals. 2.Discuss the general care and handling of laboratory animals. 3. Describe the various methods of restraining and humane killing laboratory animals 4.Discuss care of specific disease free (SPF)and Gnotobiotic animals
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Introduction to Ecology
OBJECTIVE By the end of this module, the trainee should be able to: 1.Explain terms. 2.Describe biotic and abiotic factors. 3.Explain adaptation of organisms to terrestrial and aquatic environment. 4.Describe the energy flow in ecosystem. 5.Explain estimation of population in ecosystem. 6.Describe influence of human activities on environment. 7.Describe basic biogeochemical cycles.
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Plant Anatomy and Physiology
OBJECTIVES By the end of this topic, the trainee should be able to: 1.Describe of plant parts and tissues. 2.Describe functions of various plant tissues. 3.Describe processes in plants .
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Biology Techniques For Science Laboratory Technicians
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Microbiological Staining Techniques

Microbiological staining techniques are essential methods used in microbiology to enhance the visualization of microorganisms under a microscope. These techniques involve the application of specific dyes or stains to microorganisms, allowing for better observation and identification.

Commonly used microbiological staining techniques:

  1. Simple Staining: Simple staining involves the use of a single dye to color all microorganisms in a sample. The procedure typically includes the following steps: a. Prepare a heat-fixed smear of the microorganism on a glass slide. b. Flood the slide with a single stain, such as crystal violet, methylene blue, or safranin. c. Rinse off excess stain with water, gently blot the slide, and allow it to air dry. d. Observe the stained microorganisms under a microscope.

  2. Gram Staining: Gram staining is a differential staining technique that helps differentiate bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups based on differences in their cell wall composition. The steps involved in Gram staining are as follows: a. Prepare a heat-fixed smear of the microorganisms on a glass slide. b. Apply crystal violet (primary stain) for a specific time, usually 1 minute. c. Rinse the slide with water and apply iodine (mordant) for 1 minute. d. Decolorize with alcohol or acetone until no more color washes off (the decolorization step is critical for differentiation). e. Counterstain with safranin (counterstain) for about 1 minute. f. Rinse off excess stain, gently blot the slide, and allow it to air dry. g. Observe the stained microorganisms under a microscope.

  3. Acid-Fast Staining: Acid-fast staining is used to detect acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species. These bacteria possess a unique cell wall composition that resists decolorization with acid-alcohol. The acid-fast staining procedure involves the following steps: a. Prepare a heat-fixed smear of the microorganisms on a glass slide. b. Apply carbolfuchsin (primary stain) and heat the slide gently for several minutes (steam or using a heating device). c. Rinse the slide with water and decolorize with acid-alcohol until no more color washes off. d. Counterstain with methylene blue or brilliant green for about 1 minute. e. Rinse off excess stain, gently blot the slide, and allow it to air dry. f. Observe the stained microorganisms under a microscope.

  4. Spore Staining: Spore staining is used to visualize endospores, which are highly resistant structures formed by certain bacteria. The spore staining technique involves the following steps: a. Prepare a heat-fixed smear of the microorganisms on a glass slide. b. Apply malachite green (primary stain) and heat the slide gently for several minutes. c. Rinse the slide with water and decolorize with water or acid-alcohol. d. Counterstain with safranin for about 1 minute. e. Rinse off excess stain, gently blot the slide, and allow it to air dry. f. Observe the stained microorganisms under a microscope.

 Each technique serves a specific purpose in highlighting different aspects of microorganisms, such as morphology, cell wall composition, presence of endospores, or acid-fast characteristics. Proper staining techniques, along with microscopic examination, play a crucial role in the identification and characterization of microorganisms in various areas of microbiology, including clinical diagnostics, research, and environmental analysis.

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