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.
0/8
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
0/5
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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Nutrient  Flow in ecosystem

Nutrient  flow in an ecosystem refers to the movement and cycling of essential nutrients through biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the ecosystem. Nutrients are elements and compounds necessary for the growth, development, and survival of organisms. The key processes involved in nutrient flow include:

  1. Nutrient Input:

    Nutrients enter ecosystems through various sources. The primary source of nutrients is through the weathering of rocks and minerals in the Earth’s crust. Other sources include atmospheric deposition (such as nitrogen from the air) and inputs from external sources like rivers and streams.

  2. Nutrient Uptake by Producers:

    Primary producers, such as plants or algae, absorb nutrients from the soil or water in which they grow. These nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others, are essential for their growth and metabolism.

  3. Nutrient Transfer:

    When primary producers are consumed by herbivores (primary consumers), nutrients are transferred from the plants to the herbivores. The herbivores assimilate and utilize these nutrients for their growth and maintenance.

  4. Nutrient Cycling:

    Nutrient cycling occurs through the decomposition of organic matter by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. These organisms break down dead plants, animals, and waste materials, releasing nutrients back into the soil or water. This process is known as mineralization.

  5. Nutrient Recycling:

    The released nutrients from decomposition are taken up again by the primary producers, completing the nutrient cycle. This recycling ensures that nutrients remain available within the ecosystem and can be used by different organisms.

  6. Nutrient Loss:

    Nutrients can be lost from ecosystems through various processes. These include leaching, where nutrients are washed away from the soil by rainfall and enter water bodies, and runoff, where nutrients are carried away by surface water. Nutrients can also be lost through volatilization, denitrification, and other processes.

  7. Human Impacts:

    Human activities can greatly influence nutrient flows in ecosystems. Activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and the use of fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances, nutrient runoff into water bodies, and eutrophication, causing ecological disruptions.

Understanding nutrient flows and cycling in ecosystems is crucial for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. Nutrients play a vital role in supporting plant growth, sustaining food webs, and influencing the productivity and biodiversity of ecosystems. Conservation efforts often focus on sustainable nutrient management to minimize nutrient losses and maintain the integrity of ecosystems.

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