DO NOT DELETE THIS SECTION
Microbiology Lab
BIO250L | 1 Credit
Microbiology Lab gives you hands-on experience through at-home experiments with a lab kit. You'll complete lab activities and answer related questions to build practical skills and meet your lab requirements.
Professor: Jenilyn Mulkey
About This Course
What You’ll Learn
This online Microbiology Lab course is a standalone addition to our Microbiology course.
- Describe the various types of microorganisms.
- Quantify the number of microorganisms in a given sample.
- Use proper technique to culture bacteria.
- Explain the techniques used to control microbial growth.
- Discuss how microbes are used in food production.
- Describe how different types of media can be used to select for specific microorganisms.
- Explain the various nutrient sources used by microbes.
- Discuss the ecological factors involved in microbial growth.
StraighterLine Courses Include:
-
Self-paced workload
-
Digital Textbooks
-
Transcript Delivery
-
Grade Improvement Opportunities
-
Interactive Modules
-
Video Lessons
-
24/7 Tutoring & Support
-
Access on Desktop and Mobile
Transfer Credit in 3 Easy Steps
Pick Your Course & Enroll
Getting started is simple — no applications, waitlists, or deadlines. Just create an account, choose your course, and start learning right away.
Every course is self-paced and fully online, so you can fit learning into your life — not the other way around. With support resources included and no hidden fees, you're in control from day one.
Go at Your Own Pace
No rigid schedules, no stress. Just real online college courses you can start anytime, anywhere, and finish on your own terms.
StraighterLine courses offer interactive lessons and assignments that help you understand and retain the material, and come with everything you need to stay on track and succeed — including digital textbooks, tutoring, and real people to support you on your journey to your degree.
Transfer Your Credits, Save Thousands on Tuition
Complete your course with a 70% or higher to make your credits eligible for transfer. Then head to your Student Dashboard, select “Request Transcript,” and tell us where to send it — we’ll take it from there at no additional cost.
Not sure whether your school accepts StraighterLine courses? Our Enrollment Specialists can find out for you!
Does My School Accept This Course?
We’ll find out for you. Students have successfully transferred StraighterLine course credits to 3,000+ schools. Our Enrollment Specialists will contact your college directly to confirm your credits will transfer, so you don’t have to.
WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
During your time in this Microbiology Lab, at-home laboratory experiments will be completed, in addition to tracking and recording results, and taking lab-based assessments to meet the lab requirement. eScience Labs, a leading provider of at-home lab kits and supplemental online materials, provides the necessary labs. The online biology lab course from StraighterLine will give you a solid foundation for further study in laboratory sciences.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0086
Flexible Schedule
30-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 4,700 times
$1,700,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
It is suggested, but not required, that students complete an equivalent to Introduction to Biology (BIO101) and Introduction to Biology Lab (BIO101L) prior to enrolling in this course. Concurrent enrollment in the Microbiology course (BIO250) is strongly encouraged.
Course Text
This course does not require a textbook.
Course Checkpoints
Introduction to Science
- Identify and describe the steps of the scientific method
- Differentiate among independent variables, dependent variables, and controls in a scientific experiment
- Design an experiment with experimental and control groups.
- Perform calculations to convert units and determine percent error
- Describe the components of a lab report
- Describe how to work safely in a microbiology lab
- Describe how and when to use safety equipment in a microbiology lab
- Safely perform a common microbiology lab experiment
- Describe some types of microscopes most commonly used in microbiology labs
- Identify the different parts of a compound microscope
- Discuss how to properly use a compound microscope
- Introduce different methods of microscope slide preparation
Culturing and Aseptic Technique
- Identify the necessary nutrients for microbial growth media
- Define proper procedure for preparing culture plates
- Describe the different tools and proper technique for inoculating culture plates
- Explain the phases of microbial growth in culture
- Describe the difference in requirements for growth in a variety of microorganisms
- Discuss methods to control the growth of microorganisms
Structure and Microscopy
- Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
- Describe the various cell shapes of prokaryotes
- Discuss different staining techniques commonly used in microbiology
Selective Media and Agar
- Discuss the minimal nutrient requirements for culturing microorganisms
- Describe the different types of growth media
- Introduce practical uses for differential and selective media
Eukaryotic Microbes, Parasitology, and Viruses
- Introduce common eukaryotic microorganisms
- Discuss the properties and types of microscopic fungi and protozoa
- Explain the study of parasitic helminths in microbiology
- Discuss acellular microbes such as viruses
Food Microbiology
- Discuss the use of microorganisms in making food through fermentation
- Describe the potential dangers of contamination of food by harmful microbes
- Discuss the measures that are taken to prevent contamination of food by pathogens
Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Describe the basic structure of DNA
- Differentiate between transcription and translation
- Discuss the different types of mutations that can occur
- Introduce the Ames test
- Describe recombinant DNA and its uses in the laboratory and industrial settings
Identifying an Unknown Organism
- Use a dichotomous key
- Perform tests and make observations to identify an unknown organism.
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 8 Lab Exams
- 8 Lab Worksheets
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
- Custom Lab Kit from eScienceLabs.com. Create an account at esciencelabs.com and use the “Have a code?” button, which is $265; please enter this code [KIT6250] to ensure that you purchase the correct Lab.
Your Academic Team
Your Faculty Team
We’re not just a platform — we’re a team of professional educators committed to your success. Our courses are built by academic professionals who are leaders in higher education, and your assignments are graded by real people who provide meaningful feedback so you can keep progressing.
Support Team
At StraighterLine, there are real people working behind the scenes to guide you through every course, quiz, and “I’m stuck” moment.
- Enrollment Services
- On-Demand Tutors
- Academic Advisors
- Tech Support
Course Professor
Jenilyn Mulkey
MS, MLS (ASCP)cm
Jenilyn M. is a science instructor with Masters degrees in Biological Sciences and Curriculum and Instruction. After years behind a microscope as a medical laboratory scientist, she made the switch to education, teaching high school before moving into higher education, where she currently teaches full-time as a Senior Lecturer of Biology.
Tutoring & Career Resources
Your StraighterLine membership comes with the tools and guidance you need to thrive academically and take confident steps toward your career.
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Exam and certification prep tools
Faculty Connect portal
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Exam and certification prep tools
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
Students who enrolled also took:
TRY FOR FREE
Start Your Free Preview
Explore course content, your Student Dashboard, and all the features StraighterLine offers to support your success. No credit card, no commitment — see how easy it is to use StraighterLine.
Get Started FreeStudent Reviews
4.6
Go at Your Own Speed Like I Did!
Going at my own pace has allowed me to complete two courses within a month while working on my third course at the same time. It’s super fast and easy. My school has already received my transcripts and approved the courses.
Brianna, StraighterLine Student
Just do it!
Let me start by saying that I have gone to 4 different colleges during my 20s, one of them being a pretty good university here in Hawaii. I have never taken a more informative class than the Microbiology class I took at StraighterLine.
Ash, Microbiology Student
My experience with StraighterLine was wonderful!
I was able take Microbiology on my own pace. The lecture videos were helpful and informative. The website is easy to maneuver and the staff is very quick to respond and help. It was easy to have the credit transferred to your school too. I definitely will return for more class credits. Very affordable and true.
Majida, Microbiology Student
Getting Started is Simple
The StraighterLine Advantage
Full flexibility, no timelines or deadlines ever.
Your own support team to get you to the finish line.
Unlimited course access so you can take as many courses as you need.
Transfer guaranteed to one of our 180+ partner schools, and accepted by 3,000+ schools nationwide.
How to Enroll in Microbiology Lab
Select your course and click “Enroll Today”.
Create your account and finalize course purchase.
Start earning affordable college credits!
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Why is StraighterLine so affordable?
StraighterLine offers a completely online learning experience, free from the high costs of traditional colleges and universities. By cutting out the institutional overhead, we pass the savings onto you (instead of extra costs) — providing top-quality courses at a price that fits with your budget
What is included in the price?
StraighterLine membership gives you access to over 75 self-paced online courses at a fraction of the price you’d pay through your school — meaning you’ll save up to 90% per course. But that’s not all — membership also comes with valuable extras at no extra cost, including academic advising, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, and free transcript delivery to your school
What is ACE, and why does it matter for transfer credits?
StraighterLine courses are recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), a respected organization that helps colleges evaluate nontraditional learning for credit. If your school accepts ACE Credit recommendations, there’s a strong chance they’ll accept StraighterLine courses. Always check with your school’s registrar to confirm how transfer credits apply to your degree.
How do I transfer StraighterLine credit?
Transferring your StraighterLine credits is easy:
- Check with your school: If you’re enrolled at one of our 180+ partner colleges, your credits are guaranteed to transfer based on which of our courses your school has agreed to directly accept credit for. Plus, StraighterLine credits have also been accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities, but it’s always a good idea to confirm your school’s transfer policies before enrolling in a course.
- Request your transcript: Once you complete a course with a 70% or higher, log into your StraighterLine account to request an official transcript. We’ll send it directly to your school at no extra cost.
- Apply your credit: Your school will review your transcript and apply eligibility credits toward your degree, helping you move forward on your academic journey.
Helpful Resources
SUPPORT
Need Help Enrolling?
Our Enrollment Specialists are here to help you get started.
BLOG ARTICLE
How Do StraighterLine Online Courses Work?
Find out what your online learning experience with StraighterLine will be like.
BLOG ARTICLE
Where Can You Transfer StraighterLine Credit?
An easy-to-understand guide on how to transfer StraighterLine credits.
BLOG ARTICLE
How StraighterLine Reduces Tuition Costs
See how StraighterLine has helped students save thousands on tuition.
Make Your Move Toward Your Healthcare Career
Microbiology Lab will help you develop foundational skills in diagnosing and understanding infectious diseases — an essential skill for many healthcare careers. This applies whether you’re studying to become a nurse, medical assistant, physical therapist, or another hands-on medical role.
Why it matters:
- 1.8 million new jobs from 2022–2032 are projected in the healthcare field, making it one of the most recession-proof industries
- Hands-on experience will give you important skills both in academic programs and clinical environments.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, Surgical Technologist, Paramedic/EMT
How this course sets you up for success:
You’ll gain the hands-on experience many healthcare programs require for clinical training and certification exams. From identifying microbes to preventing disease, Microbiology Lab is where your healthcare journey starts. Ready to take the first step towards your career in healthcare?
Course included in Unlimited Plans
SCRIPT HERE DO NOT DELETE