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Updated: May 11, 2026

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

Published on: May 11, 2012

Integrating statistics with a microbiology laboratory activity.

William Lorowitz¹, Elizabeth Saxton, Mohammad Sondossi

¹Department of Microbiology, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah 84408.

Microbiology Education

|May 9, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Undergraduate microbiology labs can now incorporate statistics. Students effectively learned hypothesis testing, the t test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using antibiotic disk diffusion assays.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Statistics in Science
Science Education

Background:

Statistics are crucial for microbiologists but often missing from undergraduate lab curricula.
Integrating statistical methods into practical lab work enhances scientific understanding.
The antibiotic disk diffusion assay offers a suitable model for statistical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a laboratory activity for undergraduate microbiology students.
To introduce hypothesis testing and elementary statistical tools within a practical lab setting.
To assess student learning of statistical methods and their application in microbiology.

Main Methods:

Utilized the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards' antibiotic disk diffusion assay protocol.
Designed experiments to investigate the effect of cell concentration on antibiotic activity.
Implemented the t test for analyzing paired data and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparing independent measurements.

Main Results:

Students successfully applied the t test to analyze the impact of cell concentration on antibiotic efficacy.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) effectively demonstrated differences in independently collected measurements.
Assessment tools indicated a significant learning outcome in the appropriate use of statistical tests.

Conclusions:

The developed lab activity successfully integrates statistical analysis into undergraduate microbiology.
Students gained practical experience with hypothesis testing, the t test, and ANOVA.
The activity fostered an appreciation for standardized protocols and enhanced student engagement with statistical concepts.