Laboratory exercises designed to familiarize students with basic skills required for working with bacteria, bacteriophages , and fungi in the lab. It includes isolation, purification, cultivation, smear preparation, staining of the bacteria, performing tests to classify and identify the major groups of bacteria, and studying microbial growth control methods. Upon completion of this lab course, students will acquire basic microbiology techniques and principles. The students will get first-hand experience that will coincide with what is taught in the lecture portion of the class.