How to Study Microbiology

Microbiology encompasses all fungi, protists, bacteria, archaea, and even viruses and it can often be a high-volume and extremely detailed course. Try these study strategies and tips to help you learn how to study Microbiology.

Study Tip #1 - Study with a Flow Chart.

These are very effective when studying Gram positve and negative bacteria because they visualize the logical thinking steps you must follow to correctly identify a microorganism. This same type of thinking is also needed for determining the species based on bacteria growth on certain types of agar plates.

Study Tip #2 - Study with pictures.

Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple

Study Tip #3 - Make charts.

Organize the information by specific bacteria/virus or by the anatomical region it typically infects. This will help to compare and contrast different organisms based on their significant characteristics. Make columns for: virulence factors, clinical syptoms, mode of transmission, natural environment, and treatment.

Study Tip #4 - Don't forget the basics.

Quickly review the basic principles of microbiology before each test as your course progresses because it is common for certain concepts and terms to resurface. Simple processes like bacterial transduction, transformation, and conjugation are ease to forget and may still be tested.

Study Tip #5 - Remember the Buzz Words.

This is may be the most high-yield studying method for any microbiology course. Specific bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses are associated with certain conditions and environments. For example, if a person becomes sick with bloody diarrhea hours after eating a hamburger, think E. Coli. If many older people become ill from the same building with an air conditioning system, consider Legionella. If a person presents with bulls-eye patterned rash after hiking in the northeast USA, think Lyme disease.