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Laura Ziegenhirt

Z received her M.S. in Curriculum/instruction and B.A. in Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific.

She currently teaches Microbiology, Honors Biology, and Biology.

Microbiology Honors

In Microbiology, the students are introduced To aseptic techniques used to cultivate bacteria and later identifying the bacteria. During this course, the Juniors study the structure of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. The students study the enumeration of bacteria, spectrophotometry, and bacteria genetic engineering.

Course Glimpse

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On one of their many field trips during the school year, Juniors and Seniors visited Nimbus Fish Hatchery to learn more about the lifestyle of different kinds of fish!
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Groups of students conducted a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) lab to amplify many copies of DNA which can be used to determine factors such as paternity, infections, and genetic disorders. 
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Biotech Juniors performed a lab that involved staining bacteria slides! Crystal Violet, Nigrosin, and Safranin are examples of stains used that help identify a variety of bacteria and their morphology!
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Students are able to prepare agar plates which are used to culture microorganisms like bacteria and yeast.
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Juniors conduct their own experiments to observe microbes under a microscope. An example of a fun lab experiment that ties well into this course is hypothesizing and testing how much bacteria is in our mouths before and after brushing our teeth!
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