Medical Bacteriology: An Interactive Guide to Laboratory Tests and Media

Edited by Tan KSW, Lim CK and Taylor MB (2005). Produced by the National University of Singapore.

This CD-ROM is indeed a gem for three reasons:

1. It is a great resource for teachers who are trying to write a curriculum for simple bacteria work in schools. The introduction of the different diagnostic tests with video clips shows how these tests can be carried out in the laboratory. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner.
2. It is excellent as a self-learning tool for teachers who need to be initiated into the area of diagnostic microbiology and the different types of media that are used. This CD-ROM would help teachers who are not trained in microbiology to have an idea of what bacterial work entails.
3. It is a great resource for students who would like to explore further into microbiology. The CD-ROM provides students access to high-quality video clips of lab-based diagnostic techniques, which textbooks are unable to offer.

Although the content and methods presented are not in the O- or A-level syllabus, this CD-ROM will be useful for students working on individual research projects and for students involved in science mentorship programmes.

The videos provide a step-by-step guide, which serves as great advanced organisers for the work that the students will perform in research labs.

The disadvantages of this CD-ROM include the absence of student evaluation (e.g., quizzes), and the average quality of some of the sound clips. These issues notwithstanding, the product is still very high quality overall, and it is certainly worth stocking a copy in the resource library in schools.

Schools or institutions that wish to purchase a copy of the CD-ROM, please contact Assistant Professor Kevin Tan via e-mail at mictank@nus.edu.sg.