1.
Introduction to Microbiology
COURSE OF MICROBIOLOGY
2014-2015
, A Brief History of Microbiology
I. What is Microbiology and Why Study it?
A. Life as we know it would not exist without microorganisms (also called
microbes)
B. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms
C. Why should we study Microbiology?
1. Understand how microbes affect human health
2. Understand life processes of microbes that are common to all
organisms
3. Understand how microbes can be used for our benefit (e.g.
biotechnology)
II. History of Microbiology
A. Microbiology as a science dates back to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, the man
who first discovered (and documented!) the microbial world
B. Leeuwenhoek invented the simple (one lens) microscope (in 1673) and
observed the major types of microorganisms. He referred to them as
animacules (animal + molecule).
C. Microbes are organisms that are generally smaller than can be seen with the
unaided eye.
Introduction to Microbiology
COURSE OF MICROBIOLOGY
2014-2015
, A Brief History of Microbiology
I. What is Microbiology and Why Study it?
A. Life as we know it would not exist without microorganisms (also called
microbes)
B. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms
C. Why should we study Microbiology?
1. Understand how microbes affect human health
2. Understand life processes of microbes that are common to all
organisms
3. Understand how microbes can be used for our benefit (e.g.
biotechnology)
II. History of Microbiology
A. Microbiology as a science dates back to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, the man
who first discovered (and documented!) the microbial world
B. Leeuwenhoek invented the simple (one lens) microscope (in 1673) and
observed the major types of microorganisms. He referred to them as
animacules (animal + molecule).
C. Microbes are organisms that are generally smaller than can be seen with the
unaided eye.
