Do You Know Your Sh*t? Students’ Awareness, Attitude and Perception about Current and Relevant Events in Microbiology

Abstract

Aims: To probe the knowledge, insight and attitude of students who had previously taken a traditional microbiology class and those who had not been exposed to any relevant knowledge of microbiology. Methodology: A total of 228 undergraduate students participated in a survey containing 22 questions. The survey was collected from 99 microbiology students (called group 1, with a 90.9% completion rate) and from 129 non-microbiology students (called group 2, with a 100% completion rate). The survey focus was on students’ general knowledge of bacteria, in particular beneficial bacteria, where they exist, what happens in the lack or absence of them; the usage/misusage of antibiotics; general knowledge about poop, and what it is made of; and fecal transplant as an example of the new medical procedures available today that use live microbes as alternative treatments. Results: Our results show that current and relevant topics should be included in the curriculum of microbiology courses to motivate students to engage in the learning process. Conclusion: We conclude this approach will not only inform students about the current knowledge of the field, but will also increase motivation among students which leads to spending more time on task and developing a better understanding of the subject matter and long-term retention of the learned concepts.