At Tianjin University, the course "Microbiology Experiment" and its unique final exam – drawing microbial paintings with microorganisms and making videos under the microscope receive enthusiastic recognition from students. They highlighted the experiential and interesting nature of the experiments, as well as the opportunity it provided to stimulate their learning interests and enhance their hands-on abilities.
This final exam of the course "Microbiology Experiment" is held for 116 juniors from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, majoring in Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Synthetic Biology. Instead of writing thesis or examination papers, this unconventional approach of examination allows students to indulge in research through art and photography.
Students of the Microbiology Experiment course formed their own teams for research. Each team constructed genetically modified engineering strains expressing fluorescent proteins of different colors through such method as error-prone PCR.
The mutated proteins served as "pigments" for microbial painting, adding a touch of fun to the experiment which nurtures students' interests in research and fosters their innovative thinking.
Next, students chose their favorite microorganisms, drew on culturing microorganisms, and let them grow under specific conditions. Constantly observe their samples under a microscope, grasp the best chance to trace perfect drawings, then a microbial painting was completed. Students could also capture stunning images and create videos under the microscope.
This unique final exam evaluates students’ skills in microbial cultivation, observation, aseptic operation techniques, and their knowledge of various microbial characteristics.
Diverse and expressive microbial artworks with names of "Thousand Miles of Scenery - The Silk Road", "Peace", "Starlight", “bell tower”, “Nine-color Deer”, “Camel with Bell in the Desert”, among others, reflect students' concerns about the world and their passions for science and nature.
Associate Professor Wang Zhiwen, the lecturer of the course, said: “Some students spent a whole day in the laboratory striving to create a better artwork. Some students collected samples from the University’s lakes, observed them under a microscope, identified each microorganism through research, and made popular science videos with music and narration. Their creativity and dedication showcase students’ full of interests.”
The final exam for the "Microbiology Experiment" course also took the form of a "Microbial Art Creation Competition" and involved students from Hebei University of Technology, Nankai University, and Tianjin University of Science and Technology. The competition featured three categories: Microbial Painting, Microscopic Photography, and Short Videos.
First prizes in the Microbial Painting category
Second prizes in the Microbial Painting category
A prize winner is taking photos.
First prizes in the Microscopic Photography category
The competition received a total of 181 microbial artworks, 117 microscopic photography works, and 17 short videos. Prizes awarded in the competition included six first prizes, 13 second prizes, and 15 third prizes in the Microbial Painting category; five first prizes, 10 second prizes, and 15 third prizes in the Microscopic Photography category; and one first prize, two second prizes, and three third prizes in the Short Video category.
By Cui Hanfei
Editor: Sun Xiaofang
