This laboratory manual on microbiology begins with an introduction relating the study of microorganisms to health occupations education and stressing the importance of teaching critical thinking. The introduction is followed by general instructions for the use of the manual and an illustration of hand washing procedures. The 13 laboratory exercises are on the following topics: use of microscopes; characteristics of microorganisms; microorganisms in the environment; slide stains (simple, the Gram method, negative, and special); suspended droplets; test of movement in agar; characteristics of bacteria; culturing media; disinfectants; and tests of susceptibility to antibiotics. Each exercise includes some or all of the following: background information, objectives, equipment, procedures, and illustrations. (SK)