Early History of Microbiology - Videos & Lessons

About This Chapter

If you need to study the early history of microbiology for a class or credit-granting exam, look no further than this convenient microbiology chapter. These fun lessons and mini quizzes can be accessed any time that fits your schedule.

Early History of Microbiology - Chapter Summary

Work through this chapter to study the early of microbiology. As you follow along with our expert science instructors, you'll become familiar with significant discoveries, developments and theories from in the history of microbiology. To help you reinforce your understanding of the lesson topics, we've included self-assessment quizzes and a chapter exam. You can complete the chapter at your own pace, and the lessons can be revisited as many times as needed. If you have a question, simply reach out to our instructors online. When you're finished with the chapter, you should be able to:

Summarize the history of microbiology
Evaluate the discoveries and theories of Anton Van Leeuwenhoek
Define Pasteur's germ theory of disease
Explain how immunity was discovered
Understand basic concepts pertaining to vaccines and antibiotics
Trace chemotherapy's development

6 Lessons in Chapter 1: Early History of Microbiology

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1. What is Microbiology? - Definition & History

Everywhere you look, even though you can't see them, there is a hidden world of microorganisms. Microbiology is the study of this hidden world of organisms that affect our health, help make our food, and influence our environment.

2. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek: Biography, Cell Theory & Discoveries

Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, the 'Father of Microbiology,' so improved the quality of the microscope that some people still think he invented the instrument. In this lesson, we'll learn more about this self-taught scientist, including some of his important discoveries and unique way of presenting his work.

3. The Germ Theory of Disease: Definition & Louis Pasteur

In this lesson, we will look at one of the most influential experiments in the field of microbiology. We will learn how Louis Pasteur disproved the theory of spontaneous generation which helped lead to the development of the germ theory of disease.

4. The Discovery of Immunity

You know that the immune system helps protect you from infections. But have you ever wondered how you know this? Who were the first people to learn that the body can protect itself from germs?

5. Antibiotics and Vaccines

Do you know why children must get regularly vaccinated? Have you ever wondered how an antibiotic works and why they are so widely prescribed? If so, this lesson will help you to understand how changes in medicine have almost eliminated several deadly diseases and added decades to the average person's lifespan.

6. Development of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it has come a long way from its early days. In this lesson we'll take a trip back in history to see how chemotherapy was developed, though its roots may surprise you!

Chapter Practice Exam

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Practice Final Exam

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Visit the UExcel Microbiology: Study Guide & Test Prep page to learn more.

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