OpenStax: Microbiology Provides a Cost-Effective and Accessible Resource for Undergraduate Microbiology Students

Abstract

As a Microbiology instructor in a rural, underserved area, I am perpetually searching for instruction materials that will fill my students’ academic needs while also addressing their financial limitations. After trying several open-source, internet-based textbooks, I have found that there is a fine balance between reducing costs and ensuring the students will use the materials. For example, while in more urban areas students are more comfortable with e-readers, many of my current students are uncomfortable with this format. In order to be certain that all of my students find the textbook and course materials accessible, it has become necessary to choose a publisher that offers a variety of cost effective options from which the students may choose. In my experience, the most effective resource has been the OpenStax line of textbooks (openstaxcollege.org). Having adopted OpenStax: Biology for the past year for my General Biology courses, I was pleased to hear that the American Society for Microbiology was collaborating with the team from OpenStax College to create OpenStax: Microbiology. OpenStax offers web-based, PDF, and hardcover textbook options from which the students and instructors may choose, providing students with the option to purchase the textbook if they are more comfortable with traditional formats or to follow along online if they are unable to afford the book. In addition, the standard instructor resources such as test banks, PowerPoint slides, and sample syllabus language are provided. With regard to the general format, the only challenge I have run into is the lack of consistency in page numbers and chapter language across the platforms. For example, online, the dropdown menu uses the units rather than the chapters as the hard copy text does, which can lead to some confusion. I have adjusted my syllabus to use both the unit and page number formats to ameliorate this problem. More specifically, OpenStax: Microbiology starts with the typical review of general biology concepts such as cellular anatomy, DNA, and microscopy. Next are individual chapters that give an overview of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, followed by viruses and prions. These chapters are followed by the systems approach, including biochemistry, metabolism, and growth, then the control of microorganisms. Finally, the book concludes with sections on pathogenicity, immunology, and infection. Altogether, the book addresses each of the concepts in an introductory Microbiology college course syllabus. Although the progression of the chapters is outlined in a logical fashion, the chapters can be assigned out of order without diminishing the conceptual understanding. For example, I prefer to assign chapters on biochemistry and metabolism earlier than the given sequence because these concepts are crucial to understanding for my course’s laboratory curriculum. Having reviewed the format of the book, I feel that assigning these chapters out of sequence would not lead to confusing non sequiturs, contrary to what I have seen in some texts. Importantly, this text is easy to read. The concepts flow in a logical pattern and are introduced thoroughly but without delving into unnecessary depth. The authors were able to resist the temptation to overdo it when it came to their area of expertise, and the result is an elegant discussion that is simple without being over-simplified. To summarize, I am looking forward to adopting OpenStax: Microbiology for my undergraduate Microbiology course. The format is cost effective and flexible to suit student needs. Although this can require more organization from the instructor, an experienced educator will have no difficulty developing a course around this resource.