Laboratory Applications in Microbiology: A Case Study Approach has been designed to help create accomplished microbiologists. Case studies illustrate the applicability of skills in the microbiology lab, while still holding the attention of every student who has ever said “do we have to know this?” Each exercise has been structured from the bottom up, scaffolding knowledge and relying on metacognition to ensure students understand the goals of an exercise, anticipate errors, acquire the skills needed for success, and eventually master the topic at hand.