The Advanced Basic Sciences Laboratory was established in 2006 as one of the laboratories of the Basic Sciences Department, due to the urgent need for a specialized research laboratory, especially after the introduction of the Master’s program in Oral Microbiology and obtaining official approvals for the establishment of a Master’s program in Oral Physiology. The Advanced Basic Sciences Laboratory is equipped to accommodate and support graduate students specializing in microbiology, as it provides the essential equipment that students rely on for most of their research. Graduate students from other disciplines can also benefit from working in the laboratory due to the availability of some general equipment that serves their specialties. The laboratory also provides an opportunity for researchers, including faculty members and others, to use the laboratory equipment after obtaining the necessary official approval through simple and straightforward procedures. The laboratory’s services are exclusively for students and faculty members of the College of Dentistry – University of Baghdad. The laboratory is located on the third floor of the five-story department building. It is part of the Basic Sciences Department, which is part of the College of Dentistry. The total area of the laboratory is 78.3 m², divided into three rooms: the first is a large room dedicated to laboratory work and contains most of the equipment; the second (middle) room is smaller and dedicated to preparing culture media, inoculation, and sterilization; and the third is a small room that serves as a storage area for laboratory materials. The laboratory can accommodate between 10 and 15 research students and has an emergency exit for students in case of any emergency. The laboratory includes 8 members, six of whom are qualified and experienced teaching staff specializing in laboratory work. Four of them hold a doctorate degree and two hold a master’s degree in various disciplines: microbiology, histology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacology. There is also one technician with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
Laboratory Vision, Mission, and Objectives
Vision:
The laboratory aspires to advance the knowledge and practical skills of postgraduate students and qualify them to be highly skilled in the applied aspects of microbiology and the study of its impact on various fields of dentistry.
Mission:
To train students and researchers on operating the equipment in the laboratory and how to handle it in a way that ensures its longevity and preservation for as long as possible. Students are also alerted to potential errors that may occur during laboratory work to avoid possible accidents. Students work under the supervision or presence of a laboratory member, especially during the initial period of their work.
To teach students how to sterilize the glass and metal instruments they use in their research and maintain sterility during laboratory work, focusing on preventing the transmission of infections to themselves and other laboratory personnel.
To train students on how to prepare different liquid and solid culture media, their sterilization methods, and the inoculation method for each type.
4- To follow the correct methods for disposing of culture media and various samples in a way that prevents contamination in the laboratory in particular and the community in general. Objectives:
The objective of the Advanced Basic Science (Research) Laboratory is to teach postgraduate students how to handle pathogenic microorganisms in the laboratory, starting from collecting samples containing the microorganisms, cultivating and growing them, and diagnosing them based on both microscopic examination of the cells and macroscopic examination of the colonies, performing biochemical tests, and safely disposing of the samples.
To provide a suitable place for faculty and staff of the department and college to conduct their research by allowing them to use the tools and equipment available in the laboratory.
To have laboratory members conduct training courses and workshops for students and faculty members from various disciplines to maximize the utilization of the laboratory.
