Microorganisms In and Around Us

Theory that sparks curiosity

What does a bacterial cell look like and why are there different shapes of bacteria? When are bacteria our allies, and when do they cause disease? What are single-celled fungi and how are they used in agriculture?

Through a brief theoretical lecture, you’ll learn the basic principles of microbiology — the structure of bacterial cells, diversity of shapes, the role of microorganisms in nature and medicine, as well as techniques for their cultivation in laboratory conditions.

What will you learn?

Theory is just the beginning. What follows is your direct encounter with the microbiological world:

• Laboratory glassware and equipment: Introduction to basic laboratory tools that microbiologists use in their work
• Sterile work method: Learn how to prevent contamination and why sterile work is crucial in microbiology
• Microbiological signature: Leaving fingerprints on nutrient medium: your personal experiment that you take home and monitor as it develops
• Inoculating microorganisms: Practical exercise of growing bacteria, molds, and microorganisms from hands on nutrient media
• Can yeast breathe? Exercise with metabolic activity of single-celled fungi that proves they are alive
• Microscopy: Observation of bacterial and fungal specimens under a microscope
• Drawing specimens: Learn how scientists record their observations: with precise drawings of what they see
• Laboratory notebook: How to properly document experiments and keep scientific notes

About the instructor

Jelena Zagorac is a specialist in microbiology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in developmental biology. She teaches biology at XII Belgrade Gymnasium. In addition, she has worked as an associate, and now occasionally as a lecturer at the “Petnica” Research Station. She has been a multi-year participant with her students at the “Researchers’ Night” event. Her approach to teaching is based on direct experimentation: participants don’t watch someone else work, but ask questions themselves, handle equipment, and arrive at answers through practice.

Who is it for?

For all curious minds — from elementary to high school students — who want to see what really lies behind textbook diagrams. No prior knowledge of microbiology is required. Workshop content is adapted to participants’ age.

What do you take home?

Each participant receives a Petri dish with their own fingerprint — a personal microbiological experiment that continues to develop at home. This is not just a souvenir, but a way to continue observing and learning even after the workshop ends.

Why sign up?

The workshop is designed to spark curiosity, ask the right questions, and show that science isn’t abstract – it’s all around us. And on us! You’ll work with real laboratory equipment and learn skills used in research centers.

Have a question?