A study of pupils' conceptions and reasoning in connection with 'microbes', as a contribution to research in biotechnology education

Biotechnology uses genetically modified bacteria or viruses. Students' conceptions about 'microbes' tends to condition their understanding of biotechnology. This study focuses on the reasoning behind their conceptions. It is assumed that students' conceptions are themselves conditioned by the status given to diseases, by a hygiene-oriented culture, by layman's and school knowledge, personal experiences, socio-cultural mediation and linguistic confusions. It is essential to take all these factors into consideration in any project involving biotechnology education.