Microbiology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-2421-001 Microbiology

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills; SCIT 1307 recommended

Course Description

Study of microorganisms and the manner in which they affect health; characteristics, growth requirements, methods of transfer and reactions of the body toward invading organisms; principles underlying immunity; food, water, industrial and ecological microbiology.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 3rd ed., 2012, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings.

\ Microbiology Laboratory Manual 4th Edition, 2010, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D. is required for the laboratory. Used copies are not acceptable.

Supplies

One box of gloves in your size and type is required. A Sharpie is optional, but recommended for laboratory.

Student Performance

\ By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives (below) with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the required examinations and other work as required by the instructor.

\ LEARNING/ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES):
\ After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following:

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1. \ Describe the major subdivisions of microbiology and describe the types of microorganisms in each division.
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2. \ Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on the basis of size, organelles, chromosomal characteristics, reproductive characteristics and nutritional types.
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3. \ Describe and define the function and basic chemical composition of various organelles.
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4. \ Describe and give examples of the four types of biomolecules.
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5. \ List the major characteristics of each kingdom of the biological world and viruses.
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6. \ List and describe the various characteristics associated with life.
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7. \ List and describe the major beneficial and destructive activities of the microbial members of each kingdom of the biological world.
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8. \ Describe and compare the various chemical and physical methods used in microbial control.
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9. \ Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments of major microbial diseases.
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10. \ List and describe the body's lines of defense in resisting and/or combating disease causing microorganisms.
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11. \ Explain what is meant by nosocomial infections and how to prevent nosocomial infections in patients.
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12. \ Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating may result in loss of the grade for that quiz or exam. Hats are not to be worn during exams (caps may be turned so the bill is in back).

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers should be turned off during lectures & especially during exams. If you have an urgent need to have a phone or pager on, you must inform the Instructor before class, and must quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting.

BEVERAGES may be consumed in lecture, but NO food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be be taken into or consumed in the laboratory (a table outside SCIE 118 is provided for containers). Open-toed shoes and shorts or very short skirts are not to be worn in the laboratory. These policies are for your personal safety. The first violation of the safety rules will result in a warning, the second violation may result in dismissal from that class session. Upon the third violation the student may no longer be allowed to attend class. Students must also read and sign a laboratory safety contract before they are allowed to continue attending. MSDS sheets are located in SCIE 114.
Seating will be assigned in laboratory (seating assignments are negotiable for reasonable issues).

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, F < 60%.
To pass the course, students must attain 60% or better in the course. Most medical fields require 70% (C) or better.

NO MAKEUP EXAMS, a missed exam becomes the drop grade. No makeup lab tests, a missed lab test becomes the drop grade.

Lecture exams are 50% of the total grade for the semester. Six 50 minute exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false) in class or on-line, covering both lecture and reading material. (Students may request a Hardcopy version of on-line exams in the Testing Center.) Each exam will be worth 100 points, the lowest exam grade will be dropped. Optional Bonus point essay or short answer questions will be included on exams. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each.
NOTE: The balance of the lecture time will be used to start the next topic.

Prior to each exam short bonus point Quizzes on lecture material will be available on AC Online (or hardcopy in the Assessment Center upon request) and MasteringMicrobiology site. Availability will be announced in lecture and AC Online.  In addition short quizzes (about 5 minutes) will be given in class most weeks (about 12), usually in lab. The average of the 10 highest in class quiz grades will be equal to one major exam.
 

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester, 10% for identification of unknown bacterium, 15% for lab tests (6, announced in previous lab, 10 points). The lowest test grade will be dropped before grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each.

Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown and the final will be posted on AC Onlline. Quiz grades will be available on AC Online when the quiz is submitted for grading.

Final Exam: 25% of the total grade for the semester. Comprehensive, 2 hours, in class, as scheduled on the Amarillo College Final Exam schedule.  One 3" x 5" card handwritten (both sides) will be permitted during the final.

Attendance

\ Attendance is not a numerical component of the grading of this course, but regular attendance is required for success.

Calendar

Additional Information

Microbiology Lecture Notes July 2011, Dr. Nichol Dolby are recommended and are available in the bookstore. A .pdf version will be posted in AC Online for students access in the "Lessons" area of the course.  Note: this is copywrited material made available for currently enrolled students only.

A Photographic Altas for the Microbiology Laboratory 4th ed, 2011 by Leboffe and Pierce is recommended, but not required, for use in the laboratory.  (Older editions can also be used.)

The AC Online site for the class has a syllabus and calendar for the class, and a variety of useful resources and links. Lecture quizzes will be on the AC Online site and on the MasteringMicrobiology site (instructions for registration for this site are included with your textbook). The instructor's AC homepage, http://www.actx.edu/ndolby/ also has useful links.