Microbiology for Science Majors Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BIOL-2421-006 Microbiology for Science Majors

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

Principles of microbiology, including metabolism, structure, function, genetics and phylogeny of microbes. The course will also examine the interactions of microbes with each other, hosts and the environment. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ REQUIRED

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\      Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems. 3rd Ed, Bauman. Pearson Publishing. 2011

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\      Microbiology Laboratory Manual. 5th Ed, Bauman, Dolby, & Schwarzlose. Pearson Custom Publishing. 2012

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\ RECOMMENDED

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\         Photographic Atlas for Microbiology Laboratory

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Supplies

\ A black wax pencil and 1 box of latex or latex-free examination gloves. These can be found at any pharmacy.

Student Performance

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE COURSE:  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.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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. The appearance of cheating may result in a grade of zero for the exam or quiz and possibly a failing grade for the course. Hats and earphones are not to be worn during tests. Cell phones must be turned off during exams. Cell phones should be set to silent during lecture and labs, and texting is not allowed. If you must take an important call or have an emergency text you must reply to, please inform the instructor before class begins. There will be no eating, drinking or chewing gum in the lab. Any disruptive behavior may lead to removal from the lab or lecture.

The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs. While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances, heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave the lab immediately and possibly permanently. Other safety rules are found in the Laboratory Manual and will be covered in the first day of class. Proper attire is required to participate in lab. Improper attire may result in removal from the lab and a zero for any participation or exam grade given that day.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 100-90%    B = 80-89.9%    C = 70-79.9%    D = 60-69.9%    F = 59.9% or less

Lecture exams: Lecture exams, quizzes and a presentation are 50% of the total grade for the semester.  Six 50 minute exams in class, covering both lecture and reading  material. Each exam will be worth 100 points, the lowest exam grade will be dropped. Red Scantrons 1-100 will be used for the exams. Quizzes may be given each lecture at the beginning of class. You will have 5 minutes to complete each quiz (no scantron necessary). Late arrival to class will result in a zero for the quiz. The average of your 12 highest quiz grades will be equal to one major exam. Participation in lecture is imperative. Absences will result in zeros for missed exams, quizzes or presentations.

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES. A missed exam becomes a zero or the dropped grade, and a missed quiz becomes a zero. Also, leaving the classroom during an exam or quiz is considered completion of that exam or quiz. You will not be allowed to return and finish your exam if you leave the classroom during an examination. Please make sure to bring everything you need for the exam including scantrons, 2 number 2 pencils and essentials such as tissue paper if you have a runny nose. Also make sure to use the restroom before the exam begins.

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester, 10% for identification of UNKNOWN bacterium, 15% for lab tests (about 6, see schedule for approximate dates, 20-25 questions).  The lowest lab test grade will be dropped before grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1 point. NO MAKEUP LAB EXAMS. Participation in lab is imperative. Absences will result in zeros for missed exams and possibly participation grades.

Final Exam: 25% of the total grade for the semester.  Comprehensive, 2 hours, during finals week.

NO MAKEUPS ON FINAL EXAMS. BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE EXAMINATION AT THE DESIGNATED TIME AND DATE.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is therefore the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences result in zeros for any missed quizzes, exams, presentations or participation grades. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college careers, excluding drops prior to the census date.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ CLASS WEBSITE: AC Online is utilized in this class as a grade book and e-mail system. There may be quizzes and other assignments to be completed through AC Online. I will post announcements, lecture and lab handouts, photos, and other important material via AC Online. The login for AC Online is the same as with WebAdvisor. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you have available to you the computer lab on campus in the library second floor.

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\ Biology Study Center: Located in the Warren building, room 110.

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\ MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet may be requested from your instructor.

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\ Campus Police: Campus Police NonEmergency 371-5163, in case of Emergency call 371-5911 or call 911 for city police and ambulance assistance.

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\ Grievance Procedure: If a student has a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try to resolve any such problems with the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Department of Mathematics, Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the college President, IN THAT ORDER.

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\ Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...

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\     Attend all lecture and lab meetings

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\     Spend at least 1 hour of study for each hour spent in lecture and lab

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\     Complete reading assignments before coming to class

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\     Participate in lecture and lab by asking questions and being active in lab

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\     Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior

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\     Complete all assignments when due.