Microbiology for Science Majors Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

BIOL-2421-002 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

One box of examination gloves in your size and preferred type plus a Sharpie are required for the 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:

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

Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating will result in loss of the grade for that quiz, test, or exam. Hats are not to be worn during exams.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers are to be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during exams.  Texting is not allowed during class. 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.  Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged.  Cell phones are not allowed on or at laboratory benches.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory (a table outside Science Hall labs is available for use). Students are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes, shorts, or very short skirts 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 available.

Student must follow all safety rules and notify the instructor immediately if an accident occurs. Specific safety rules are listed in the Laboratory Manual and will be covered the first day of class.While the risk of an accident 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 biohazardous. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave the lab immediately and possibly permanently.

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 a grade of 60%, or better. Most medical fields require a grade of 70% (C), or better.

Lecture examsare 45% of the total grade for the semester.  Six 50-minute exams will be given in class, based on lecture material and any assigned reading material.  Each exam will be worth 100 points, and the lowest exam grade will be dropped.  Each exam format will use multiple choice, matching, true-false, definitions, and/or short essay questions.  For each of the 6 units of material, there will be generally 4 essay questions posted on Blackboard in the Content area, with 2 of the 4 questions included on the exam.  NOTE: After an exam, the balance of the lecture time will be used to start the next topic.

Non-exam based grade assessments are 5%of the total grade for the semester.  These will include a homework assignment on bacterial classification (2%) and an assignment on a specific emerging disease or clinical application (3%).  The latter will include a 3-5 minute oral presentation and a supporting 2 page double-spaced paper. Specific guidelines for each activity will be discussed in class and posted on Blackboard in the Content area.

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

Laboratory activities are25% of the total grade for the semester: 10% for identification of an unknown bacterium, and 15% from 6 lab tests (10 points each).  The lowest lab test grade will be dropped.  A rubric for grading the unknown bacterium identification will be posted on Blackboard.  Unannounced quizzes or lab notebook inspections may be included as part of the grading for any lab test.

There are NO makeup exams; a missed exam becomes the drop grade.  There are NO makeup lab tests; a missed lab test becomes the drop grade.  All number grades for exams and assignments will be posted on Blackboard.  Final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Attendance

Attendance is not normally a numerical component of the grading of this course, but regular attendance is required for success.  This is especially important for lab activities, with attendance being part of the grading rubric for the exercise on identification of an unknown bacterium.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Blackboard Content site for this class will have the syllabus, schedules for ongoing activities, selected images for laboratory exercises, and PowerPoint material for lectures.  Lecture and laboratory exam dates are subject to change, with reasonable notification given to all students.

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

    Attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

    Participate in lecture and laboratory activities by asking questions and working diligently.   

    Study 10-12 hours each week.

    Prepare for each class by reviewing previous lecture material and by reading that day's laboratory exercise.

    Complete all assignments when due.