Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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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

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Course

BIOL-2420-005 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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 the morphology, physiology and taxonomy of representative groups of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. Pure cultures of microorganisms grown on selected media are used in learning laboratory techniques. Includes a brief preview of food microbes, public health and immunology.  

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 4th ed., 2014, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings

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MasteringMicrobiology website account (access card is part of the bundle.)

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Microbiology Laboratory Manual Revised Fifth Edition, 2014, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. is required for the laboratory.

Supplies

One box of gloves, preferably in your size, non-latex, and a disposable lab coat are required for lab. Both are available in the AC bookstore. A Sharpie is optional, but strongly 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.

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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

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. 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).
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\ CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers should be turned off and put away during lectures. If you have an urgent need to have a phone or pager on, you must inform the Instructor before class, place the phone on silent mode, and must quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting.  
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\ BEVERAGES may be consumed in lecture, but NO food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory.

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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. Cell phones are not to be placed on lab benches.  Additional policies can be found in the Microbiology Laboratory Manual and Safety Contract, and will be discussed the first day of class. Students must read and sign the laboratory safety contract and complete a safety quiz with a score of 80% or better before they are allowed to continue attending.  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. 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.

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

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Lecture exams are 50% of the total grade for the semester. Six 50 minute exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false) covering both lecture and reading material. 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.

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Science Testing Center: Warren Hall 112
\ All tests, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.     Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.
\ When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

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Mandatory Tutoring: Warren Hall 110
\ In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding he Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam.
\ Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.
\ A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.
\ Free Drop-in: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

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Short bonus point quizzes on lecture and lab material will be given in class and online in AC Connect and the MasteringMicrobiology site.  Availability of online quizzes will be posted in AC Connect.  In class quizzes may be given in lecture or lab and will not always be announced.  The first 50 quiz points accumulated will be added into your lecture grade. The student can decide how to apply any points above 50. (The extra points can be added to the final exam, the unknown, a specific exam, and so forth.  They cannot be added to the overall course grade.)

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Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester, 10% for identification of unknown bacterium, 12.5% 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. 2.5% for student group presentation.

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Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown, the presentation, quizzes and the final will be posted on AC Connect. Online quiz points will be available on AC Connect when the quiz is submitted for grading.

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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 written on 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 2014, Dr. Nichol Dolby are recommended and are available in the bookstore. A .pdf version will be posted in ACConnect for students access in the "Rescources" folder of the course.  Note: this is copywrited material made available for currently enrolled students only.

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

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The ACConnect site for the class has a syllabus for the class, and a variety of useful resources and links.