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

Course Information

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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-2420-006 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

Required - Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 4th ed., 2015, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson Education, Inc.

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                  Microbiology Laboratory Manual, Revised Custom 5th ed., 2013, N. Dolby, R. Bauman, Jr., S. Schwarzlose, Pearson Education, Inc.

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Recommended - A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory, 4th ed., 2011, M.J. Leboffe, B.E. Pierce; Morton Publishing.

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.

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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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Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

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\ Student Rights and Responsibilities \

\ CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers must be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during any exams. Texting is not allowed during class. If you need to respond to a phone or pager message, you must quietly exit the room to do so. Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged. Cell phones normally are not allowed on or at laboratory benches. \ \ LABORATORY SAFETY. No open food or beverage containers can 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 complete by the beginning of week 2 a safety quiz with a score of 80% or better before they will be allowed to continue attending lab class. MSDS sheets are available. \ \ Student must follow all safety rules and must 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.

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Lecture exams are 50% of the total grade for the semester.  Six 50-minute exams will be given, 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 several essay questions posted on Blackboard in the Content area, with 2 of the questions included on the exam.  See below for the Biology Department Testing Policy.

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Optional, non-exam based grade assessments are worth up to 4 points of the total grade for the semester.  These will include a homework assignment on bacterial classification and diseases (1 point), and an assignment on a specific emerging disease or clinical application (3 points).  The latter will consist of a 3-5 minute oral presentation and a 200 word abstract.  Specific guidelines for each activity will be discussed in class and posted on Blackboard in the Content area.

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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.

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Laboratory activities are 25% of the total grade for the semester: 8% for identification of an unknown bacterium, 2% for a follow-up presentation on the unknown bacterium, and 15% from 6 lab tests. 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.

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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.

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Biology Department Testing Policy

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Science Testing Center: Warren Hall 112

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All lecture 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.

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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

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In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam) 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.

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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.

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Free Drop-in: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center.

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Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Science Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test."

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You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

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*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

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.

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

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    Attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

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

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    Study 10 hours each week.

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

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    Complete all assignments when due.

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Communication: All email communications will be to the student’s AC gmail address.