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

Course Information

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N/A

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Course

BIOL-2420-010 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.  

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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, is required for lab.  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

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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

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

If a student is having 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 Biology Department Chairman (Dr. Claudie Biggers),  the Assistant Dean of Arts & Sciences (Dr. Kathy Wetzel),the Dean of Arts and Sciences (Mr. Jerry Moeller),  the Associate Vice-President for Instruction, or the college President, (Dr.Lowery-Hart), IN THAT ORDER.

Plagiarism / Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Students caught cheating on a quiz, exam, or lab practical will be given a grade of zero on that assignment and referred to the Dean of Student Services, (Mr. Robert Austin).

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating may result in loss of the grade for that quiz or exam.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers are not prohibited; however, please be considerate of others.  Please keep all cell phones and pagers on silent or vibrate mode.  If it is essential that you answer the call please step outside the classroom to complete the call.  Absolutely no call shall be taken during a quiz, exam or lab practical.  This will result in a grade of zero on that quiz, exam, or lab practical.

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

TEXTING: Incidents of constant texting in class by a student shall be addressed by the instructor. If this habit is found to be an issue, the student may be asked to leave the room. Continual abuse of this policy will result with the student being referred to the Dean of Student Services.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be be taken into or consumed in the laboratory. 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.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.

Special Notes:

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.  Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student's progress.  Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented in lecture.

Grading Criteria

40% Lecture Exams:

• 5 major exams consisting of multiple choice, matching, and/or labeling diagrams and essays.  Each exam will be worth 100 points, with one lecture exam grade drop.
• In addition, if you make less than a 70 on any lecture exam, you will be required to obtain 30 minutes of tutoring from the Science tutor prior to taking the next test.  You will not be allowed to take the next test until after I have verification that you have received this tutoring. If you do not get tutoring and cannot take the test as scheduled, you will receive a grade of zero for that examination.

10% Lecture Quizzes:

• 8-10 lecture quizzes consisting of 10 questions.  One lecture quiz grade will be dropped.

12.5 % Lab Tests:

• Five (5) lab practicals consisting of 30-50 questions (fill in the blank and short answers), with one practical grade drop.

10% Unknown bacteria:

• This will involve the process of identifying a bacterial sample that will be provided to you during the 11th-12th week of class.

2.5% Student Presentations

• Students will be each assigned a topic on an emerging disease and will conduct their own research and do a 10 minute powerpoint presentation on their topic.

25% Final Exam:

Grades will not be curved nor are extra credit assignments allowed / given so please do not ask.

Grading Schema:

• A = 90% to 100%
• B = 79% to 89%
• C = 69% to 79%
• D = 59% to 69%
• F = Less than 59%

No make-ups will be allowed due to one grade drop in each category.  Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis.  One lecture exam, one lecture quiz, one lab quiz grade and one lab practical will be dropped. Case studies and the final exam will NOT be dropped.

Attendance

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

Calendar

Additional Information

Census date: (last day to drop with the course NOT appearing on the transcript) - February 4, 2015

Withdrawal deadline:  April 23, 2015

A grade of W will be given for a student initiated drop or withdrawal on or before April 23, 2015. You may not drop or withdraw after Thursday April 23rd, 2015 without permission of the Biology Department.  You must petition the department, in writing, for review of a late withdrawal.  This request will be reviewed by the entire full time faculty of the Biology Department.