Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2014-2015
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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-2420-002 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

REQUIRED

     Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems. 4^th ed, Bauman. Pearson Publishing. 2015

     Microbiology Laboratory Manual. Revised 5th Ed, Bauman, Dolby, & Schwarzlose. Pearson Custom Publishing. 2013

RECOMMENDED

        Photographic Atlas for Microbiology Laboratory

 

 

 

Supplies

A black wax pencil and 1 box of latex or latex-free examination gloves (any size but “one size fits all”). These can be found at any pharmacy.

Student Performance

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.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the major subdivisions of microbiology and describe the types of microorganisms involved in each division.

2. Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on the basis of size, organelles, chromosomal characteristic, reproductive characteristics, and nutritional type.

3. Describe and give the function and basic chemical composition of various cellular organelles.

4. Describe and give examples of the four nutritional types.

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. Give 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 them.

12. Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.

This course covers basic microbiology and immunology and is primarily directed at pre-nursing, pre-allied health and non-science majors. It provides an introduction to historical concepts of the nature of microorganisms, microbial diversity, the importance of microorganisms and acellular agents in the biosphere, and their roles in human and animal diseases. Major topics include bacterial structure as well as growth, physiology, genetics and biochemistry of microorganisms. Emphasis is on medical microbiology, infectious diseases and public health. The lab covers basics of culture and identification of bacteria and microbial ecology.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe distinctive characteristics and diverse growth requirements of prokaryotic organisms compared to eukaryotic organisms.
2. Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy and human health, including biofilms.
3. Distinguish between mechanisms of physical and chemical agents to control microbial populations.
4. Explain the unique characteristics of bacterial metabolism and bacterial genetics.
5. Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
6. Compare characteristics and replication of acellular infectious agents (viruses and prions) with characteristics and reproduction of cellular infectious agents (prokaryotes and eukaryotes).
7. Describe functions of host defenses and the immune system in combating infectious diseases and explain how immunizations protect against specific diseases.
8. Explain transmission and virulence mechanisms of cellular and acellular infectious agents.
9. Use and comply with laboratory safety rules, procedures and universal precautions.
10. Demonstrate proficient use of a compound light microscope.
11. Describe and prepare widely used stains and wet mounts, and discuss their significance in identification of microorganisms.
12. Perform basic microbiology procedures using aseptic techniques for transfer, isolation and observations of commonly encountered, clinically significant bacteria.
13. Use different types of bacterial culture media to grow, isolate and identify microorganisms.
14. Perform basic bacterial identification procedures using biochemical tests.
15. Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample using methods such as direct counts, viable plate counts or spectrophotometric measurements.
16. Demonstrate basic identification protocols based on microscopic morphology of some common fungi and parasites.

 

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.

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\ 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. ANY STUDENT WHO ARRIVES TO TAKE ANY EXAM AFTER ANOTHER STUDENT HAS ALREADY COMPLETED THE EXAM WILL GET AN AUTOMATIC ZERO AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEMPT THE  EXAM.

Science Testing Center:

Warren Hall 112

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test.

When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

 

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 the Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.  Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test. The first instance of mandatory tutoring will be for 30 minutes. Subsequent instances of mandatory tutoring will be for 60 minutes.

 

Free Drop-in:

Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

 

Cheating:

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."

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

*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

\ 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.

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Biology Contract for Success

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_______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. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on a test. 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.

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            _______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time.

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_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting a test for the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center when requesting my next exam.

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_______I have reviewed/read and understand the course syllabus and Science Testing Center rules below. It was covered by my instructor on the first day of class. I understand that I must abide by the requirements outlined within that syllabus. I am aware that the course syllabus is also available for reference or print or print on AC Connect.

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SCIENCE TESTING CENTER RULES

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• Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
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• To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
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• All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take a previous test.
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• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center. 
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• No scratch paper or notecards are allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Science Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
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• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
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• The Science Testing Center will not hand out a test less than 1 ½ hours before closing time.
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• The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
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• Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center.
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• The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Connect, and in the Science Testing Center. 
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• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Science Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
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• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
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• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
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• Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight in the testing room.
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• Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.
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Course and Section #:_____________Instructor Name _________________________Semester _______

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Print Name:_________________________________________ Phone Number _____________________

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Signature: _________________________________ Student ID Number ________________________