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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Course

BIOL-2420-001 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., 2015, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson.

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

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

A long-sleeved lab coat is required for laboratory.  You may purchase one from the AC bookstore or from a local uniform shop. A Sharpie is optional, but 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 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 HAI’s (nosocomial infections) and how to prevent HAI’s in patients.
12. Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.
13. Demonstrate competence in aseptic technique in the laboratory by streak plate isolation of bacteria.

 

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. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or on silent mode during lectures & especially the final exam. If you have an urgent need to have a phone or pager on, you must inform the Instructor before class, have the cell phone on silent mode and must quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting.

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

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to 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.  Lab coats, eye protection and gloves will be worn as directed by the instructor. 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.

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

Lecture exams are 50% of the total grade for the semester. Six 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. Scantron Mini Essay Book forms are to be used for paper (hardcopy) exam.  Exams are to be taken in the Science Testing Center (STC): see below.

Short bonus point quizzes on lecture and lab material will be given in class and online in AC Connect or 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.) Online quizzes do not have to be taken in the Science Testing Center.

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester, 10% for identification of unknown bacterium, 10% for lab tests (6, as indicated on the schedule,10 points). The lowest test grade will be dropped before course grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each. Pre-and Post-class assignments (for example Gram staining pre-lab) are 2.5% of the course grade. Student group presentations are 2.5% of the course grade. Detailed information on the presentation will provided in class.

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.

Science Testing Center: Warren Hall 112
All exams, 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 (90 minutes) 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.

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) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor (by appointment) 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.  Free Drop-in: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown and the final will be posted on AC Connect (Bb). Quiz grades will be available on AC Connect when the quiz is submitted. Look for the "My Grades" link on the left hand menu.

 

Attendance

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

Calendar

Additional Information

Internet access is essential.  Many assignments and resources are delivered on line.  If you do not have a good computer or internet access at home, schedule your time so you can use computers on campus.

Microbiology Lecture Notes Dr. Nichol Dolby, July 2014, are recommended and are available in the bookstore. A .pdf version is posted in AC Connect for students access in the "Resources" area of the course.  Note: this is copyrighted material made available for currently enrolled students only.

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

The AC Connect (Blackboard) site for the class has a syllabus and calendar for the class, and a variety of useful resources and links. Lecture quizzes will be on the AC Connect (Blackboard) site and on the MasteringMicrobiology site (instructions for registration for this site are included with your textbook).