Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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

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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 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

A white cotton lab coat (long sleeved) and one box of gloves, extra small or extra large, non-latex, are required for lab. Both are available in the AC bookstore but can be purchased elsewhere. A Sharpie is strongly re

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.

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 nosocomial infections and how to prevent nosocomial infections in patients.
12. Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.

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

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.  

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.  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 or at this link.
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.

Grade Components: Lecture 50%, Lab 25%, Final exam 25%.

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 60 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.

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

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.)

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester, 10% for identification of unknown bacterium, 12.5% for lab tests (6,10 points, posted on the calendar). The lowest test grade will be dropped before grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each.  Presentation: 2.5%for student group presentation on a microbial pathogen.

Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown, the presentation, quizzes and the final will be posted on AC Connect in the Blackboard grade book ("My Grades" link). Online quiz points will be available on AC Connect and MasteringMicrobiology when the quiz is submitted for grading.

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 exam.

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 2015, Dr. Nichol Dolby are recommended and are available in the bookstore. A .pdf version will be posted in AC Connect for students access in the "Resources" folder 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 as a resource for the laboratory.  (Older editions can also be used.)

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