Microbiology for Science Majors Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-2421-001 Microbiology for Science Majors

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: CHEM 1311, CHEM 1111 and BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407 or BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413

Course Description

Principles of microbiology, including metabolism, structure, function, genetics and phylogeny of microbes. The course will also examine the interactions of microbes with each other, hosts and the environment. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Nester’s Microbiology A Human Perspective, 8th ed., 2016, Denise Anderson et. Al., McGraw Hill.

With McGraw-Hill Connect (access code included with textbook).

Laboratory exercises will be provided as .pdf files in the Weekly Folders.  Students are to print them out and bring them to the relevant classes.

Supplies

A long sleeved cotton or cotton blend lab coat is required. One may be purchased in the AC bookstore or at a uniform shop. Lab coats will be stored in the lab classroom during the semester. One box of gloves, non-latex, any size except one-size-fits-al

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. Identify unique structures, capabilities and genetic information flow of microorganisms.
2. Discuss how microscopy has revealed the structure and function of microorganisms.
3. Give examples of the range of metabolic diversity exhibited by microorganisms, impact of metabolic characteristics on growth, and control of growth.
4. Compare the life cycles and structures of different types of viruses.
5. Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
6. Describe the causes and consequences of mutations on microbial evolution and the generation of diversity as well as human impacts on adaptation.
7. Classify interactions of microorganisms on human and non-human hosts as neutral, detrimental, or beneficial.
8. Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy and human health, including biofilms.
9. Demonstrate competence in microbiologic techniques by isolation of bacteria by streak plate method and characterization of a bacterial isolate.
10. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
11. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
12. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.  

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. An online lesson on avoiding plagiarism must be completed by the end of the third week of class.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or on silent mode 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, 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. Lab coats, gloves and eye protection will be worn when directed to do so by the instructor. Cell phones should be stored in the cubbies except when being used to record results. Cell phones are not to be placed on lab benches. Students must complete the online Microbiology Lab Safety lesson, read and sign a laboratory safety contract before they are allowed to continue attending. MSDS sheets are located in SCIE 114.

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 lab.
Seating will be assigned in laboratory (seating assignments are negotiable for reasonable issues).

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER: Each student must read and sign the STC Contract for Success before the first exam. Students must abide by the rules of the contract, which will be handed out the first day of class.

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 programs require 70% (C) or better.

Lecture, 50% of the total grade for the semester, is based on lecture, reading assignments and research project grades. Four 60 minute exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false and short essay questions) covering both lecture and reading material. Each exam will be worth 100 points. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each. Exams (except the final) are taken in the Science Testing Center, outside of class time; see below. Two research projects, each worth 100 points. The lowest exam or project grade will be dropped.

Short bonus point quizzes on lecture and lab material will be given in class and online in AC Connect or the McGraw Hill Connect 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.  Online quizzes do not have to be taken in the STC. Bonus points are a maximum of 5% of the course grade. 

Pre-class exercises: 5% of the total grade. Several mini-lessons must be completed before the start of specified class meetings. Most will be delivered online. Links will be provided in the appropriate Weekly Folder, and notifications will be found on the course calendar.

Laboratory: 20% of the total grade for the semester. Grade components are: 5% of the course grade for identification of unknown bacteria; 5% of the course grade for lab tests;  group lab projects and lab reports are worth 5% of the course grade, and 5% of the course grade for student presentation. The lowest lab test grade will be dropped before grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of a point each.

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

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 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. When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D. Do not take out your cell phone while in the Testing Center.

Mandatory Tutoring: Warren Hall 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 69.5 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 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. You may also receive tutoring from your instructor by appointment.
Free Drop-in Tutoring: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center.

Grades for all exams, lecture research projects, laboratory tests, lab research projects, the unknown, quizzes and the final will be posted on AC Connect.

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 resources and assignments are delivered on line. Lecture outlines and a .pdf version of the lecture slides will be posted in AC Connect for student access in the "Resources" folder. Laboratory procedures and forms will be posted on line in the Weekly folders

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 link to the syllabus for the class, and a variety of useful resources and links.