Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science Laboratory Building 210D

Office Hours

M/W: 8:30 - 9:00 am

- Or by appointment

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-2420-021 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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Texts: Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 4th ed., 2014, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings

Mastering Microbiology 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.

Additional assigned text, as required by the instructor

Supplies

One box of non-latex gloves in your size for lab. A Sharpie pen, preferably one with a fine point. One lab coat in your size.

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:

  • Describe the major subdivisions of microbiology and describe the types of microorganisms in each division.
  • Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on the basis of size, organelles, chromosomal characteristics, reproductive characteristics and nutritional types.
  • Describe and define the function and basic chemical composition of various organelles.
  • Describe and give examples of the four types of biomolecules.
  • List the major characteristics of each kingdom of the biological world and viruses.
  • List and describe the various characteristics associated with life.
  • List and describe the major beneficial and destructive activities of the microbial members of each kingdom of the biological world.
  • Describe and compare the various chemical and physical methods used in microbial control.
  • Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments of major microbial diseases.
  • List and describe the body's lines of defense in resisting and/or combating disease causing microorganisms.
  • Explain what is meant by nosocomial infections and how to prevent nosocomial infections in patients.
  • 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

Safety: Students must complete the Safety Quiz with a 100% within the first week of class to be allowed to continue on in lab. MSDS sheets are available in all labs.

Cell Phone Use: Cell phones must be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during any exams. Texting is not allowed during class. If you need to respond to a phone call or text, please quietly exit the room to do so. Cell phones are not allowed on laboratory benches, for your safety, and must be left in your backpack or pocket during lab.

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).

Due Dates: Class work is to be submitted no later than the scheduled completion date; please see the class calendar.

All lab work must be completed during the lab period. Once work is completed, bring your lab manual to me and I will initial it. Incomplete work will not be accepted. You are required to have attended the lab to get credit for the day’s activities. It is the responsibility of the student to show me the completed lab work. If you leave and do not have me initial your lab manual you will be marked ABSENT and will not receive credit for the days quiz or lab.  

Exams and Quizzes: LECTURE: Weekly quizzes are given on Monday at the start of class and will cover the previous week’s material. There will be a midterm and a final exam.

LAB: Quizzes will be practical in nature. There will be a midterm and a final exam.

Laboratory Conduct: No food or drink are allowed in the labs and must be left in the hallway. No open-toed shoes, hats, or hoods may not be worn in the lab due to safety concerns.

Please remain respectful and courteous of others.

You must clean your equipment and work stations before you leave the lab. Failure to do so will result in you not receiving credit for your lab work.

Grievance Procedures: 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).

Grading Criteria

Lecture: There will be two exams, a midterm and a final, based on the material discussed in class. Each exam is worth 150 points, and the final is comprehensive.

There will be a total of 5 weekly lecture quizzes, each worth 10 points, and they are not comprehensive.

The reading assignment is worth 100 points.

There will be 8 Mastering Microbiology quizzes assigned; students must only complete 5 of these quizzes. Each quiz is worth 10 points.

Lab: There will be two exams, a midterm and a final, based on the material covered in class. Each exam is worth 50 points, and the final is comprehensive. The exams will be one part practical and one part written.

There will be two practical lab quizzes worth 10 points each.

The identification of the “unknown bacteria” is worth 30 points.

Total: 650 points

- A: 585 - 650

- B: 584 - 520

- C: 519 - 455

- D: 454 - 390

- F: 389 and below

Extra credit: If there is any extra credit offered, it will be assigned in class.

* Grades are not curved. Make-up exams/quizzes are only offered for excused absences. Please see the Attendance Policy below.*

Attendance

It is highly recommended you attend each class/lab and arrive on time.

If you are late on an exam day, you will not be allowed into the class after the first person has finished, and you will not be permitted to make up the test.

If you miss a class/lab due to a school sponsored event or illness, proper documentation is required stating the reason for your absence (such as a doctor’s note or signed letter from your coach/professor) in order for you to make up any missed work. In the event you are absent, read over the assignment and contact me with any questions. Documentation must be provided within 48 hours for this to apply.

If you miss the midterm or final exam, you must provide proper documentation within 24 hours.

If you know you will miss a quiz, the midterm or final exam, a minimum of one week prior notice and proper documentation is required so that arrangements can be made for you to take the exam. You will be required to take exams and quizzes within the time period I provide you.

Make up exams will be in a different format from the original.

Calendar

Tentative Calendar – Fall II

Lecture: Room 205: 7:30am – 8:45am   Lab: Room 118: 9:00am – 10:15am

Date

Lecture

Lab

Due Dates

Oct. 24-25

Intro

Ch. 1, 2, 3

Lab Safety Orientation

Section 1: Rules, Measurements

 Section 2: The Microscope

 

 

Oct. 26-27

Assign books for Reading Assignment

Ch. 5, 6

Section 2: cont’d

Pond water, Wet mounts

 

 

Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Quiz 1 (Ch. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

Ch. 11, 12

Section 3 # 1: Helminths

October 31 –

Lecture Quiz 1 (Ch. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

Extra Credit Due

Nov. 2-3

Ch. 12 cont., 13

Section 3 # 2: Fungi

 

Nov. 7-8

Quiz 2 (Ch. 11, 12, 13)

Ch. 7

Section 3 # 3: Protozoa

Nov. 7 –

Lecture Quiz 2 (Ch. 11, 12, 13)

 

Nov. 9-10

Ch. 9, 10

Section 8 # 2 & 3: Testing Disinfectants &  Antibiotics

Disinfectant & Antibiotic Results

 

 

Nov. 14-15

Quiz 3 (Ch. 7, 9, 10)

Ch. 4

Section 4: Ubiquity Sampling, Aseptic Tech., Streak Plates

 

Nov. 14 –

Lecture Quiz 3 (Ch. 7, 9, 10)

 

Nov. 16-17

Ch. 14, 15

Section 4 cont’d: Colony Characteristics, Transfers, KOH Test

Section 5: Smears and Stains

Section 2: p. 31-32, WBCs

Nov. 17: Quiz 1 Practical

Nov. 17 –

Lab Quiz 1: Practical

Nov. 21-22

Nov. 21: Quiz 4 (Ch. 4, 14, 15)

Nov. 21: Review for Midterm

Nov. 22: Midterm

Nov. 21: Review for Midterm

Nov. 22: Midterm

Nov. 21 –

Lecture Quiz 4 (Ch. 4, 14, 15)

Nov. 22: Lecture/Lab Midterm Exam

Nov. 23-24

THANKSGIVING BREAK

THANKSGIVING BREAK

 

Nov. 28-29

Ch. 16,17

Section 6: Begin Unknown Identification 

 

Nov. 30-Dec. 1

Ch. 18, 19

Continue Unknown Identification

 

Dec. 5-6

Dec. 5: Quiz 5 (Ch. 16, 17, 18, 19)

Ch. 20, 21, 22

Finish Unknown Identification

Unknown reports are due by 5pm Dec. 6th

Dec. 5 –

Lecture Quiz 5 (Ch. 16, 17, 18, 19)

Dec. 6 –

Unknown reports due

 

Dec. 7-8

Ch. 22 cont., 23, 24

Lab Quiz 2: Practical

Dec. 8 –

Lab Quiz 2: Practical

Dec. 12-13

Reading Assignment Discussion

Review for Final Exam

Reading Assignment Due

Review for Final Exam

Dec. 13 –

Lecture Reading Assignment due

Dec. 14-15

Dec. 14: No class

Dec. 15: Final Exam

Dec. 14: No class

Dec. 15: Final Exam

Dec. 15: Lecture/Lab Final Exams

* Last day to withdraw is December 7th* 

* I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AT ANY TIME *

In the event a change must be made, I will alert you via CourseMail.

Additional Information

Tips for Doing Well in this Course

  • Come to every lecture/lab and participate
  • Take down the notes I give you; they will help you on your quizzes and exams
  • Study the notes you take for lab; they will help you on your quizzes and exams
  • People who miss class generally do poorly on quizzes and exams
  • If you miss class, find someone who was there and ask them to review the material with you and take down notes
  • Don’t be afraid to ask a question, or ask for help
  • Read the chapters in your textbook that corresponds to each lab. It will help you, not just in lab but in class as well.
  • Use the Resources I give you on Blackboard.

Syllabus Created on:

10/20/16 9:40 AM

Last Edited on:

10/24/16 6:13 PM