Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science Laboratory Building 203D

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 9:00, 1:30 - 2:00, other times by appointment.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-2420-001 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors

Prerequisites

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required – Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2017, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson Education, Inc.

Required Microbiology Laboratory Manual, 6th ed., 2017, R.W. Bauman, Jr., N. Dolby, S.J. Schwarzlose

Optional – A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory, 4th ed., 2011, M.J. Leboffe, B.E. Pierce; Morton Publishing.

Supplies

Required items for lab include one box of examination gloves in your size, one lab coat in your size, and a Sharpie.

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

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers 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 or pager message, you must quietly exit the room to do so. Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged. Cell phones normally are not allowed on or at laboratory benches.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No open food or beverage containers can be taken into or consumed in the laboratory (a table outside Science Hall labs is available for use). Students are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes, shorts, or very short skirts in the laboratory. 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. Students must complete by Monday, September 2 a safety quiz with a score of 80% or better before they will be allowed to continue attending lab class. MSDS sheets are available for viewing.

Student must follow all safety rules and must notify the instructor immediately if an accident occurs. Specific safety rules are listed in the Laboratory Manual and will be covered the first day of class. While the risk of an accident 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 biohazardous. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave the lab immediately and possibly permanently.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, F < 60%.
    Most medical fields require a grade of 70% (C), or better.

Lecture exams are 55% of the total grade for the semester.  There will be 4 lecture exams, based on material discussed in class.  Each exam will be worth 100 points, and the lowest exam grade will be dropped.  Each exam format will use multiple choice, true-false, definitions, and two essay questions.  For each of the 4 units of material, there will be 4 essay questions posted on Blackboard in the Course Content area, with any 2 of the questions asked on the exam.  See below for the Biology Department Testing Policy.

As an optional activity before each hour exam, students can form study groups, meet twice for at least an hour with their group in the Science Enrichment Center, and then take a group exam in the SEC.  The two study sessions and group exam are worth up to 8 points added to the next exam.  Instructions for this will be further discussed in class and are posted in the Course Content section of Blackboard.

The Final Exam is 20% of the total grade for the semester.  The exam will be comprehensive, 2 hours, in class, as listed on the Amarillo College Final Exam schedule.  One 3" x 5" handwritten card (both sides) will be permitted during the final.

Laboratory Activities are 25% of the total grade for the semester: 10% from identification of an unknown bacterium, and 15% from 5 lab tests.  The lowest lab test grade will be dropped.  A rubric for grading the unknown bacterium identification will be posted in the Course Content section on Blackboard.  A rubric and instructions on the group presentations also will be posted on Blackboard.  Unannounced quizzes or lab notebook inspections may be included as part of the grading for any lab assessment.

There are NO makeup lecture exams; a missed exam becomes the drop grade.  Lab makeup tests are strictly at the discretion of the instructor.  Any missed lab test becomes the drop grade.  All number grades for exams and assignments will be posted on Blackboard.  Final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY

Science Testing Center: Warren Hall Room 112

All lecture exams, excluding the final exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the instructor during normal Science Testing Center hours. Hour exams must be taken outside of class lecture and laboratory times. Not attending class in order to take an exam can result in up to 10 pts being deducted from the exam grade.  Please note: No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes.

When using the Science Testing Center students must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take an exam.  The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your exam and will return it to you when you turn in your exam.

Mandatory Tutoring: Warren Hall Room 110

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any of the first 3 hour exams, must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center 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 Room 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.

Free Drop-in: Walk-in tutoring is welcome anytime during the hours of operation, which are posted on the door and in the Content area of Blackboard.

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 the course 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 required for success in this class. You should NEVER miss class unless it is absolutely unavoidable.

Calendar

 

MICROBIOLOGY Fall 1 2019 SCHEDULE

WEEK

LECTURE

LABORATORY

1

8/26-27

 Course Policies

 Unit 1, Intro, Microscopy, Growth
 Ch 1 A Brief History of Microbiology

 a) Lab Safety Orientation
  Section 1: Rules, Measurements

 b) Section 2: The Microscope

1

8/28-29

 Ch 1 cont'd

 Ch 2,5 Chemistry & Metabolism

 c) Section 2: Pond water, Wet mounts

 d) Section 2: Misc Microscopy

2

9/3

 No Class Labor Day Sept 2

 Ch 3 Cell Structure & Function

 b) Lab Test 1 (Rules, Measurements,           Microscope)

 Section 3 #1: Helminths

2

9/4-5

 Ch 4 Microscopy, Classification

 Ch 6 Nutrition and Growth

 c)  Section 3 #1: Helminths cont'd

 d) Section 8 #1 & 2: Handwashing

3

9/9-10

 Unit 2, Microbial Groups, Cont Growth

 Ch 11 Prokaryotes

 Ch 12 Eukaryotes

 a) Lab Test 2 (Helminths) 

  Handwashing Results

 b) Section 3 #2: Fungi

3

9/11-12

 Ch 13 Viruses

 Exam 1 (Thurs 9/12 – Sat 9/14)

 c) Section 3 #3: Protozoa

 d) Lab Test 3 (Fungi)

 Section 4: Ubiquity Sampling

4

9/16-17

 Ch 9 Controlling Growth in Environ

 Ch 10 Antimicrobials

 a) Ubiquity Results

  Section 4: Aseptic Tech, Streak Plates

 b) Section 3 #3: Protozoa cont'd

  Section 2 pp. 31-32: WBCs

4

9/18-19

 Unit 3, Dis Process & Immune Issues

 Ch 14 Infectious Disease

 Ch 15 Innate Immunity

 Exam 2 (Sat 9/21 – Mon 9/23)

 c) Section 4 cont’d: Colony Characteristics,

    Transfers, KOH Test

 d) Lab Test 4 (Protozoa)

  Section 4: Broth & Slant Characteristics

  Section 5: Smears, Wet Mounts

5

9/23-24

 Ch 16 Adaptive Immunity  

 Ch 17 Immunization & Immune Testing

 a) Section 5 cont'd: Gram Staining

 b) Lab Test 5 (Aseptic Tech, Growth 

   Charact, Gram Staining, WBCs)

  Orientation for Lab Unknown Activity

5

9/25-26

 Ch 18 Immume Disorders & AIDS

 c) Section 6: Begin Unknown Identification

 d) Continue Unknown Identification 

6

9/30-10/1

 Unit 4, Diseases by Body System
 Ch 19 Skin and Wound Diseases

 a) Continue Unknown Identification 

 b) Continue Unknown Identification 

6

10/2-3

 Ch 20 Nervous System Diseases

 Ch 21 Cardiovascular Diseases

 Exam 3 (Thurs 10/3 - Sat 10/5)

 c) Continue Unknown Identification 

 d) Finish Unknown Identification

 Unknown Reports due Noon Friday 10/4

7

10/7-8

 Ch 22 Respiratory System Diseases

 Ch 23 Digestive System Diseases

 Drop deadline Tues October 8

 b) Section 8 #3 & 4: Testing Disinfect                 & Antibiotics on Growth

 7

10/9-10

 Ch 24 Urogenital Tract Diseases

 Exam 4 (Sat 10/12 – Mon 10/14)

 c) Section 8: Disinfect & Antibiot Results

8

10/14-15

 Review for Final Exam

 Review for Final Exam

8

10/16-17

 No Class Wednesday Oct 16

 Final Exam Thursday Oct 17

 

Additional Information

The Blackboard Content site for this class will have the syllabus, schedules for ongoing activities, selected images for laboratory exercises, instructional videos, PowerPoint material for lectures, and all related course information.  Those not familiar with Blackboard can enroll in an online orientation course through this link, https://use.vg/9vcGU09uS7On Lecture and laboratory exam dates are subject to change, with reasonable notification given to all students.

Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his or her learning in this course.  To best succeed, each student will:

    Attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

    Participate in lecture and laboratory activities by asking questions and working diligently.   

    Study ~ 20 hours each week.

    Prepare for each class by reviewing previous lecture material and by reading that day's laboratory exercise.

Communication: All email communications will be through the student’s AC Connect portal.  Students are expected to check their email and course folder routinely.  The instructor will normally respond to student emails within 24 hours, except on the weekend.

Withdrawal Procedure: 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

 
 

Syllabus Created on:

08/15/19 12:31 PM

Last Edited on:

08/19/19 4:02 PM