Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Science Laboratory Building 210D</p>

Office Hours

M/W: 11:45 am-12:15 pm and 4:30-5:30 pm 

- Or 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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-2420-005 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 Texts: Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2015, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings

    **The 4th ed. is acceptable. Mastering Microbiology is not required**

Microbiology Laboratory Manual Revised Seventh Edition, 2021, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. 

    **Print from the provided PDF**

Supplies

One box of non-latex gloves in your size for lab. One lab coat or apron in your size.

    **Lab coat or apron must extend to the knees**

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 70 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.
  • Explain how the immune system and vaccines work

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 two days 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. If you need to respond to a phone call or text during lecture, please quietly exit the room to do so. Cell phones are not allowed in lab or on laboratory benches, for your safety, and must be left in your backpack during lab. 

Plagiarism / Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Students caught cheating on a quiz, exam, lab practical, or other assignment will be given a grade of zero on that assignment and referred to the Dean of Student Services for further action.

Due Dates: Class work is to be submitted no later than the scheduled completion date; please see the class calendar. Any late work (if accepted) will result in point deductions.

All lab work must be completed during the lab period, or as specified in class.

Exams and Quizzes: LECTURE: There will be four exams, including a final exam.

LAB: Quizzes will be practical in nature.

Laboratory Conduct: No food or drink are allowed in the labs and must be left in the hallway. Open-toed shoes, shorts, 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. Richard Hobbs).

Grading Criteria

Instructional methods/examinations: The lecture portion accounts for 55% of the final grade, laboratory section accounts for 25% of the final grade and a comprehensive final exam will account for 20% of the overall grade.

Lecture Grade (55%):

  • Lecture Exams (40%) – Three lecture exams will be given throughout the course of the semester. 
  • Case Studies & Fact Sheets (15%) – There will be four Case Studies throughout the 6 weeks, as well as weekly Fact Sheets. 

Lab (25%):

  • There will be four lab practicals throughout the course of the semester, and the Identification of the Unknown Bacterium.

Final examination (20%):

  • A comprehensive exam will account for 20% of your overall grade. THE FINAL EXAM IS MANDATORY AND CANNOT BE MADE UP.

Final grade determination: 

100 - 89.5% = A

89.49 - 79.5% = B

79.49 - 69.5% = C

69.49 - 59.5% = D

59.49% or below = F

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

Attendance is taken daily for lecture and lab. It is highly recommended you attend each class/lab and arrive on time. In the event you are absent, read over the assignment and contact me with any questions.

Due to safety concerns, failure to attend labs will result in being unable to participate in Lab Practicals and the Identification of the Unknown Bacterium, and a grade of "zero" on those assignments.  

- If you miss an exam 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 the missed exam. Documentation must be provided within 24 hours for this to apply.

- Make up exams will be in a different format from the original, and will include essay, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. 

Calendar

Tentative Calendar – Summer II 2024

Lecture: 9:00 – 10:15 am: Warren Hall 209 Lab: 10:30 – 11:45 am: Science Building 110

Date

Lecture

Lab

Due Dates

 

WEEK 1

July 1 - 5

Intro.

Ch. 1 – 6

Parts of the Microscope

Cell Structure: Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes

JULY 4: NO CLASS

Fact Sheets

 

WEEK 2

July 8 – 12 

EXAM 1

Ch. 11 – 13, 7, 9

Aseptic Techniques/Ubiquity Sampling

Streak Plates/Bacterial Isolation

Microscope Practical

Streak Plate Practical

Fact Sheets

JULY 9 – 13: EXAM 1

 

WEEK 3 (ONLINE)

July 15 – 19 

EXAM 2

Ch. 10, 14 – 16  

Case Study 1 & 2

Antibiotic Resistance

Case Study 1 & 2

Fact Sheets

Antibiotic Resistance Lab

JULY 16 – 20: EXAM 2

 

WEEK 4

July 22 – 26 

EXAM 3

Ch. 17 – 20

Case Study 3

Gram Staining

Bacterial Unknowns

Case Study 3

Fact Sheets

Gram Staining Practical

JULY 23 – 27: EXAM 3

 

WEEK 5

July 29 – Aug. 1

Ch. 21 – 24

Case Study 4

Bacterial Unknowns

Case Study 4

Fact Sheets

July 31: Bacterial Unknowns Due

 

WEEK 6

Aug. 5 – 9  

Review

FINAL EXAM

 

FINAL EXAM: AUGUST 7 – 8  

 

* Last day to withdraw is AUGUST 1st *

* 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

  • Come to every lecture/lab and participate
  • 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
  • Form a study group
  • Get tutoring
  • Use the Resources I give you on Blackboard.
  • Break up your study time into several 30-45 minute “chunks” per day. Don’t try to cram before an exam or quiz, as this is not a good study technique.  

Syllabus Created on:

05/16/24 11:50 AM

Last Edited on:

05/30/24 1:23 PM