Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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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

Tech Supported

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required – Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson Education, Inc.

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

Supplies

None

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. You will be able to obtain lecture recordings from Blackboard Collaborate.

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 be composed mostly of multiple choice and true-false questions, with some possible matching questions.See below fregarding how the exams will be administered..

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

 

Laboratory Activities are 25% of the total grade for the semester: 5% from identification of an unknown bacterium, and 20% 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.

 

There are NO makeup lecture exams or lab tests. A missed exam becomes the drop grade. All number grades for exams and assignments, and the final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

 

One optional activity is worth up to 4 points added to the overall course average.This will consist of an assignment on a specific emerging disease.Students will choose and sign up from among provided topics, then will research the topic, make a 4-5 minute oral presentation, and submit a 150-200 word abstract. Specific guidelines for this will be discussed in class and posted on Blackboard in the Content area.

Assessment: There will be an AC required assessment activity in Week 7. Students will have lab time made available to complete the online activity of multiple choice questions derived mostly from the Lab Unknown activity. A grade of 80 - 100 will result in 2 points added to the 4th hour exam. A grade of < 60 will result in 2 points deducted from the 4th hour exam.

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY

All lecture exams, will be taken during the time and day scheduled by the instructor. All exams will be online.

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any of the first 3 hour exams, has to  complete mandatory tutoring before they can take their next exam. Tutoring can be done by a virtual tutoring session with the Science Enrichment Center or with the instructor. Students can schedule a tutoring time through the AC website,https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/scheduling. Students also have the option of working with the instructor to answer and discuss provided questions on upcoming material. Specific guidelines for tutoring will be posted on Blackboard and discussed in class.

Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. Cheating includes, but is not limited to the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying, internet browsing, or making a digital copy of the test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test.

Attendance

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

Calendar

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 daily. The instructor will normally respond to student emails within 6 hours, except for sometimes longer on the weekend.

Withdrawal Procedure: Students who wish to withdraw from a class must: