Monday through Thursday: 8:00 - 9:00
Friday: By Appointment
Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>
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 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.
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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
BIOL-2421-002 Microbiology for Science Majors
Prerequisite: CHEM 1311, CHEM 1111 and BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407 or BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413
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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)
On Campus Course
Nester’s Microbiology A Human Perspective, 9th ed., 2019, Denise Anderson et. al.,
Most laboratory exercises are provided as .pdf files in the Weekly Folders. Students are to print them out and bring them to the relevant classes. Some online/virtual activities are also required.
A long sleeved cotton or cotton blend lab coat is required. One may be purchased at a uniform shop or from the AC Stem Club. Lab coats will be stored in the lab classroom during the semester. One box of gloves, non-latex, any size except one-size-fits-all. A Sharpie is also recommended for laboratory.
To be successful in the class, you will need
BASEMENT of the WARE
Printing, Computer workstations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (371-5468). Study videos on the 4th floor
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD. Additional funds can be added to your card.
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 completing 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:
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".
Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each
student must...
1. Be respectful of others in the class
2. Attend all lecture and lab meetings. This includes online lectures.
3. Design and implement a study schedule as advised by our instructor.
4. Complete all before-class reading assignments or videos before coming to class
5. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior by participating in lecture and lab
6. Complete all assignments when due.
7. You are responsible for printing your notes from Blackboard and bringing them to class. Class preparedness is key to the successful completion of the class.
10. Students may only use their cell phones to gather information when authorized by the instructor. If a student is using their cell phone for any other reason, the student can be asked to leave class.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student has 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 Department of Biological Sciences Chairperson (Dr. Richard Hobbs), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.
FINAL GRADE CHANGES: The final grade turned in to the registrar's office will not be changed unless approved by the full-time Biology Faculty Committee. The request must be in writing.
Bad Weather
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered. If an exam is scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam time will not be extended unless classes are canceled on the last day of an Exam. If this happens, the Instructor will set a new end date for that exam. (BE PREPARED) If a class is canceled on the last day of the semester and an exam is scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam, and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. Check the AC website for new exam times if a class is canceled during finals week. Cancelations will be announced on the radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also, check the AC
website.
If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation that includes the exam number and a general explanation of the question.
WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer or other problems. Completing tasks in advance will help ensure your successful completion of the class.
EVALUATION: Lecture and lab Quizzes and Assignments will count for 30 % of the course grade, and the exam will count for 70% of the course grade. You will access your grades and average through Blackboard.
Unit Quizzes and Assignments -10%
Lab Quizzes and Assignments -20%
Unit Exams -50%
Final Exam -20%
Total -100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved, and NO extra credit will be given at the end of the semester.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F
LECTURE QUIZZES AND ASSIGNMENTS: 10% of the total grade.
Quizzes and assignments can be assigned at any time during the class. The quizzes will cover content from lessons, activities, and any assigned materials. You will need a working cell phone with a QR code reader app. installed for class assignments. In-class assignments are due at the time they are completed in class. All quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, essay and/or short answer. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any chapter quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz/assignment, which will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz, so please DO NOT ASK. Quizzes are usually given at the beginning of the class. If you are late to class and miss the quiz, a zero will be recorded for that quiz grade.
LAB QUIZZES and ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade.
Lab quizzes and/or assignments will be made weekly during the semester. The lab assignments will supplement the lecture content. You will get only one attempt on lab quizzes and assignments. The quiz and assignment material will come from the lab materials and procedures. Lab quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, and/or short answer. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any lab quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment, which will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any lab quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.
EXAMS: 50% of the total grade.
You will have a minimum of 4 lecture exams and a comprehensive Final Exam. The exams will be given each week. Most exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other materials. Exams include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, ordering, essay, and True or False questions. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned. One grade from this category will be DROPPED. NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. Please DO NOT ASK.
GROUP PRESENTATION: (4 quiz grades- 400 points)
This is a group assignment. Each group will find a scientific article that covers a topic in BIOL 1408 and present it to the class. You must check with your instructor for approval of the topic. After approval, the group will design a presentation following the guidelines in the Group Presentation folder on Blackboard. Each student will fill out the Group Assessment in the Group Presentation folder in Blackboard and upload the completed presentation to the Presentation Dropbox. Your grade will be based on how well you work with your group to prepare the presentation. Not participating with your group will result in a zero for this assignment.
QUANTITATIVE and CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT: (200 points- Quiz Grades)
Quantitative Online Assessments in the Common Assessment folder in Blackboard. This assessment must be completed in the online quiz, copied, and uploaded into Quantitative and Critical Thinking Dropbox. It must be completed online before the final exam. If it is not completed, you WILL NOT Be allowed to take the Final Exam.
Final Exam: 20% of your total grade: The Final Exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the semester's beginning, including lecture and lab materials. Some material will come from previous exams, and the rest from the textbook, other notes, assignments, and laboratories.
DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the Science Testing Center (STC) (Warren Hall 112). However, online exams may be given at the instructor's discretion. If you are taking an online exam, you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor. You will also need a PC with a web camera.
Please note: The Science Testing Center stops handing out exams one hour and thirty minutes before closing. 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 return it to you when you finish your test. The Science Testing and Study Center hours can be found at the entrance. Students are responsible for knowing the correct days and times.
COLLEGE-WIDE MANDATORY TUTORING POLICY: If a student falls below 75% in the course, they must complete a one-hour mandatory tutoring appointment with the Science Tutoring and Success Center weekly until their grade increases to above 75%.
The STSC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the STSC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival at the STSC, Students must inform STSC staff that they are there for MANDATORY tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will help students prepare for the next exam and will not affect the previous exam's grade. Free drop-in tutoring is also available.
The STSC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the STSC's hours of operation. This may require plenty of advance notice by the student, as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival at the STSC, Students must inform STSC staff that they are there for MANDATORY tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will help students prepare for the next exam and will not affect the previous exam's grade. Free drop-in tutoring is also available.
*Please note that NO CELL PHONES are allowed to be out during exams. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while taking a test, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.
If you stop completing class assignments and exams and are not officially dropped from the class you will receive an “F” for the course. You must contact your instructor to start the drop procedure prior to the official drop date. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw from 6 classes in their entire college career, This excludes drops prior to the census date.
|
Date | Lecture | Lab | Important Dates |
WEEK 1 March 17 – 21 | Intro Unit 1: Scientific Investigation, Data Analysis, & Statistics Unit 1 Project: Current Outbreaks
| Lab Orientation Biofuels/Bioreactor Set-Up
| March 20: Draft of Unit 1 Project Due, Labs Due |
WEEK 2 March 24 – 28 | Unit 2: Micro and the Environment, Health, & Industry Unit 1 Project: Current Outbreaks Trip to Food Lab
|
Aseptic Technique Food Lab Coliform ID
| March 27: Final Draft of Unit 1 Project Due, Labs Due |
WEEK 3 Mar. 31 – Apr. 4 | EXAM 1: UNITS 1 & 2 Unit 3: Cell Structure & Function Unit 4: Protists | Ubiquity Biofuels/Bioreactor Results | EXAM 1: APRIL 1 – 5 April 3: Labs Due |
WEEK 4 April 7 – 11 | Unit 5: Bacteria | Unknowns | April 10: Labs Due |
WEEK 5 April 14 – 18 | EXAM 2: UNITS 3 & 4 Unit 6: Viruses Unit 6 Project: Viral “Piggy-Backing”
| Viral “Piggy-Backing” Biofuels/Bioreactor Results | EXAM 2: APRIL 15 – 19 April 17: Rough Draft of Unit 6 Project Due |
WEEK 6 ONLINE DUE TO TRAVEL April 21 – 25 | Unit 6: Viruses Unit 7: Fungi
| Project 2: Viral “Piggy-Backing” Fungal ID
| April 24: Final Draft of Project 2 Due, Labs Due |
WEEK 7 Apr. 28 – May 2 | EXAM 3: UNITS 5 & 6 Unit 8: Future of Micro Unit 8 Project: Antibiotic Resistance
| Antibiotic Resistance Genes Surveillance Phage | EXAM 3: APRIL 29 – MAY 3 May 1: Unit 8 Project Rough Draft Due; Labs Due |
WEEK 8 May 5 – 9 | Wrap-up & Review FINAL EXAM |
| May 5: Unit 8 Project Final Draft Due May 6: Cumulative Final Review MAY 7 – 8: FINAL EXAM |
* Last day to withdraw is APRIL 29th * | |||
Science Testing Center (STC) Contract for Success
Initial each statement to confirm understanding!
_______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, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.
_______Please Note: Cell phones, fitbits, or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any unapproved material or devices out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.
_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.
_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Tutoring and Success Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.
_______ I understand a PICTURE ID IS REQUIRED to receive and take a test. An AC ID card is preferred.
Science Testing Center RULES
I have read and understood all the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above-outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test by the Science Testing Center staff, which may result in further disciplinary actions and a possible “F” for the course.
Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________
Phone/Texting Number ________________________Student ID Number _________________
Signature: _________________________________ Print Name: _________________________________
Safety: Laboratory safety will be explained along with the syllabus. Material Safety Datasheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
Microbiology Laboratory
Safety Rules
1. Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior
knowledge of the instructor.
2. Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the
laboratory. This includes being disrespectful of your instructor or
classmates.
3. Work surfaces must be disinfected at the beginning and at the end
of every laboratory period.
4. All students must wash their hands at the beginning of lab and at
the end of every laboratory period.
5. No eating or drinking is permitted in the laboratory. No open food
or beverage can be taken into the laboratory.
6. Lab benches are to be kept free of extraneous items while
conducting experiments. This includes personal items such as
backpacks, cell phones, and unnecessary books.
7. Students must wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the
foot, and appropriate clothing, at all times in the laboratory.
8. Students must wear examination gloves when handling
microorganisms. Wear lab aprons or lab coats as advised by your
instructor. Wear safety glasses when handling bacterial broth cultures,
doing Gram stains, and as otherwise advised by your instructor.
9. Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working
with chemicals or microorganisms. This includes not applying
cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your finger
nails.
10. If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes,
immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.
11. Take special precaution when working with open flames. Loose
hair, clothing, dangling jewelry, and nearby paper must be secured. Do
not leave a heat source (hot plate or Bunsen burner) unattended.
Keep containers of alcohol, acetone, or other flammable liquids at a
safe distance from flames.
12. Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to
the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.
13. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the
instructor of the course. A pregnant student is required to wear safety
glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial
broths or cultures.
14. Do not remove cultures, reagents, or other materials from the
laboratory unless specific permission from the instructor has been
granted.
15. Do not use any lab equipment without instruction and authorization
from the instructor. Report any damaged or broken equipment to
your instructor immediately.
16. Students must assume that all of the organisms that they work
with in this laboratory are potential pathogens (disease-producing
microbes). However, this laboratory does not require the use of any
highly infectious human pathogens. Bacterial culture material used in
this lab can include the following organisms: Bacillus subtilis,
Corynebacterium xerosis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli,
Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus casei, Micrococcus luteus,
Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonoas aeruginosa, Salmonella
typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus,
Staphylococcus epidermis, and Streptococcus mutans. All stock
cultures are purchased commercially.
Disposal Policies
1. Any student laboratory manual or personal papers that are soiled
with bacterial culture material CANNOT be taken out of the laboratory
room. On a one time basis, the department will supply a replacement
lab book or photocopied pages.
2. Students are to tape closed bacterial plate cultures and then place
them into the designated location for disposal. Students also are to
place all capped bacterial broth cultures and slant tubes in the
designated location for disposal.
3. Students are to dispose of uncontaminated broken glassware in
the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are
ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust-pan
if asked to clean up broken glassware.
4. Students are to dispose of used slides in the glass container
labeled "Used Slides". Students are to dispose of broken
contaminated glass tubes also in the glass container labeled "Used
Slides".
5. Biohazardous wastes must be disposed in a biohazard waste
container.
6. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the
laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes,
any personal items such as cell phones, or any door knobs.
7. Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash.
Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste
container.
Expectations
1. It is important that each student develops proper techniques so
that you will not contaminate your work or infect yourself or others.
2. Flame all wire loops and needles before and immediately after
transfer of cultures.
3. Each student must demonstrate competency at using aseptic
techniques by making a streak plate that has uncontaminated culture
before they will be allowed to handle bacterial broths.
4. Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the
next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you
found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers
or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate
receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving
for the day.
5. Each student is required to affirm at the end of the on-line safety quiz the following statement: "I have reviewed and I understand the laboratory safety rules for this course. I understand that I can be dismissed from that day's lab activity for not wearing proper shoes and clothing, or for not following proper safety procedures. I understand that repeated safety violations may result in dismissal from the rest of the laboratory exercises without the option to make up any missed laboratory grades". Out of safety concerns, a student will not be
allowed to participate in any laboratories if s/he cannot agree to this
statement.
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