Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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-MCC1 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 Resources Student 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings

MasteringMicrobiology website account (access card is part of the bundle.)

Microbiology Lab Manual, 6.1 Custom Edition, 2017, Dolby, Bauman, and Schwarlzlose  will be provided via Blackboard. You will have to print it, hole punch it, and bind it in a plastic binder.

Supplies

One box of gloves, preferably in your size, non-latex, is required for lab (Not optional).  A Sharpie is optional, but strongly recommended for laboratory.

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

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

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

Grievance Procedure:

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 (Mr. Dan Porter), the Dean of STEM (Dr. Edythe Carter), the Vice-President of student affairs  (Dr. Frank Sobey),or the college President, (Dr. Jamelle Conner), IN THAT ORDER.

Cell Phones and Pagers

Cell phones and pagers are not prohibited; however, please be considerate of others.  Please keep all cell phones and pagers on silent or vibrate mode.  If it is essential that you answer the call, please step outside the classroom to complete the call.  Absolutely no call shall be taken during a quiz, lecture exam or lab exam. Perusing/scrolling through your notes, phone or smart watch during an assessment will be considered cheating. This will result in a grade of zero on that quiz or exam. All phones, smart watches or any electronic devices must be put away during assessments.

TEXTING: Incidents of constant texting in class by a student shall be addressed by the instructor. If this habit is found to be an issue, the student may be asked to leave the room. Continual abuse of this policy will result with the student being referred to the Dean of Student Services.

Plagiarism / Dishonesty: 

Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, will not be tolerated. Any student found engaging in such behavior on a quiz, exam, or lab practical will receive a zero for that assignment and be referred to the Dean of Student Services.

The use or visibility of unauthorized electronic devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, or similar technology—during any assessment is strictly prohibited. If such a device is seen or used for any reason, the assessment will be confiscated immediately, and the student will receive a zero. This includes scrolling, perusing, or wearing these devices.

Repeated violations will result in a failing grade ("F") for the course.

Additionally, behaviors that may be perceived as cheating—such as the use of headphones, earbuds, or other audio devices during exams—are strictly prohibited. To prevent such issues, clothing that covers the ears, including hoodies, scarves, and hats, is not allowed during testing. You may be asked to remove your hat or lower your hoodie. Any suspicious behavior during an assessment may result in a score of zero. A second offense may lead to failure of the course.

Six-drop limit Texas law

Texas state law limits undergraduate students to dropping a maximum of six college-level courses during their undergraduate career. This rule, effective for first-time freshmen starting in fall 2007 or later at a public institution, does not apply to drops made before the census date.

Special Notes:

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.  Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student's progress.  Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented in lecture.

Grading Criteria

45% Lecture grade comprises 40% of lecture exams and 5% lecture quizzes

40% Lecture Exams:

• 4-5 major exams consisting of multiple choice and one fill-in-the-blanks will be administered at the testing center. Each exam will be contain 50-60 questions, with one lecture exam grade drop (lowest score). Late submissions will not be accepted and will result in a zero. Please ensure that on the first day of class that your personal device such as laptop, ipad, Macbook or chromebook  can open the lecture activities assigned using specific software such as softchalk, Teachermade/Classwork, EdPuzzle, VidGrid and labster. If not, plan in advance to complete these activities on one of the on-campus computers. Extra time will not be given to complete these assignments if your personal device does not support the software and will result in a zero if submitted late.
• If your course average score falls below 75%, you will be assigned to a tutor/tutoring sessions until you redeem an average score above 75%. You may also be assigned to a tutor at the discretion of the instructor despite a semester average of above 75%. 

10% Lecture Activities

• Lecture activities will be assigned as homework to be completed at your own time. These activities may also contain lab information. Late submissions will not be permitted and will result in a zero. None of the scores in this category will be dropped.

5% Lecture Quizzes:

• Approximately 20 to 30 quizzes will be administered throughout the course. These may be given during lectures (in-class quizzes), labs, or assigned as homework, with each quiz consisting of 1 to 20 questions. The four lowest quiz scores will be dropped from the final grade calculation. In-class quizzes may occasionally be affected by technical issues beyond the instructor’s control; as such, any missed in-class quizzes due to technical difficulties on the student's part will count toward the four dropped scores. Late submissions will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.

10 % Lab Exam:

• 1-2 lab exams will be administered (either in class or at the testing center) consisting of 50-60 questions. None of the lab exams will be dropped.

5% Lab Assignments:

• Each unit will contain lab assignments that will be completed for individual grades within this category. These assignments will be administered during lab sessions with no make ups allowed if labs are missed. Late submissions will not be accepted and will result in a zero. None of the lab assignments will be dropped.

10% Unknown bacteria:

• This will involve the process of identifying a bacterial sample that will be provided to you during the 5th-7th week of class. There is only one grade in this category therefore it will not be dropped.

20% Final Exam:

The final is a comprehensive exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions administered in class or at the testing center (at the discretion of the instructor). The final exam will not be dropped.

Grading Schema:

• A = 89.5% to 100%
• B = 79.5% to 89%
• C = 69.5% to 79%
• D = 59.5% to 69%
• F = Less than 59.5%

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  Attendance will be taken from the beginning to the end of the semester. Any assignments administered in class must be taken on time. If a student is more than 5 minutes late during an in-class assessment (any lecture/lab exam or quiz), the student may be allowed to take the assessment if they show up within 30 MINUTES of the start of the assessment but a 20% late penalty will be counted against their grade. For the final exam, a 10% late penalty will be counted against this assessment. The decision to allow the student to complete the assessment is still at the discretion of the instructor. Tardiness (late) is defined as one minute or more after the scheduled testing time based on the classroom clock. If classes are officially canceled lecture and lab exams will be administered during the next class meeting. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Census date: (last day to drop with the course NOT appearing on the transcript) - Jan 27th, 2026.

Withdrawal deadline: Mar 3, 2026

A grade of W will be given for a student initiated drop or withdrawal on or before Mar 3, 2026. You may not drop or withdraw after Tuesday, Mar 3rd, 2026 without permission of the Biology Department.  You must petition the department, in writing, for review of a late withdrawal.  This request will be reviewed by the entire full time faculty of the Biology Department.