Microbiology for 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-2421-002 Microbiology for Science Majors

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: CHEM 1411 and BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407 or BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413

Course Description

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 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Nester’s Microbiology A Human Perspective, 10th ed., 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.

Supplies

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

• Access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet connectivity and access to a printer. 
• Three-ring binder for notes
• A calculator and a pencil or pen
• A working cell phone with a QR code reader app. (Quizzes/Activities may given via Google forms)

BASEMENT of the WARE
Printing, Computer workstations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468).  
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD.  Additional funds can be added to your card.

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 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:

1. Identify unique structures, capabilities and genetic information flow of microorganisms.
2. Discuss how microscopy has revealed the structure and function of microorganisms.
3. Give examples of the range of metabolic diversity exhibited by microorganisms, impact of metabolic characteristics on growth, and control of growth.
4. Compare the life cycles and structures of different types of viruses.
5. Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
6. Describe the causes and consequences of mutations on microbial evolution and the generation of diversity as well as human impacts on adaptation.
7. Classify interactions of microorganisms on human and non-human hosts as neutral, detrimental, or beneficial.
8. Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy and human health, including biofilms.
9. Demonstrate competence in microbiologic techniques by isolation of bacteria by streak plate method and characterization of a bacterial isolate.
10. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
11. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
12. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.  

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

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 (Dan Porter), 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. Cancellations will be announced via text 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.

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%) – Seven lecture exams will be given throughout the course of the semester. 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. There are no dropped Lecture Exams.   
• Unit Quizzes & Assignments (15%) – 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 (25%):

• There will be multiple graded lab assignments throughout the course of the semester.

• The lab assignments will supplement the lecture content. You will get only one attempt on lab assignments. The assignment material will come from the lab materials and procedures. 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.

Final examination (20%):

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

DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the Science Testing Center (STC) (Warren Hall 112). Final Exams are given in the classroom on the scheduled day and time. 

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. 

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 us with any questions.

Due to safety concerns, students who miss more than 4 labs over the 16-weeks will be unable to participate in Lab Practicals and the Identification of the Unknown Bacterium, and a grade of "zero" will be given 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 consist of essay, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. 

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.

Calendar

Additional Information

Our lab is a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory. BSL-2 laboratories handle moderate-risk agents that may pose health risks to personnel and the environment.Therefore, 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; you will be asked to leave if clothing or footwear do not meet the required safety standards of a BSL-2 lab. 

As stated above, due to safety concerns, missing more than four labs over the course of the 16-weeks will result in being unable to participate in lab activities or practicals. Students will be asked to leave the lab should they miss more than four labs.