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-2420-011 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., Robert W. Bauman, Pearson

Microbiology Laboratory Manual 8th Edition, 2025, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., A. K. Coffman, M.S., J. Price, Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. is required for the laboratory. Available in the Bookstore. Additionally, a pdf file for the Manual can be found in AC Connect/Blackboard, in the Resources folder. You may print ONE copy for your use in class. You may not print multiple copies for distribution. (Replacement pages may be printed.)

Supplies

A long sleeved, knee-length white cotton or cotton blend lab coat is required for lab. Lab coats are available in the AC bookstore or can be purchased elsewhere (options to be provided in class). Note: 100% polyester lab coats are not permitted.

A Sharpie is 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

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating will result in loss of the grade for that quiz or exam and may result in an "F" for the course. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated. Use of AI to prepare coursework is also considered plagiarism (See college policy statement).

CELL PHONES: Cell phones should be on silent mode and put away in class unless you are using them for class related activities. They are to be turned off and put away during exams. If you have an urgent need to have a phone on, you must inform the Instructor before class, place the phone on silent mode, and must quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting.  

BEVERAGES may be consumed in lecture, but NO food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory.

LABORATORY SAFETY. Our lab is a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory. BSL-2 labs handle moderate risk agents and require specific safety practices. No food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory (a table outside SCIE 110 is provided for containers). Open-toed shoes and shorts or very short skirts are not to be worn in the laboratory. Cell phones are not to be placed on lab benches.  Additional policies can be found in the Microbiology Laboratory Manual, and will be discussed the first day of class. 

Students must complete an online Safety Lesson and quiz with a score of 81% or better by the end of the second week of class before they are allowed to continue attending. These policies are for your personal safety. The first violation of the safety rules will result in a warning, the second violation may result in dismissal from that class session. Upon the third violation the student may no longer be allowed to attend lab.
MSDS sheets are located in SCIE 114 or at this link.

Seating will be assigned in laboratory (seating assignments are negotiable for reasonable issues).

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER: Each student must read the Science Testing Center rules at this link: Science Testing Center .  Note: The testing center is now located on the first floor of the WARE building.

To book an appointment to take an exam, use the following link: 

The Science Tutoring Center is now located on the 4th floor of the WARE building. To book an appointment for tutoring use this link: https://outlook.office365.com/book/ScienceTutoringCenter@actx.edu/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 89.5 - 100%, B = 79.5 - 89%, C = 69.5 - 79%, D = 59.5 - 69.49%, F < 60%.
To pass the course, students must attain 60% or better in the course. Most medical fields require 70% (C) or better.

Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown, the presentation, quizzes and the final will be posted in the Blackboard grade book ("My Grades" link). Online quiz points will be available in BB gradebook and MasteringMicrobiology when the quiz is submitted for grading.

Grade Components: Lecture 50%, Lab 20%, On-line assignments 10%, Final exam 20%.

Lecture exams are 40% of the total grade for the semester. Five exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false) covering both lecture and reading material. Each exam will be worth 100 points, the lowest exam grade will be dropped. Optional Bonus point essay or short answer questions will be included on exams. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each. Bonus points are a maximum of 5% of the exam grade. Quizzes on lecture material 10% of grade. Short quizzes will be online in BB and the MasteringMicrobiology site and are part of the lecture grade.  In class quizzes may be given in lecture and will not always be announced.

NO MAKEUP EXAMS, a missed exam becomes the drop grade. No makeup lab tests, a missed lab test becomes the drop grade.

Online assignments are 10% of grade.  Required Pre- and Post-class online assignments  cover both lab and lecture material.

A calendar and schedule for this class is posted in AC Connect. All exams except the final are taken in the Science Testing Center (STC), WARE building 1st floor.

Laboratory: 20% of the total grade for the semester: 10% of the course grade is for Identification of unknown bacterium; 10% of the course grade for lab tests/assessments. The lowest lab test grade will be dropped before course grade calculation. Misspelled words may result in loss of 1/4 point each. 

Final Exam: 20% of the total grade for the semester. Comprehensive, 2 hours, in class, as scheduled on the Amarillo College Final Exam schedule.  One 3" x 5" card written on both sides will be permitted during the final exam.

STC WARE 1st floor: All exams, excluding final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours (see below).  Exams are not to be taken during class time. Up to 10 points may be deducted for doing so. Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID and cell phone while you take your test and will return them to you when you turn in your test. Appointments are necessary, see the STC link above to make appointments. 

STC (Science Testing Center) Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 9 pm, Friday 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed Sundays. You must arrive no later than 90 minutes before closing (7:15 pm Mon-Thu, 6:15 pm Fri, 4:15 Sat).

STSC (Science Tutoring and Success Center) (WARE 4th floor). Mandatory Tutoring: In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student whose class grade is below a 72% must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring session appointment with the STSC by either calling (806 345-5536) or by visiting https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ScienceTutoringCenter@actx.edu/bookings/. 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 in the STSC, students must inform STSC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring. Walk-ins will be accommodated IF there is an available tutor.

STSC  Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm.

If a student prefers tutoring with the instructor they must schedule an appointment in advance of the desired meeting time.  Tutoring with Dr. Dolby is by appointment only. Schedule appointments using the Bb Messages link Remind or by email.

Free Drop-in Non-mandatory Tutoring: Peer tutors may be available at the STSC. You may also receive tutoring from your instructor by appointment.

Attendance

Attendance is not a numerical component of the grading of this course, but regular attendance on both lecture and lab is required for success. Be in class on time to be counted as attending.

Calendar

Additional Information

Microbiology Lecture Notes and Study Guides are recommended and are available as a .pdf version in Blackboard in the corresponding Weekly folder of the course. 

RECOMMENDED The Mastering Microbiology site (provided by Pearson) is an excellent learning resource. Quizzes for credit are available in MasteringMicrobiology.  Access can be purchased online at the Pearson website. The Course ID and a short instruction sheet is posted in “Resources”.

A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory 4th ed, 2011 by Leboffe and Pierce is recommended, but not required, for use as a resource for the laboratory. The Science Tutoring Center should have a copy available. (Older editions can also be used.)

The AC Connect (Blackboard) site for the class has a link to the syllabus for the class, and a variety of useful resources and links. Check the Resources folder.