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-2420-006 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

Textbook is OPTIONAL: Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson(No online access code needed/required)

If you decide you would like to use a textbook a a supplemental source, you can use ;

           New book, Used book, older edition of the same book, rented book from the                          bookstore, or the open source Microbiology text(Link provided below)

Mastering Microbiology website account is not required for this course (access card is part of the bundle from the bookstore with the purchase of a new book, or can be purchased on line.)

I am also providing a link to an opensource Microtext(Free online format textbook):

Microbiology Laboratory Manual is REQUIRED for the laboratory, and the PDF of the lab manual is available to you via a link in your blackboard course.

You can purchase the lab manual from the bookstore for 20$

However since we will not use every page from the lab manual, you may also opt to;

Print off the following sections of the lab manual

• All of Section 2: the microscope
• The helminths pages from Section 3: Domain Eukarya: Helminths
• All fo Section 6: Identification of Unknown

b.) For week 1 of lab, you will need to have the following sections pages from the lab manual ready;

• Section 2: the Microscope

If you would like to print off the pages yourself, I include a PDF file for the Manual in the content section of Blackboard.

How do you print a copy of the lab manual if you don't have a printer at home? 

You may make copies on campus using your ID(You start off the semester with 20$ credit on Your AC ID card/account) either;

• In The Underground(basement of the WARE building)
• The 4th floor library and computer lab of WARE.(You can also add money to your ID card for printing here) 
• The Science Study Center in 110 Warren Hall

 If you do print, remember to print DOUBLE sided, so as not to waste your money.

Supplies

Required:

• Lab coat: A long-sleeved cotton or cotton-blend lab coat is required. Note: A lab coat will cover the legs to the knees, it is not a jacket. Do not purchase or use the blue polyester lab coats, as they have a tendency to catch on fire easier than the cotton blend lab coats....

        New lab coats can be purchased from Amarillo College bookstore(White lab coats, $38)

         Used(clean) lab coats can be purchased/rented through the Biology club(through me for the first week of class, i can sell them to you before or after class the first week fo class, $10 cash, as we do accept r venmo) for $10 each (Only while supplies last, and on the first week of class, i will sell them after lab)

The lab coat will be required for week 2 of lab

• A Black Sharpie(recommend but not required for lab as we do have some extra in the lab)

• Internet: We have Computers for use in both the Science Study center(Tutoring center) in Warren 110, and IN the Basement of the WARE building(The Underground). 

  In addition to that and campus wide WIFI, we also have 

  Free Internet Plan Through Amarillo College!

   

If for some reason you cannot afford any supplies for this class, including but not limited to notebook for writing notes, Lab manual, lab coat and pens/pencils, please email me and let me know, and i will be able to provide them to you discreetly. 

Student Performance

This semester is an in person class which will include face-to-face lab and lecture activities, as well as on line activities and resources. 

Attendance in lab is required. 

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 Hopital aquired infections and how to prevent those infections in patients.
12. Explain how to safeguard themselves and others from infectious disease.
13. Exaplin how the immune system and vaccines work

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

Expected Student Behavior

Act like an adult, and i will treat you like an adult. Be respectful to myself and your fellow students. 

If you are a disruption to me or the class(like being disruptive while i or another student is speaking, or talking loud enough while im giving lecture that it disrupts other students around you), you will be asked to leave class for the day, and you decided if you want to come back the next day and be respectful to others. If not you will be given a drop form to fill out signed by me.

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating may result in loss of the grade for that quiz or exam and may result in an F in the course. 

Quizzes will be both in class and online.

Exams taken in the STEM testing center(WARE 123);

• Hats are not to be worn during exam(no caps, not hats)
• All watches, including Smart watches, must be removed prior to being seated to take your exam. 
• ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING on the exam by me or the STEM testing staff will at the least result in an F on the exam and possibly in the course. 
•  Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated. This applies especially to assignments. 

Exams will be taken in the Testing center.

Final exam will be on paper(scantron) and taken in class.

Test in the testing center/ or if we go online will be taken using Lockdown Browser. 

CELL PHONES/SMART WATCHES: Cell phones/smart watches should be turned off or on silent mode and put away in class unless you are using them for class activities (including virtual lecture). They are to be turned off and put away during exams.
 

LABORATORY SAFETY. 

Laboratory safety is important.

NO CELL PHONES/SMART WATCH use during lab unless otherwise permitted. Contamination is a real concern and i don't want those items to become contaminated with harmful microbes you could carry home with you. If your phone is out(even under the table using it) during the time we are wearing lab coats, you will be asked to leave and given

No food/Drink permitted in the lab room

Regarding lab safety, dress code for lab requires wearing pants that cover thighs and knees, no shorts, no open toed shoes(Crocs/sandals included), and long hair(hair past shoulder length) is to be tied up/secure.

Not adhering to lab safety policy will result in you being asked to leave for the day and receiving a zero for that lab work/grade/day.

Pants not to wear to lab include pants that have holes in then or do not cover all of the legs. Shorts are not allowed in lab. If you email me the following information BEFORE the first day fo class(sunday midnight is the cutoff), you may receive an extra 5 points on exam 1 up to grade of one hundred. The links to answer these questions is posted at the very end of this syllabus. Here is what i want; What is Hib? How is it spread from person to person? What kinds of serious illnesses can Hib cause? when is the Hib vaccine given? What are common minor reactions from the vaccine?  What effect did Hib(type b) vaccination in 1987 have on Hib incidence(how often new infections occur)? Good luck.

 Clothing in lab  needs to cover bare skin as may chemicals we work with in lab are hazardous to the skin. No open toed shoes, no shorts, no pants with holes/tears in them. If you wear improper clothing to lab, you will not be allowed to attend lab and will receive a zero for that days lab grade. 

The first 2 pages of the laboratory manual outlines the safety rules and practices. 

Students must complete an online Safety Lesson and quiz with a score of 80% or better by the end of the second day of the course.

Laboratory safety questions will be included on the first exam.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, 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 on AC Connect in the Blackboard grade book ("My Grades" link). 

Grade Components:

Lecture Exams 45% of your grade

Final exam is 10% of your grade

Lab/Some online assignments 25% of your grade

Other online assignments/quizzes 10%

Assignments(Online): Will be uploaded to a dropbox in blackboard and must be submitted in a format that i can access(JPEG, scan, etc.) If you want to the last minute to upload your work, and i cannot access what you have uploaded, you will receive a zero. Get your work turned in early, that way if there is a problem, i can let you know. 

Unknown Bacterial Lab : Unknown bacteria data sheets submission 10%(of your total grade in the course)

Because growth of bacteria and bacterial test are time sensitive, if you fail to show up for the first two days of the unknown lab activity, based on time available, you may forfeit being able to start and complete your unknown and your unknown grade. Therefor getting a zero for your unknown and 10% of your total grade in the course. If you miss any lab days of the unknown , because test and bacterial growth are time sensitive, you will not ba allowed to make up any bacterial biochemical test.

There is a folder in the Content section of blackboard explaining how to fill out the data sheets for the unknown and how i grade them.

Exams

Any exam taken in the testing center(WARE 123) will use Lockdown Browser. Exams will not be taken at home. 

Exams are taken in the Science Testing Center(WARE 123), and are not to be taken during your assigned class time. If there are, i may replace the grade with a zero.

The Science Testing Center is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 9 PM (last exam handed out at 8:00 PM) and Saturday 9 AM to 7:30 PM (last exam at 6 PM). Appointments for exam times may be made at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040845adad2ba0fe3-science or by calling 371-5948.

Lecture exams are 45% of the total grade for the semester. Exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false, short answer/essay) covering both lecture and lab material.

Each exam will be worth 100 points, the lowest exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester AFTER all final exam grades have been entered.(The dropped exam grade will not be calculated in your grade, but will still be visible in blackboard).

You may request to to go over your exam with me in person if;

• you message me in blackboard after you have taken your exam(at least 24 hours in advance after you have taken your exam) with a request to do so with a possible scheduled time during my office hours. 
• You completed all quizzes for that exam
• You have your complete exam review for that exam
• Request must be sent a day before(24 hours) you want to go over the exam so that i can make sure i have time in my schedule to do so.
• You may also make an appointment with one of my Microbiology tutors in the Science tutoring center(WARE 4th floor, to the right) and go over your exam with them, however, you must;
  • schedule an appointment with them(link to do so is in the tutoring center link in blackboard). 
  • Have your quizzes/exam review completed
  • Cannot be online

Online quizzes will represent questions from both lecture and lab content.

 Availability of online quizzes will be posted in Blackboard.

For online content, make sure you have access to a device with a stable internet connection, or plan to use the Underground facility(basement) or 4th floor library computer lab in the WARE building.

NO MAKEUP GRADES in the course, including EXAMS, as a missed exam becomes the drop grade at the end of the semester after all final exam grades have been entered. 

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester

This includes;

grades i may give out for showing up to lab and doing lab work, lab procedures(Which i give out randomly)

Final Exam:

Comprehensive exam.

Mandatory Tutoring:In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a 1/2 hour mandatory tutoring session.

For tech supported tutoring, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040845adad2ba0fe3-remote.

In person tutoring is available Mon-Thu 8 AM to 8 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM to 6 PM. Use the link above or call 345-5536 to schedule an appointment. You may also receive tutoring from your instructor during virtual office hours or by appointment (these will be conducted using Google Meet).

You may request tutoring with me but are required to have your exam review filled out prior to the tutoring session. 

At the end of the semester, if a student has been working hard(showing that they study the material, do tutoring), shown up to a majority of the classes/labs, and actively  participates in class, i will take that into consideration for your final grade .

Attendance

Attendance is not a numerical component of the grading of this course, but regular attendance is required for success.  Attendance will be recorded for possible contact tracing.

Calendar

Additional Information

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

*The following resources are included with your AC tuition, so you do not have to pay additionally for these resources.*

Amarillo  College Counseling Center WARE building suite 108

Link: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ 

Our clinicians assist students with navigating a variety of challenges, including but not limited to the following:

• Anxiety, depression, and/or stress
• Developing coping, life, and academic skills
• Adjusting to life challenges and transitions
• Identity exploration
• Eating concerns
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Relationship issues
• Processing trauma
• Resources for physical and behavioral health needs
• Resources for social, environmental, and economic needs

Amarillo College ARC: Advocacy and Resource Center WARE Building Suite 110A

You do not have to go in person to have access to their resources, you can email them. 

Located on the 1st floor of the WARE Student building 

Phone: 806-371-5446  E-Mail: thearc@actx.edu

The AC Food Pantry

Contains food, hygiene items, and toiletries. Visit in person or website to place an order. 

Adult Student Program

Tuition Scholarship, Childcare assistince, Transportation assistance, textbook assistance. Must have a 2.0 to qualify.

Social Services Program

Emergency assistance for basic needs. 

Free Transportation

AC students can access the City of Amarillo Bus system for free by presenting their AC iID to the bus driver. 

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

Links to answer Hib questions(click on them);

NFID

John Hopkins School of Public Health

CDC Hib