Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2021-2022
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The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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.

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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 ResourcesStudent 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., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson

MasteringMicrobiology website account (access card is part of the bundle from the bookstore, or can be purchased on line.)

Microbiology Laboratory Manual Edition 6.3, 2020, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. is required for the laboratory. 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

Required:

  • 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.

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

         Used(clean) lab coats can be purchased through the Biology club for $10 each

  • A box of non-latex gloves in your size.
  • A Sharpie(black)

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 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

Student 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 may result in loss of the grade for that quiz or exam. Hats are not to be worn during exams (caps may be turned so the bill is in back). Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated. A lesson on avoiding plagiarism must be completed in AC Connect by the end of the third week of class.

Exams will be taken using Lockdown Browser. Details will be provided before the first exam.

CELL PHONES: Cell phones 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. 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 first week.

Laboratory safety questions will be included on the first lab test.

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(including Final exam) 60%

Lab 25%

On-line assignments/quizzes 10%

Student Group Presentation 5%

 

All exams, including final exams, will be taken using Lockdown Browser. 

Exams are taken in the Science Testing Center, and are not to be taken during your assigned class time.

Up to 10 points may be deducted for doing so. 

 

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 60% of the total grade for the semester. 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.

Short bonus point quizzes on lecture material will be given online in AC Connect and possiby through the MasteringMicrobiology site as well(depending on ease of student use and functionality).

 Availability of online quizzes will be posted in AC Connect.

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 EXAMS, a missed exam becomes the drop grade. (Note; exams are available on line for 48 hours minimum.) No makeup lab tests, a missed lab test becomes the drop grade.

Pre- and Post-class online lecture assignments and other on line assignments are 10% of the course grade.

 

Laboratory: 20% of the total grade for the semester: 10% of the course grade for identification of unknown bacterium; 5% of the course grade for on line lab activities,  5% of the course grade for lab tests (five tests, about 10 questions each, posted on the calendar). The lowest lab test grade will be dropped before course grade calculation. Misspelled words will result in loss of 1/4 point each

Student group presentation is part of lab grade and is 5% of the course grade. The student group presentation is on a microbe, pathogenic or not, is to be prepared using Google Slides, and peer evaluation is part of the grade.

Final Exam: Comprehensive, 2 hours, available the last 2 days of class.  One 3" x 5" card written on both sides will be permitted during the final 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).

Free, non-mandatory tutoring is also available. A 1 hour (optional) review session with the instructor will be scheduled before each exam. A longer review will be available before the final exam.

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

APPROXIMATE FALL 2021 BIOL 2420 SCHEDULE 

*Schedule subject to possible change*

WEEK

LECTURE

LABORATORY

1
8/24, 26 

 

Intro to BIOL 2420

Unit 1, Intro to Microbiology
    

Lab Safety Orientation
Laboratory Manual Section 1

2
8/31- 9/2

Unit 1, Introduction to Microbiology

   Chapter 1 Brief History, Ch. 2 (chemistry), 7 (genetics), 3 Cell Structure and Function

Section 2:  The Microscope continued
Read text Ch. 4 Section 2 Light Microscopy, pond water wet mount.

3
9/7, 9

Unit 1 continued, Concept mapping assignment
    Ch. 4 Microscopy, Classification, Ch. 5 Cell Chemistry & Metabolism

Lab Test 1, Sections 1 & 2

Chapters 2 & 7

Section 3 #1, Helminths

4
9/14, 16 

Unit 1, Ch. 6 Nutrition and Growth
Unit 2, Microbial Characterization:  Ch. 12 Eukaryotes

Exam 1, Unit 1

Section 8 #1 & 2:  Hand washing. Continue helminths.

Hand washing results.

Unit 1 discussion, review

5
9/21, 23

Unit 2 continued, Ch. 11 Prokaryotes

Lab Test 2, Helminths

Ch. 12, 13, Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes

Section 3 #2, Fungi

6
9/28, 30

Unit 2 continued, Ch. 13 Viruses

Lab Test 3, Fungi
Section 3 #3, Protozoa

Unit 2 discussion, review

7
10/ 5, 7

Exam 2, Unit 2
Unit 3, Microbial Disease and Control. Ch. 14 Infectious Disease
  Ch. 9 Controlling Growth in the Environment

Lab Test 4, Protozoa

Section 4: Ubiquity Sampling, Aseptic Techniques, Streak plates.

Unit 3 discussion as time permits

8
10/12, 14 

Unit 3, Ch. 10 Antimicrobials
Unit 4, Immunology
    Introduction, Ch. 15 Innate Immunity

Exam 3, Unit 3

Colony characteristics, KOH test, Transfers, broth & slant characteristics
Section 5, Gram Stain smears, Bacterial wet mounts (p. 92)

10/18-22

Fall Break

 

9

10/26, 28
 

Unit 4 continued, Ch. 16 Adaptive Immunity

Section 5, Gram staining
Lab Test Five, Sections 4 & 5.

White Blood Cells, Discuss Unknown ID

Immunology activities, review

10
11/2, 4

Unit 4 completed, Ch. 17 Immunization & Immune Testing
   Ch. 18 Immune Disorders

Begin Bacterial Unknown Identification:  Section 6 (see Weekly Folders for details)

11
11/9, 11

Exam 4, Unit 4
Unit 5, HIV/AIDS, Ch. 19 Skin & Wound Diseases
  Ch. 20 Nervous System Diseases

Continue Unknown Identification

12
11/16, 18

 Ch. 21 Cardiovascular Disease

Finish Unknown
Data Sheet & Justification due Friday 4/16 by noon (Online submission is available)

13
11/23

11/25

Ch. 22 Respiratory System Disease
Drop deadline 11/23

Thanksgiving Holiday

Section 8 # 3, 4 & 5, Disinfectants and Antibiotics

COVID-19, Other diseases discussion

14
11/30, 12/2

 Ch. 23 Digestive Tract Disease

Lab Test 6 Sections 6 (Bacterial identification) and 8 (#3, 4 & 5)

Diseases discussion and review

15
12/7, 9

Ch. 24 Urogenital Tract Disease
Exam 5 Diseases

Student presentations. Review of diseases

16
12/14,16

FINALS WEEK

Final Thursday 16 (on line, all day)

No labs Monday Review for final

Additional Information

Microbiology Lecture Notes August 2021, Mario Mireles/Dr. Nichol Dolby are recommended and are available as a .pdf version in AC Connect/Blackboard for student access in the "Resources" folder of the course.  Note: this is copyrighted material made available for currently enrolled students only.

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.  (Older editions can also be used.)

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

The Mastering Microbiology site (provided by Pearson) is an excellent learning resource. Quizzes for credit are available in MasteringMicrobiology.  The access code accompanies your text book, the Course ID and a short instruction sheet is posted in “Resources”.

Syllabus Created on:

08/04/21 8:08 AM

Last Edited on:

08/04/21 8:45 AM