Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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

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Course

BIOL-2420-040 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

Required Texts: Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2015, Robert W. Bauman, Benjamin Cummings

Microbiology Laboratory Manual Revised Seventh Edition, 2021, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. is required for the laboratory.

Additional assigned text, as required by the instructor

Supplies

One box of non-latex gloves in your size for lab. One lab coat or apron in your size.

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 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:

• Describe the major subdivisions of microbiology and describe the types of microorganisms in each division.
• Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on the basis of size, organelles, chromosomal characteristics, reproductive characteristics and nutritional types.
• Describe and define the function and basic chemical composition of various organelles.
• Describe and give examples of the four types of biomolecules.
• List the major characteristics of each kingdom of the biological world and viruses.
• List and describe the various characteristics associated with life.
• List and describe the major beneficial and destructive activities of the microbial members of each kingdom of the biological world.
• Describe and compare the various chemical and physical methods used in microbial control.
• Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments of major microbial diseases.
• List and describe the body's lines of defense in resisting and/or combating disease causing microorganisms.
• Explain what is meant by nosocomial infections and how to prevent nosocomial infections in patients.
• 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

Safety: Students must complete the Safety Quiz with a 100% within the first week of class to be allowed to continue on in lab. MSDS sheets are available in all labs.

Cell Phone Use: Cell phones must be in silent mode during lectures, and texting is not allowed during class. If you need to respond to a phone call or text, please quietly exit the room to do so. Cell phones are not allowed on laboratory benches, for your safety, and must be left in your backpack during lab. DURING EXAMS: Cell phones must be in silent mode, face down on the desk, no exceptions. If your phone goes off during the Exam, or if you touch your phone during the Exam, you will be asked to leave and given a grade of zero for that Exam. Smart watches are not permitted on quiz/exam days.

** REMOTE LEARNING REVISION: Cell phones must be in silent mode during lectures. If you need to respond to a phone call or text, please make sure your mic is muted so you do not disrupt the class. DURING EXAMS & QUIZZES: Cells phones and smart watches are not permitted **

Plagiarism / Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Students caught cheating on a quiz, exam, or lab practical will be given a grade of zero on that assignment and referred to the Dean of Student Services.

Due Dates: Class work is to be submitted no later than the scheduled completion date; please see the class calendar. Any late work (if accepted) will result in point deductions.

All lab work must be completed during the lab period.

Exams and Quizzes: LECTURE: There will be four exams, including a final exam.

LAB: Quizzes will be practical in nature.

Laboratory Conduct: No food or drink are allowed in the labs and must be left in the hallway. No open-toed shoes, hats, or hoods may not be worn in the lab due to safety concerns.

Please remain respectful and courteous of others.

You must clean your equipment and work stations before you leave the lab. Failure to do so will result in you not receiving credit for your lab work.

Grievance Procedures: 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 (Dr. Richard Hobbs).

Grading Criteria

Lecture: There will be 3 exams and a comprehensive final, based on the material discussed in class. Exams are worth 85 points, and the final is worth 130 points.

There will be 5 online quizzes, each worth 5 points. Students who miss these quizzes will not be permitted to make them up, no exceptions.

** REMOTE LEARNING REVISION: Exams and quizzes are NOT open book or open notes. They are to be taken as if you are in the classroom **

There will be four Case Studies worth 5 points each.

The written reading assignment is worth 40 points.

Lab: There will be two practical lab quizzes worth 10 points each.

The identification of the “unknown bacteria” is worth 35 points.

The ELISA Lab and Bacteriophage Titer Lab are worth 50 points each. 

Total: 625 points

- A: 560 - 625

- B: 497 - 559

- C: 435 - 496

- D: 379 - 434

- F: 378 and below

Attendance Grade: Attendance will be taken for lectures/labs, and the attendance grade can be used as follows: 

 - 90-100% Attendance: 5 points, 80-89% Attendance: 4 points, 70-79% Attendance: 3 points

- Attendance points can only be used to replace your lowest Lecture Quiz grade - this includes missed quizzes. 

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.*

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER (STC):

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher during normal STC hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the STC closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The STC staff will retain your ID while you take your test and will return it to you when you turn in your test. No appointments are necessary.

** REMOTE LEARNING REVISION: All exams will be taken on Blackboard unless specified otherwise **

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 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center (SEC) or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting. The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.

Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring.

Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

** REMOTE LEARNING REVISION: Tutoring is still required and encouraged, and can be done via an online platform, or in-person. Failure to get the required tutoring BEFORE the next exam will result in a grade of 0 on that exam **

Attendance

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 me with any questions.

Late arrivals are not tolerated, as it is disrespectful and disruptive, not only to the instructor, but to your classmates who have made arriving to class on-time a priority. The door to the lab will be closed and locked 5 minutes after lecture begins, and 5 minutes after lab begins. If you are not in the lab, you are absent.

** REMOTE LEARNING REVISION: Obviously I can't lock you out of the Virtual Classroom, but do your best to "arrive" on time **

- You are permitted 2 UNEXCUSED absences during the 16 weeks. You must email me within 24 hours of the missed class to be able to make up any missed work. This does not apply to exams or pop quizzes. Will not count against your Attendance Points.

            - After you have used your 2 unexcused absences, any further absences will require a doctor’s note, work release, etc. in order to make up any missed work. This will count against your Attendance Points. 

- If you are late on an exam day, you will not be allowed into the class after the first person has finished, and you will not be permitted to make up the test.

- 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.

- If you know you will miss an exam, please give a minimum of one week prior notice so that arrangements can be made for you to take the exam. You will be required to take exams within the time period I provide you.

- Make up exams will be in a different format from the original.

Calendar

Additional Information

Tips for Doing Well in this Course

• Come to every lecture/lab and participate
• Take down the notes I give you; they will help you on your quizzes and exams
• Study the notes you take for lab; they will help you on your quizzes and exams
• People who miss class generally do poorly on quizzes and exams
• If you miss class, find someone who was there and ask them to review the material with you and take down notes
• Don’t be afraid to ask a question, or ask for help
• Form a study group
• Ask for tutoring
• Read the chapters in your textbook that corresponds to each lab. It will help you, not just in lab but in class as well.
• Use the Resources I give you on Blackboard.
• Break up your study time into manageable 30 minute “chunks”. Don’t try to cram before an exam or quiz, it is stressful and not a good study tool.