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

Office Location

Science Laboratory Building 210D

Office Hours

As posted or by appt.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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 Student Service Center office 112. 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:

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.

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-2420-010 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 Systems5th ed., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson

"Modified" MasteringMicrobiology online account INSIDE of Bb  (access card is part of the bundle from the bookstore, or can be purchased online.)

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 Micro 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)

The user’s computer must have a resolution capable of at least 800 x 600 pixels or higher and high speed internet connection.  

Free download Software:

  • Java JRE plugin (very important so that everything in the system works properly!)

  • Real Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips)

  • QuickTime (for viewing QuickTime video)

  • Shockwave Player (for viewing animations or using interactive content)

  • Windows Media Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips)

Student Performance

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

You are expected to complete quizzes and exams without the use of notes, textbook or other materials, just as if you were in the classroom.  Cheating may give you a better grade, but it does not serve you in the end…….after all, learning the material is in your best interest and is the point of this course!  For detailed information as to what constitutes cheating and plagiarism, see the section under Student Rights and Responsibilities.  

CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class. 

 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.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

There is much information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments.  If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course.  A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals on or before the drop date as posted in the AC calendar.  There will be no MAKE UPS on assignments, quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline, so please do not ask.  

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER:

WARREN HALL 112

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during normal Science Testing Center hours or using Respondus LockDown Browser/WebCam.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than 1.5hrs 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 while you take your test and will return it to you when you turn in your test.  

When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

 MANDATORY TUTORING:

WARREN HALL 110

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 mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110)--again, dependent upon Covid pandemic restrictions, otherwise, use the online tutoring link to schedule tutoring-- https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/scheduling

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 present for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test. The first instance of mandatory tutoring will be for 30 minutes. Subsequent instances of mandatory tutoring will be for 60 minutes.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.  

IMPORTANT DATES:  

JAN. 17 Martin Luther King Holiday (College closed)

JAN. 18 Classes Begin

JAN. 25 Census Day (First 8-week classes)

JAN. 28  General Assembly (campus closed)

FEB. 1 Sybil B Harrington Scholarship Application DUE

FEB. 3 Census Day (16-week classes)

MAR. 1 AC Foundation Scholarship Application DUE

MAR. 1 Last Day to Withdraw (First 8-week classes)

MAR. 10-11 Final Exams (First 8-week classes)

MAR. 14-21 Spring Break (faculty & students)

MAR. 21 Second 8-week Classes Begin

MAR. 28 Census Day (Second 8-week classes)

APR.15 Easter Holiday (College closed)

APR 24  Honors Convocation

MAY 3 Last Day to Withdraw (Second 8-week classes)

MAY 9-13 Final Exams (16-week classes)

MAY 11-13 Final Exams (Second 8-week classes)

MAY  13 Grades Due (noon)

MAY 13 Commencement Ceremonies (Times TBD)

 CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class. 

SAFETY:  The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs.  While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances,  heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards.  Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be  asked to leave.  Be aware of what to do in the event of an active shooter.  Watch the video in class and be prepared to-- 

1) Run, Hide, Fight

2) Be mentally prepared and follow your teacher’s instructions.

3) Locate the 2 nearest exits and flee if safe.

4) Otherwise, lock the doors into the classroom and turn off room lights.

5) Silence cell phones.

6) Hide behind desks and/or move to another location as instructed.

There is an online safety quiz due no later than week 2 of class.  You should access it until you achieve an 80% or better.  

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 outline the safety rules and practices. 

Students must complete an online Safety Video/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

Standard Grading will be utilized: 

A = 89.5 – 100

B = 79.5 – 89

C = 69.5 – 79

D = 59.5 – 69

F = Below 69

Grades are not curved. There may be the possibility of an extra credit opportunity for the equivalent of a quiz grade.


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 microbe identification, 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%(of your total grade in the course)

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, as up to 10 points may be deducted for doing so. 

The Science Testing Center is available for all major exams.  Appointments for exam times may be made at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ScienceTutoringCenter@actx.edu/bookings/ or by calling 371-5948.

Lecture exams are 60% of the total grade for the semester. Exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false, short answer) 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.

Online quizzes will represent questions from homework, lecture, and lab content covered.

 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; any missed exam becomes the drop grade (only once).

Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester

This includes;

Participation & Lab Activities

Lab quizzes

Score for identification of unknown bacterium. 

Student group presentation is part of lab grade and is 5% of the course grade. The student group presentation 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 HAND written by YOU 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://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ScienceTutoringCenter@actx.edu/bookings/

In person tutoring is available .  Use the link above or call 345-5536 to schedule an appointment. 

Free, non-mandatory tutoring is also available. 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.  


Calendar

APPROXIMATE SPRING 2022 BIOL 2420 SCHEDULE 

*Schedule subject to possible change*

WEEK

LECTURE

LABORATORY

1
 

 

Intro to BIOL 2420

Unit 1, Intro to Microbiology

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

Lab Safety Orientation
Laboratory Manual Section 1

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

Exam 1

 

2
 

Unit 2
Ch. 4 Microscopy, Classification, Ch. 5 Cell Chemistry & Metabolism

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

 

Section 3 #1, Helminths

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

Hand washing results.

 


 

Exam 2

 

 

 

 

3
 

Unit 3 Ch. 13 Viruses, Ch. 11 Prokaryotes

Ch. 12, 13, Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes

Section 3 #2, Fungi

Section 3 #3, Protozoa


 

Exam 3

 

4
 


Unit 4 Microbial Disease and Control. Ch. 14 Infectious Disease
  Ch. 9 Controlling Growth in the Environment

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

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

 


 

Exam 4

 

5

Unit 5, Ch. 10 Antimicrobials
Unit 4, Immunology
    Introduction, Ch. 15 Innate Immunity

Unit 4 continued, Ch. 16 Adaptive Immunity

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

White Blood Cells, Discuss Unknown ID

 


 

Exam 5

 

6
 

Unit 6 completed, Ch. 17 Immunization & Immune Testing
Unit 6, HIV/AIDS, Ch. 19 Skin & Wound Diseases
  Ch. 20 Nervous System Diseases

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

Finish Unknown
Data Sheet & Justification due Wed  by noon (Online submission is available)


 

Exam 6

 

7
 

 Unit 7 Cardiovascular Disease


Ch. 22 Respiratory System Disease

 Ch. 23 Digestive Tract Disease

Ch. 24 Urogenital Tract Disease

Finish Unknown
Data Sheet & Justification 

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


 

 

Exam 7

 

 

 

8

 Final exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

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 an "easy print" syllabus, and a variety of useful resources and links.

The "Modified" Mastering Microbiology site (provided by Pearson) is an excellent learning resource. Homework assignments for credit are available in MasteringMicrobiology linked within Bb.  The access code accompanies that accompanies your text book may also be purchased online through Bb by following the Pearson link instructions.  

CELL PHONES/PAGERS:

There will be no restriction except during examinations, but I would ask you to show common courtesy for your fellow students and your instructor when on campus and either turn off phones, or place on “silent” mode during class.  If you have a pressing need, please excuse yourself quietly and take care of it. No cells phones out in sight or on at all, when exam forms are present in class.  If you are using your cell phone at inappropriate times you will be asked to leave the lab or classroom.  Be aware of the following consequences (click on the link below) if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class.  Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Department Chair (Dr. Hobbs), Dean (Mrs. Edie Carter), Vice-president of Academic Affairs (Dr. Clunis), then the AC College President, (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart) IN THAT ORDER.

SEC (Science Enrichment Center) in Warren Hall 119.is available for study groups, free tutoring and practice practicals if Covid protocols allow.  USE IT!!   Hours will be posted in each classroom.  If you make less than a 70 on any major exam, you will be required to obtain 60 minutes of tutoring from the Science Enrichment Center prior to taking the next test.  You will not be allowed to take the next test until after I have verification that you have received this tutoring.

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester!!

 

Weather Closing Policy:  If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371 5000.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled. 

Please listen closely to weather announcements as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

Syllabus Created on:

01/06/22 11:52 AM

Last Edited on:

03/09/22 7:07 PM