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

Office Location

<p>Science Laboratory Building 203F</p>

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday: 8:00 - 9:00       

Friday: By Appointment

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-2420-004 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

Text Book

Robert W. Bauman, Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2018. Pearson Publishing

Laboratory book

Bauman. R. Jr. Ph.D., Dolby, N., Ph.D., Schwarzlose, S., MS. Microbiology Laboratory Manual Sixth Edition. 2017.  is required for the laboratory. a pdf file for the Manual can be found in Blackboard. in the Content 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

Spiral, binder, note organization supplies, a pen or pencil, and a Sharpie for Lab. A white cotton or cotton blend lab coat (long sleeved) and one box of non-latex gloves, any size except one-size-fits-all, are required for lab. Both are available in the AC bookstore or can be purchased elsewhere 


Computer access with reliable internet connection. Programs such as shockwave, Acrobat Reader,
Adobe QuickTime may be needed. These can be downloaded for free if required. Document viewer
such as word is recommended. PowerPoint Viewer may be required. the majority of documents will be supplied through google docs.
Any and all other materials outlined by your instructor during the semester.

Student Performance


STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

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 of 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 treatment 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 nosocomal infections and how to prevent nosocomal 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

Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...

1. Be respectful of others in the class
2. Attend all lecture and lab meetings
3. Design and implement a study schedule as assigned by our instructor.
4. Complete all before class reading assignments or videos before coming to class
5. Participate in lecture and lab by asking questions and being active in the lab
6. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior
7. Complete all assignments when due.

8. You are responsible for printing your notes off of Blackboard and bringing them to class. Class preparedness is a key to the successful completion of the class.
9. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through Blackboard.

10. Cell phones should be turned off or on silent mode and only used for the gathering of information when instructed by the instructor. They are to be turned off and put away during exams and quizzes. Place phones on silent mode, and if you must take a phone call quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting. If a student is using their cell phone for any other reason the student can be asked to leave class.
YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR PHONE DURING CLASS


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 of Biological Sciences Chairperson (Dr. Richard Hobbs), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.


Final Grade Changes: The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless
approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. The request must be in writing.

 

Bad Weather: If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered. If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam time will not be extended unless classes are canceled on the last day of an Exam. If this happens the Instructor will set a new end date for that exam. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of the semester and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also, check the AC website.

 

Students must complete an online safety lesson and quiz with a score of 80% or better by the end of the first week before they are allowed to continue attending lab. They must also read and complete the Laboratory Safety quiz found in the quiz folder. 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 the lab.If you do not agree with the instructor about a safety violation, you must wait until after class to talk with your instruct. 

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 80 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 20% of the course grade.

Lecture Exams                                      - 50%

Laboratory                                            -20%
Assignments/presentation                     -10%
Final Exam                                           -20%
                                                              100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

 

LECTURE EXAMS - 50%
Online or in-class exams are worth 50% of the overall grade for the course. There will be a minimum of 4 exams,  more than likely 7 exams including the final. Exams will consist of approximately 50 questions (multiple-choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

 

LABORATORY- 20%

10% of the course grade for identification of unknown bacterium, 10% of the course grade for lab tests/quizzes and assignments. . Misspelled words will result in a loss of ¼ point each.

 

LECTURE QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 10%
Quizzes are worth 5% and Assignments 5%. Both online and in-class quizzes will be given at the instructor's descresion. There will be both online and in-class quizzes and additional assignments made daily/weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank.   IMPORTANT!! If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. If you are late to class and a student has already submitted a quiz you will not be able to take part in that quiz and will receive a zero. You are allowed 2 dropped quizzes. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so please DO NOT ASK.

 

ONLINE QUIZZES - if online quizzes are assigned they will be taken at home. You will get two attempts on online quizzes unless otherwise stated.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidentally open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.

 

FINAL EXAM: 20%
Comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. The Final Exam may be given in either the classroom or the Science Testing Center.  You will need a # 2 pencil and a calculator. Ranges from 80-100 questions. 

Attendance

 Attendance: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is therefore the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences result in zeros for any missed quizzes, exams, presentations or participation grades. 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. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college careers, excluding drops prior to the census date.  Before a student can drop a class, they must first meet with the instructor.

You must always wait for the Instructor.  The Instructor will post a note on the door if he will be absent.  (NO 15 Minute Rule)

Calendar

     

Jacob Price- Tentative Schedule for BIOL 2420

 

 

Topics

Labs

 

Week 1

 

 

 

 

Unit 1 Introduction to Microbiology: Lecture Notes

Ch. 1 Brief History,

Ch. 2 Chemistry, Organic Molecules, Ch. 3. Cell Structure and function.

Ch. 7 Central Dogma

Lab Safety Orientation

Laboratory manual Section 1

Section 2: The Microscope, pond water

Read text pages 97-101

 
 
 
 

Week 2

 

 

 

 

Unit 1 continued: Ch. 4 Microscopy, Staining, Taxonomy

Ch. 5. Metabolism

Ch. 6 Nutrition and growth

Exam 1 Unit 1. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Lab Test One, sections 1 &2

Section 3 # 1. Helminths

Section 8 #1 &2: Hand washing.

Continue Helminths.

 
 
 
 

Week 3

 

 

 

 

Unit 2 Microbial Characterization:

Ch. 12 Eukaryotes

Ch. 11 Prokaryotes

Ch. 12 Viruses

Lab Test Two, Helminths, Hand washing results.

Section 3 #2 Fungi

Section 3 #3, Protozoa

Lab Test Three, Fungi Section 4, Scientific Method and Ubiquity Sampling

 
 
 
 

Week 4

 

 

 

 

Exam 2 Unit 2 Ch. 12, 11, and 13

Unit 3 Microbial Disease and Control

Ch. 14 Infectious Disease

Ch. 9 controlling Environmental Growth

Ch. 10 Antimicrobials

Section 4. Sampling results, Aseptic Techniques, streak plates. Continue Protozoa

Lab Test Four, Protozoa, Then Section 2 p 30, whit blood cells Colony characteristics, Transfers, KOH test

Broth & slant characteristics,

Smears (Section 5), wet

 
 
 
 

Week 5

 

 

 

 

Exam 3, Unit 3, Ch. 14, 9, 10

Unit 4, Immunology

Ch. 15. Innate Immunity

Ch. 16. Adaptive immunity

Section 5 Gram Staining.

Lab Test Five Sections 4, 5, and pg. 30

White Blood Cells, Re-do Gram Staining if needed. Discuss Unknown Identification ,Begin Bacterial Unknown Identification: Section 6 (see Week 5 Lab page for details)

 
 
 
 

Week 6

 

 

 

 

Ch. 17, Immunization and immune Testing

Ch. 18. Immune Disorders

Exam 4: Unit 4 Ch. 15-18, Unit 5 Diseases of skin, Wounds, Nervous, and Cardiovascular system

Continue Bacterial Unknown Identification: Section 6 Unknown Data Sheet and Justification due noon Tuesday 12/17

 
 
 
 

Week 7

 

 

 

 

Unit 6, Diseases of the Respiratory , digestive, Urinary & Reproductive Systems

Ch. 22. Respiratory System

Ch. 13: Digestive System, Ch. 24. 24 STDs

Exam 5 Diseases, HIV (Ch. 18 + Ch. 19- 24

Section 8 # & 4, Testing Antibiotics &Disinfectants

Lab Test Six, Bacterial Identification, White Blood Cells, Antibiotic and disinfectant testing

 
 
 
 

Week 8

 

 

 

 

Finish Lecture Notes as needed

Quiz over Diseases

Review

Final Exam-

Finish any needed labs

 
 
 
 

 Special Dates

Final Exam- October 14th 

 

 

Additional Information

LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468).  These services can also be found on the 4th floor and the basement of the WARE building. For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID card.  To put funds onto these cards there are only two locations on campus called Add Value Stations, 4th floor of the Library and the Math Outreach Center.  Once you have funds on your card, there are multiple locations to print from, including the Science Enrichment Center, Math Lab, and English Writing Lab.

EMAIL: Please only use your blackboard email service to communicate with your instructor. The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Friday by 1:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00 PM typically will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends.  Remember instructors teach numerous other courses.

Campus Police: Campus Police NonEmergency 371-5163, in case of Emergency call 371-5911 or call 911 for city police and ambulance assistance.

Test Rules: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating of any kind. Any student deemed cheating by the instructor must meet with the instructor and possibly the Department head to determine the extent of actions that will be taken by the department. Disciplinary action can include an "F" in the course and/or suspension from the college. Any form of cheating includes recording, copying, or conveying answers to help another student cheat, taking pictures of exams, stealing exams, using/stealing another individual's work (plagiarism).

If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation that does not include the question itself. Do not include any questions or possible answers within an email. Ask to speak to the instructor about the question and give a general idea of what the question was about..

The departmental policy states that all exams will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the Testing Center and during normal Testing Center hours. Tests will be taken outside of class lecture/lab time. If an exam is taken during lecture or lab time, 10 points may be deducted from that exam. A computer will be supplied to you at the testing center. You may not open any other web pages during the exam. A password will be given to you by the ScienceTesting Center personnel to open the exam. You will only have 1 attempt to take the exam and it must be completed in one sitting. Do not forget to submit your exam after completion of the grade will be a zero. If an exams submits before you are finished altert the Science Testing Center staff immediately and contact your instructor.

Please note no test may be started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. Students are responsible for knowing the times and days the testing center is open for testing

Mandatory Tutoring: Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC)

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on an exam (excluding the final) must complete a mandatory 1-hour tutoring session in the Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC) before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the STSC by either calling or selecting a tutoring spot online. 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 the STSC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not change the grade of the exam.

Free Drop-in Tutoring: Peer tutors are available at the STSC for Biology, Chemistry, Math, Anatomy
and Physiology and other science courses.

Science Testing Center (STC) Contract for Success

Initial each statement to confirm understanding!

_______I fully understand that if I cheat or attempt to cheat on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.

_______Please Note: Cell phones, fitbits, or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any unapproved material or devices out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.

_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.

_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Tutoring and Success Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.

_______ I understand a PICTURE ID IS REQUIRED to receive and take a test. An AC ID card is preferred

Science Testing Center RULES

  • Please, be kind and respectful to all STC staff.
  • Books, personal items, watches, phones/devices, drinks, and snacks must be placed on the bookshelf BEFORE you take your test. Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Items are better left at home or at another safe location.
  • No unapproved scratch paper is allowed for testing. Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the STC and return to finish that test at a later time or even for bathroom breaks.
  • Scratch paper and calculators are provided by the STC per instructor instruction.
  • The STC will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing.
  • The STC up your test five (5) minutes prior to closing time.
  • Tests may not be taken during class/lab time unless arranged by the instructor.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the STC with the exception of documented disability needs.
  • The STC schedule is on the outside door and Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC). 
  • Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
  • Animals may not accompany students into the testing room except service animals.
  • Cell phones/Smartphones placed on the bookshelf must be turned off.
  • Students will have to wait for their test results from their instructor.
  • All online exams must be taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.

I have read and understood all the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above-outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test by the Science Testing Center staff, which may result in further disciplinary actions and a possible “F” for the course.

Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________

Phone/Texting Number ________________________Student ID Number _________________

Signature: _________________________________ Print Name: _________________________________

Biology Laboratory Safety Rules are found in your Laboratory Manuel.

Syllabus Created on:

01/14/22 11:04 AM

Last Edited on:

01/14/22 11:30 AM