Monday through Thursday: 8:00 - 9:00
Friday: By Appointment
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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 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.
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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
BIOL-2421-001 Microbiology for Science Majors
Prerequisite: CHEM 1311, CHEM 1111 and BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407 or BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413
Principles of microbiology, including metabolism, structure, function, genetics and phylogeny of microbes. The course will also examine the interactions of microbes with each other, hosts and the environment. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)
On Campus Course
Nester’s Microbiology A Human Perspective, 9th ed., 2019, Denise Anderson et. al.,
Most laboratory exercises are provided as .pdf files in the Weekly Folders. Students are to print them out and bring them to the relevant classes. Some online/virtual activities are also required.
A long sleeved cotton or cotton blend lab coat is required. One may be purchased at a uniform shop or from the AC Biology Club. Lab coats will be stored in the lab classroom during the semester. One box of gloves, non-latex, any size except one-size-fits-all. A Sharpie is also recommended for laboratory.
To be successful in the class, you will need
BASEMENT of the WARE
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (371-5468). Study videos on the 4th floor
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD. Additional funds can be added to your card.
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:
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".
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. This includes online lectures.
3. Design and implement a study schedule as advised by our instructor.
4. Complete all before class reading assignments or videos before coming to class
5. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior by participating in lecture and lab
6. Complete all assignments when due.
7. You are responsible for printing your notes off of Blackboard and bringing them to class. Class preparedness is key to the successful completion of the class.
10. Students may only use their cell phones for the gathering of information when authorized by the instructor. If a student is using their cell phone for any other reason the student can be asked to leave 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's office will not be changed unless approved by the 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 a class is canceled on 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. Check the AC website for new exam times if a class is canceled during finals week. Cancellations will be announced on the radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also, check the AC
website.
If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: the number of the exam and a general explanation of the question.
WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer or other problems. Completing assignments in advance will help ensure your successful completion of assignments and exams
EVALUATION: Lecture and lab Quizzes and Assignments will count for 30 % of the course grade, and the exam will count for 70% of the course grade. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through Blackboard.
Unit Quizzes and Assignments -10%
Lab Quizzes and Assignments -20%
Unit Exams -50%
Final Exam -20%
Total -100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit will be given at the end of the semester.
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 QUIZZES AND ASSINGMENTS: 10% of the total grade.
Quizzes and assignments can be assigned at any time during the class. The quizzes will cover content from lessons, activities, and any assigned materials You will need a working cell phone with a QR code reader app. installed. All quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, and/or short answer. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any chapter quiz, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz, so please DO NOT ASK. Quizzes are usually given at the beginning of the class. If you are late to class and miss the quiz, a zero will be recorded for that quiz grade.
LAB QUIZZES and ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade.
There will be lab quizzes and/or assignments made weekly during the semester. The lab assignments will supplement the lecture content. You will get only one attempt on lab quizzes and assignments. The quiz and assignment material will come from the lab materials and procedures Lab quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, and/or short answer. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any lab quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any lab quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.
EXAMS: 50% of the total grade.
You will have a minimum of 4 lecture exams and a comprehensive Final Exam. The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other assigned material. Exams can include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, ordering, and True or False questions. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any exam, for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned. One grade from this category will be DROPPED. NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. Please DO NOT ASK.
GROUP PRESENTATION: (4 quiz grades- 400 points)
This is a group assignment. Each group will find a scientific article that covers a topic in BIOL 1408 and present it to the class. You must check with your instructor for approval of the topic. After approval, the group will design a presentation following the guidelines in the Group Presentation folder in Blackboard. Each student will fill out the Group Assessment in the Group Presentation folder in Blackboard and upload the completed presentation to the Presentation Dropbox. Your grade will be based on how well you work with your group to prepare the presentation. Not participating with your group will result in a zero for this assignment.
QUANTITATIVE and CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT: (200 points- Quiz Grades)
Quantitative Online Assessments in the Common Assessment folder in Blackboard. This assessment must be completed in the online quiz and copied and uploaded into Quantitative and Critical Thinking Dropbox. It must be completed online prior to the final exam. If it is not completed you WILL NOT Be allowed to take the Final Exam.
Final Exam: 20% of your total grade: The Final Exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester both lecture and lab materials. Some material will come from previous exams and the rest from the textbook, other notes, assignments, and laboratories.
DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the Science Testing Center (STC): (Warren Hall 112). Exams will only be taken at home if you are in quarantine due to COVID infection. If taking an online exam you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor. You will need a PC with a web camera to take exams.
Please note: The Science Testing Center stops handing out exams 1 hr and 30 min. before they close. 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 it will be returned to you when you finish your test. The Science Testing and Study Center hours can be found by the entrance. Students are responsible for knowing the correct days and times.
DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC) (Warren Hall 110): In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam should complete a 1-hour tutoring session in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or in the Online Tutoring Center before taking the next exam. Before getting tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the STSC by either calling (806 345-5536), visiting, or scheduling an online tutoring session in the online scheduler.
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 STSC staff that they are there for MANDATORY tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will help students prepare for the next exam and will not affect the previous exam's grade. Free drop-in tutoring is also available.
*Please Note NO CELL PHONES are allowed to be out during exams. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while taking a test, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.
If you stop completing class assignments and exams and are not officially dropped from the class you will receive an “F” for the course. You must contact your instructor to start the drop procedure prior to the official drop date. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw from 6 classes in their entire college career, This excludes drops prior to the census date.
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APPROXIMATE 8 WEEK BIOL 2421 SCHEDULE |
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WEEK |
LECTURE |
LAB |
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1 |
Chapters 1 & 3 Introduction to the microbial world, and Microscopy |
Lab Safety Orientation The Microscope Discuss environmental sampling, formulate hypotheses. |
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2
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Chapters 2, 6 & 4 Cell Structure & Function, Cell Chemistry & Metabolism Genetic information flow concept map Chapters 7 & 8 |
Hand washing. Pond water wet mount Soil collection Hand washing results. |
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3 |
Microbial Characterization and Classification: Chapter 10 Eukaryotes, Chapter 12 |
Aseptic techniques Isolation of bacteria from various environments. Streak plates, colony characteristics Discuss microbial classification |
|
4 |
Viruses, Chapter 13 The roles of microbes in the environment Chapter 28 First project due date. |
Transfers, (Sec. 4), broth & slant characteristics Bacterial wet mounts, smears, and simple stains Gram staining |
|
5
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Chapter 29 The roles of microbes in public health & industry Chapters 30 & 9 |
Bacterial Unknown. |
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6 |
Impact of microbes on human health. Chapters 14, 15 & 16 |
Complete bacterial unknown. Unknown DATA Sheet Water sample collection, testing. Bacteriophage isolation & titration |
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7 |
Selected topics from Chapters 21-27 Last week to submit research projects. |
Finish labs as needed. Water analysis, & bacteriophage |
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8 |
Review |
Student presentations |
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
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: _________________________________
Safety: Laboratory safety will be explained along with the syllabus. Material Safety Datasheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
Biology Laboratory Safety Rules
1. Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior knowledge of the instructor.
2. Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the laboratory. This includes not being disrespectful of your instructor or classmates.
3. Students should wash their hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.
4. Students are allowed to have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs. Otherwise, they should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory without explicit permission from the instructor.
5. Wear appropriate clothing at all times in the laboratory. Wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot, unless permission otherwise is given by the instructor.
6. Wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling cadavers, caustic chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.
7. Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms. Wear lab aprons or lab coats as advised by your instructor.
8. Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working with cadavers, chemicals, preserved specimens, microorganisms, or body fluids. This includes not applying cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your fingernails.
9. If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes, immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.
10. Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.
11. Scalpels and other sharp objects can be used only if authorized by the instructor and only after given proper handling instructions. Use small trays to carry all sharp objects. When handling sharp objects, point their tips down and away from other people.
12. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes, any personal items such as cell phones, or any doorknobs.
13. Do not use any lab equipment without instruction and authorization from the instructor. Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.
14. Lab benches should be kept free of extraneous items while conducting experiments. This includes unnecessary books, backpacks, cell phones, and other personal items.
15. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the instructor of the course. Pregnant students will not be allowed to do dissections or work with any body fluids without having a doctor’s note for permission. A pregnant student is required to wear safety glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial broths or cultures.
Universal Precautions for Students Working With Urine or Saliva
1. Before lab, wash hands thoroughly and line the work area with clean paper towels.
2. Students must wear gloves and may only handle their own body fluids.
3. Students must wear lab aprons, safety glasses, and surgical masks.
4. Rinse and dispose of all supplies that may have come into contact with urine or saliva in the appropriate biohazard container.
5. Dispose of urine in the bathroom toilet and saliva in the sink.
6. After the lab, wipe down the work area with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.
Disposal Policies
1. Dispose of broken glassware in the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust pan if asked to clean up broken glassware.
2. Dispose of used slides in the glass, or plastic, container labeled “Used Slides”.
3. Biohazardous wastes must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash. Your instructor will inform you which disposal containers are to be used with which type of biohazardous waste (metal sharps, glass, and non-sharps).
4. Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash. Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Examination gloves used in dissections are not considered to be biohazard waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash.
Expectations
1. Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving for the day.
2. Each student is required to affirm at the end of the online safety quiz the following statement: “I have reviewed and I understand the laboratory safety rules for this course. I understand that I can be dismissed from that day’s lab activity for not wearing proper shoes and clothing, or for not following proper safety procedures. I understand that repeated safety violations may result in dismissal from the rest of the laboratory exercises without the option to make up any missed laboratory grades”. Out of safety concerns, a student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratories if s/he cannot agree to this statement.
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