Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Course Information

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Course

BIOL-2420-041 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

Tech Supported

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.

Supplies

Students will need a webcam and access to a computer and high-speed internet in order to complete all coursework. Additionally, students will be required to download Respondus LockDown Browser in order to take exams. 

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

Cell Phone Use: Your mic should be muted at all times unless otherwise specified. If you need to respond to a phone call or text, please make sure your mic is muted, and step away from your computer, 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 for further action.

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.

Exams and Quizzes: LECTURE: There will be four exams, including a final exam, and five lecture quizzes. LAB: All grades come from Lab work. 

Please remain respectful and courteous of others.

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.

Students will have 4 Discussions worth 15 points each. 

Lab: There will be 10 Lab Exercises worth 10 points each.

The identification of the “unknown bacteria” is worth 55 points.

Total: 625 points

- A: 560 - 625

- B: 497 - 559

- C: 435 - 496

- D: 379 - 434

- F: 378 and below

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.* 

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.

Tutoring may be done via an online platform. Failure to get the required tutoring BEFORE the next exam will result in a grade of 0 on that exam.

Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

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.

- 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

• Come to every lecture/lab and participate
• 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
• Get tutoring
• One of my favorite books is Marley and Me
• 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.