COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 1 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY Lecture
COURSE SYLLABUS
TERM: FallYEAR: 2013
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Marta D. de Jesus
OFFICE/DIVISION LOCATION: SCI-337
OFFICE HOURS: M/W 12:30-1 PM & 5:30-6 PM; Tu/Th 1-1:30 PM & 4:30-5:30 PM
OFFICE PHONE: (805) 289-6248
E-MAIL ADDRESS: (leave notes with the Division Assistants in SCI-321)
INSTRUCTOR WEB PAGE:
CLASS HOURS: Lecture: TuTh 5:30 - 6:45 PM (SCI-313)
CLASS CRN: 70985Lab: Tu 7 - 9:50 PM (SCI-311) with Prof. B. Parhami-Seren
CLASS CRN: 70221Lab: Th 7 - 9:50 PM (SCI-311) with Prof. S. Aguirre
PREREQUISITE(S): CHEM V01A-V01AL or CHEM V20A-V20AL or Chem V30-V30L with grades of C or better AND PHSO V01 or BIOL V04 with grades of C or better.
RECOMMENDED PREP: BIOL V01 OR 1 year of HS college prep or honors biology with a passing grade of C or better (note: this is a pre-req for ANAT V01).
To see the pre-nursing requirements for VC’s RN Program go to:
and download the Nursing Application.
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes lectures and laboratory studies concerning bacteria, fungi, protists, algae and viruses with emphasis on bacterial morphology, anatomy, staining, classification, metabolism and growth, and the effects of physical and chemical agents on bacteria. The course includes the principles of disease transmission, prevention and biotechnology. It serves several different populations including pre-nursing, biotechnology, and as preparation for graduate professional degrees in physician assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.
Disclaimer: This course is NOT the equivalent of a required class for microbiology majors or medical students (MD or DO), although it may be a useful class in aiding preparation and understanding for those students.
B. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
In the “lecture” portion of this class, traditional lecture will be the primary mode of instruction. The lab portion of this class consists mostly of a “hands-on” set of lab exercises (see Schedule). Please see the Schedule and Grading Plan for a list of reading and other assignments, tests, etc.
COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 2 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
C. STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Student knows and can apply microbiology and immunology terms and concepts to microbiological problems.
2. Student understands and can compare and contrast taxonomy, biological significance, genetics, and metabolism of microorganisms
3. Student follows laboratory protocols and perform microbiologic lab skills, including microscopy, staining, and culturing of microorganisms.
D. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the lecture portion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. understand basic biological principles particularly as they apply to microorganisms.
2. be familiar with, and able to use the terminology common to microbiology.
3. know the importance of microorganisms in nature.
4. have a general knowledge of microorganisms as agents of disease.
5. be aware of important physical and chemical methods for control of microorganisms.
6. have a general knowledge of applied microbiology.
7. understand the principles, techniques and significance of genetic engineering.
8. understand the mechanisms involved in disease caused by microorganisms.
9. understand the mechanisms of host resistance to pathogenic microorganisms particularly the immune system.
10. understand the basic principles of taxonomy
11. become familiar with the microbiological literature and develop writing skills.
12. be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving using the scientific method.
E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS (see schedule)
F. CORE COMPETENCIES
- Read, retain, and apply published ideas
- Write clearly and accurately in a variety of contexts and formats
- Employ the vocabulary of the subject being studied
- Recognize the need for information and/or identify and clarify the question that needs to be answered
- Differentiate between major and minor arguments or ideas
- Find and interpret relevant information from text, tables, graphs, personal communication, and observation
- Evaluate authority, veracity and bias of information
- Utilize data gathered to draw conclusions or to create new sources of information that can be shared with others
- Apply the principles of scientific reasoning to solve problems
- Use language as appropriate to the situation
G. TEXTBOOK(S) and REQUIRED TOOLS/SUPPLIES
Required Text:Foundations in Microbiology (8th ed.) by Talaro & Chess. Bring your textbook to every class meeting. Read the assigned chapters before class!
Optional Lecture Outlines or Powerpoint pdf files:To be announced
Required Lab Text:Benson’s Microbiological Applications(12th ed.) - Short Version by Brown & Smith
Required Lab Safety Supplies:labcoat (NOT scrubs!), safety eyewear (glasses or goggles), disposable gloves(your lab instructor may require more items)
COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 3 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
Optional/Recommended Materials:
1) Student Study Guide (for text)
2) A Photographic Atlas for Microbiology Laboratory (color photos)
3) Dictionary of Word Roots & Combining Forms by D.J. Borror (useful for medical terminology)
4) An Introduction to Chemistry for Biology Students by G. Sackheim (good re/overview of chemistry)
5) Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple by M. Gladwin & B. Trattler
6) The Cartoon Guide to Geneticsby L. Gonick & M. Wheeler (good introduction to microbial genetics)
7) Coloring books:
Microbiology Coloring Book by Alcamo
Diversity of Life by Margulis, Schwartz, & Dolan
H. GRADING PLAN
Guaranteed Grades:
A = 90-100%B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = below 60%
Grading: In general, there are NO MAKE-UPS and late assignments will not be accepted. Grades will be assigned based on work performed. 75% of your grade will come from lecture and 25% will be from lab (actual “points” in the lecture & lab will NOT be of equal weight).
(your lecture grade)(.75) + (your lab grade)(.25) = your final numerical grade
Eg:(lecture)(.75)+(lab).25= 70%
(70%)(.75)+(70%)(.25)
(66%)(.75)+(82%)(.25)
(64%)(.75)+(88%)(.25)
(62%)(.75)+(94%)(.25)
(60%)(.75)+(100%)(.25)
I. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS
Lecture Tests (45% of your grade):20-point tests will be given every day in lecture first thing and are over either when the last person to arrive on-time finishes, or a reasonable time has passed.
Bring the standard Scantron 100-point answer sheets Scantron Form 882.
You will also need #2 pencils (other numbers of pencil lead are not read correctly by the machine), and a good eraser (the white plastic ones work best).
Question formats can include multiple choice, matching and short answer (write the answer to these on the paper provided in the test). Each test will cover the material since the last test. The lowest 2 test scores (not including the Final Exam) will be dropped from your final grade tally. No make-ups.
Writing Assignment(5% of your grade) will be one report on a microbe due near the end of the semester. It will require the use of library resource including books and online databases. More details later.
Lecture FinalExam (25% of your grade) is cumulative and will contain between 110-120 points; bring one larger Scantron Form #886-E for multiple choice, matching and short answer questions.
Lab Scores(25% of your grade): are determined by the lab instructor.
Attendance/Participation: Even though there are no direct points given for this, this can affect your ultimate grade. If you are tardy or leave early you will lose points on tests, and you may miss valuable information/announcements. Expect to be present in class the entire time listed (lecture & labs).
COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 4 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
You are responsible for your credit and enrollment status; be aware of Ventura College’s add/drop dates and policies. Note: VCCCD policy states: “When absence from the class exceeds in number 1/9th of the total class contact hours for the session, the instructor mayrecommend to the Registrar that such student be dropped from the class and a grade recorded in accordance with withdrawal from class policy as stated in (the) Catalog. Classes missed because of late registration are counted toward the number of absences.”
Last Day to Withdraw with a “W”: November 22, 2013
Note: If you are a pre-Nursing student, realize the following may apply to you:
“For successful completion of the (Nursing) program, a minimum grade of C is mandatory in all courses required for the nursing major. These include courses outside the discipline of nursing but required for the major, such as anatomy, microbiology, etc. Although a “C” is acceptable in one of the biological science courses, the overall science GPA must be 2.5 or higherwith no more than one withdrawal, D or F in either anatomy, physiology or microbiology. In addition, the student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 to be admitted.” (from Nursing Applic.)
Extra Credit: there is little to none available (both lecture & lab).
J. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT(also Appendix 1 of the Ventura College Catalog: Student Conduct Code or go to ).
1) Academic Dishonesty (a.k.a. Cheating):This can take a variety of forms. In Academia in general, at Ventura College, and especially in this class, it will NOT be tolerated. All work you submit for grading (assignments, papers, & exams) must be your own work. In this course you are being graded as an individual and your work must reflect that. Dishonest behavior includes:
a) looking at another’s test/exam/quiz;
b) allowing someone else see your test/exam/quiz;
c) passing information in any form during an test/exam/quiz (talking will NOT be tolerated);
d) using crib notes or other“aids” during a test/exam/quiz;
e) plagiarism = using someone else’s words as your own. This includes copying your assignment from another student or allowing someone else to make a copy of your assignment, and paraphrasing which means using the same words/phrases as the original author even if they are rearranged.
At the least, the first time academic dishonesty becomes an issue, you may be moved and you will receive a ZERO GRADE for the assignment. If the incident is outrageous or a second offense, sterner measures will be taken.
A Word to the Wise: Since you have chosen to continue in academia and into a profession with very high ethical standards, realize that behavior that may have been treated as a minor infraction earlier in school will have increasingly serious consequences if it occurs now or later in your academic or professional career.
2) Disruption/Obstruction of class: None will be tolerated. Telephones, pagers, etc. must be turned audibly OFF during classroom time, and any disruptive behavior(this includes talking out of turn or answering a text message) will get you excluded from class. Please leave the class if you cannot comport yourself as required.
During tests & exams all communication devices will be off the desks (= not visible at all) and you cannot respond to calls at that time.
*If you have an emergency situation, please discuss this with the instructor prior to the test or lecture, or as soon as possible.
3) Lab Safety: As this class has a laboratory component, there is a required introduction to lab safety. No student will be allowed to participate in lab until this instruction has taken place.
COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 5 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
K. Some of the On-Campus Student Help:see the online Fall 2013Schedule of Classes for a complete list. Please make use of these services if needed!
1) Tutoring Center: offers free tutoring in most academic subjects including biology, chemistry, math, etc. as well as help with general study skills. {Incidentally, if you are doing well in his or any other class & are willing to help others (& get paid for it), PLEASE consider signing up as a tutor!} Note: Qualified tutors are very difficult to find for this class, often there are NONE available like this summer so far.
2) Counseling & Career Centers: Counselors can help to define your educational goals & the path to achieve them.
For nursing (LVN, & RN), talk to Bea Herrera or Angelica Gonzalez.
For 4-year (i.e., transfer) majors (including BSN programs) there are other counselors (Marian Carrasco Nungaray is in charge of the Transfer Center). To do your own research for how VC’s programs and classes match up with your target institution(s), California public colleges & universities only, go to: .
(Note: Please realize that I and your other professors can answer some questions about transfer & careers. We’ve been to some of the schools & know about careers in our majors.)
3) Special academic needs:Educational Assistance Center, ATTC for Students with Disabilities: “If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations in this class, please see the EAC (then me) as soon as possible so that your learning needs can be appropriately met.” If you’d like to be assessed for a learning disability, please contact the EAC as soon as possible.
4) Extended Opportunity Programs & Services:has a variety of ways to help economically disadvantaged students.
5) The Student Health Center can treat many problems. There are nominal fees for laboratory tests, procedures and medications.
L. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR ACCIDENTS AND ACUTE ILLNESS
Campus Emergency NumbersCampus Police Business Officex6486
From any pay phone on campus#9College Nursex6346
From off-campus phones289-6486
To dial 911 from on-campus9-911
a) In life-threatening situations, dial 9-911.
Give the nature and exact location of the accident or medical emergency!
DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM, unless to prevent further injury!
b) For non-life-threatening situations, contact the Student Health Center (x6346).
A nurse is on duty during daytime hours and limited evening hours. When the nurse is not available or the Student Health Center is closed, call 642-7000 (first Aid is available from Campus Police when the Student Health Center is closed).
Please report ALL student college-related injuries, as soon as possible to the Student Health Center. The instructor or person in charge shall make a written report of the injury. Accident report forms are available at the Student Health Center, the Evening Dean's office, or from Campus Police. Accident reports are essential to process Insurance Claims; both are processed through the Student Health Center. Once an accident report is received that requires an Insurance Claim, the student will be given information about the college's insurance coverage and the billing procedures.
An injury resulting from an illness is NOT covered by the college insurance, but it still needs to be reported to the Student Health Center! Ventura College insurance coverage for college-related injuries is limited, and it does not guarantee payment in full!
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COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
M. Other miscellaneous helps:
Online Microbiology textbooks(some are medical school microbiology books; none can completely replace your textbook):
Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology
The Microbial World
Microbiology and Immunology On-line
Medical Microbiology
Some online Microbiology resources (there are lots more & they vary in technical level):
The Grapes of Staph
Powers of 10
Molecular Expressions: Exploring the World of Optics & Microscopy
Highlights in the History of Microbiology
MicrobeWorld
MicrobeWiki
MicrobiologyBytes
UC Museum of Paleontology: Collections
Pond Life Digital Video Gallery
National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease (part of NIH)
CDC
FDA
Bad Bug Book NaturalToxins/BadBugBook/default.htm (easier- just type in “Bad Bug Book” into a search engine)
ALGAL-ED
Tom Volk’s Fungi
Dr. Fungus
Parasites On Parade
Animal And Human Parasite Images
Medical Entomology
All the Virology on the WWW
ViralZone
The Original Medical Wiki
2 major professional societies:
The American Society of Microbiologywith
(
Society for General Microbiology (UK)
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COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
Online useful study skill & test-taking advice(there are lots of sites; here are just a few & some cross-reference each other)
Nearby Medical Libraries (these are open to the public)
1) St. Johns Regional Medical Library (SJRMC)
1600 N. Rose Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030Phone 805.988.2820
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Medical reference books & journals (including many on microbiology). It does have Internet access (I don’t know their access policy), and librarians will do research for a fee (& if they have the time).
2) UCLA Biomedical Library (see hours & policies on the UCLA website:
{Note: the non-textbook images I use usually come from the Internet; use the Images/Photos option when you search to find them or other similar photos.}
DISCLAIMER: This syllabus is subject to change and may do so depending on circumstances.
Every attempt will be made to advise the class of these changes in a timely manner and make the changes equitable.
Any grading changes/adjustments will be made in an equitable manner based on work performed.
Being absent from class and missing any announcements does not constitute an excuse for missing announcements or assignments.
COURSE NUMBER: MICR V01page 8 of 10
COURSE TITLE: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
N. Kinds of Possible Testable Questions for College Students (Bloom’s Taxonomy; Bloom et al. 1956):
You (as a college student) should be able to answer questions that test you on course material that are in ANY of these formats (not just the first one, knowledge):
Knowledge
remembering
memorizing
recognizing
recalling identification
recalling information
Examples:who, what, when, where, how ___ ?
describe __
Comprehension
interpreting
translating from one medium to another
describing in one's own words
organization and selection of facts and ideas
Example:retell __
*Application
problem solving
applying information to produce some result
use of facts, rules and principles
Examples:how is __ an example of ...?
how is __ related to ...?
why is __ significant?
*Analysis
subdividing something to show how it is put together
finding the underlying structure of a communication
identifying motives
separation of a whole into component parts
Examples:what are the parts or features of __ ?
classify __ according to __
outline/diagram __
how does __ compare/contrast with __ ?
what evidence can you list for __ ?
Synthesis
creating a unique, original product that may be in verbal form or may be a physical object
combination of ideas to form a new whole
Examples:what would you predict/infer from __ ?
what ideas can you add to __ ?