Great BasinCollege
General Microbiology, Biol 251
Course Syllabus
Spring 2014
Course Description; General Microbiology is the study of taxonomy, morphology, physiology, pathogeneses, and ecology of microorganisms. Laboratory skills in aseptic procedures, isolation and identification of microorganisms are stressed. Biology 190 is a prerequisite for this course. This is a four credit course requiring three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory study each week. In addition this course requires reading and comprehending a much of the contents of an 800 page lecture text and a 500 plus page lab text. Course work will be assigned, collected and assessed for each area of study. This is an internet enhanced course.
Instructor; Doug Hogan
Office; Room 117, or Room 122 (Biology Lab), Winnemucca Center
Office Hours; M-Th8:15-9:30
Phone Number; 775-623-1809
E-mail;
Course Meeting Times and Location; M,W 9:30-12:15, Room 122, Winnemucca Center
Textbook, lecture, Microbiology an Introduction, 11th edit, By Tortora et. al. ISBN 978-0-321-73360-3
Textbook, lab, Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Application, 2nd edit. By Leboffe et. al. ISBN 978-0-89582-947-4
Expected Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course students will be able to
1. Describe several of the many roles microbes play in Earths ecology.
2. Demonstrate the use of a compound light microscope to observe microbes such as bacteria.
3. Diagram and label typical prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, viral particles and prions.
4. Create models of microbial growth patterns and describe effective methods of controlling microbial growth.
5. Provide several examples of biotechnology and outline the procedure for creating recombinant organisms.
6. Describe various pathogens, their mode of action, and the diseases they cause.
7. Describe how the body defends itself against disease and how this process may be enhanced.
8. List several industrial applications of microbes.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in culturing and identifying microbes to the species level.
Measurement of Outcomes
Periodically student will be required to take traditional exams designed to measure mastery of these expected outcomes. Exams will be a combination of matching, multiple choice, and essay questions. Students grades will be based on their level of competency reflected by their scores on these exams. Student proficiency in culturing and identifying microbe will be measured by laboratory practicals. (see grading).
Instructional Format
This is a traditional “live” course and will be taught in a very standard manner. It is expected that students read the indicated sections of their text before it is presented in lecture. Much of the information found in the reading will be further explained in lecture. Approximately half our class time will be spent completing laboratory exercises designed to reinforce the expected outcomes of this course. In addition, coursework will be assigned to further reinforce course material. It is well known that repetition is the key to learning. Periodically traditional exams and quizzes will be given to test your level of understanding.
Tentative Schedule
DayDateTopicReading
W1/22Microbial World and ChemistryChapters 1,2
M1/27MicroscopesChapter 3
W1/29Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cellsChapters 4
Assignment Block, Exam 1, Chapters 1-4, TBA
M2/3Microbial MetabolismChapter 5
W2/5Microbial MetabolismChapter 5
M2/10Microbial GrowthChapter 6
W2/12Control of Microbial GrowthChapter 7
M2/17Presidents Day, No Class
W2/19 Microbial GeneticsChapter 8
M2/24Biotechnology and Recombinant DNAChapter 9
Assignment Block, Exam 2, Chapters 5-9, TBA
W2/26Classification of MicrobesChapter 10
M3/3Bacteria, Archea,Chapter 11
W3/5Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, HelminthsChapter 12
M3/10Viruses, Viroids, Prions, Disease Chapter 13
Assignment Block, Exam 3, Chapters 10-13, TBA
W3/12EpidemiologyChapter 14
M3/17Microbial Mechanisms of PathogenicityChapter 15
W3/19Innate ImmunityChapter 16
M3/24Spring Break, No Class
W3/26Spring Break, No Class
M3/31Specific Defense Chapter 17
W4/2ImmunologyChapter 18
M4/7Autoimmune DiseasesChapter 19
W4/9Antimicrobial DrugsChapter 20
Assignment Block, Exam 4, Chapters 14-20 TBA
Presentations
M4/14Diseases of the Skin and EyesChapter 21
W4/16Diseases of the Nervous SystemChapter 22
M4/21Diseases of Cardiovascular and Lymphatic SystemsChapter 23
M4/28Diseases of the Respiratory SystemChapter 24
W4/30Diseases of DigestiveChapter 25
M5/5Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive SystemsChapter 26
Assignment Block, Exam 5, Chapters 21-26, TBA
W5/7Environmental, Industrial MicrobiologyChapter 27, 28
M5/12Final
Exams
Lecture Exams will consist of two or three sections. The first section will require matching terms with their definition. Terms specific to this course appear in the assigned reading and may be listed at the end of each chapter. The most significant terms are included in the notes and discussed in class. The second section will consist of multiple choice questions which examine each students understanding of the concepts being studied. The third section (optional) will contain one or more essay questions. Possible question topics may be found within the lecture note / study guides outlines provided.
Coursework
This course has a significant amount of assigned coursework. This course work is designed to help you the student learn things we are not able to cover in class largely due to the large amount of time spent completing lab work. Expect many of the lecture exam questions to come directly from this coursework. Coursework will be assigned in “blocks” corresponding with each unit of study.
Presentations
During the semester you will be presenting information to your classmates (“Good Bugs”, “Bad Bugs”). Your presentation should be supported by “Power Point” or other software and notes similar to those provided by me supporting my presentations.
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Attendance
Attendance is a substantial part of this course. There is a direct correlation between attendance and grades. I am aware that many of you have jobs and families. May I suggest the following; 1. Provide your employer and family with a copy of your school schedule. This will facilitate keeping things going smoothly at work and home allowing you to sustain your academic progress. 2. Those of you with children arrange backup child care. Expect that your “sitter” may have unforeseen difficulties or be unable to care for a sick child. At times, life just happens, cars quit running, those close to us have problems and unfortunately may become ill and may even pass away. Anticipate trouble with your spouse, ex, or significant other. If you don’t have a spouse, ex, or significant other, well... the semesters has just begun. Keep the following in mind. Your grade is determined by grade points. Points are earned by demonstrating what you have learned, not what you have endured during this course. If a student cannot make it to class, it is his or her responsibility to obtain missed materials and information upon returning to class (exchange telephone numbers and use the buddy system).
Grading
The number of grade points earned during the semester will determine student’s grades. Grade points are earned from lecture exams, laboratory practices, laboratory unknowns, laboratory exercises, quizzes, presentations, and assigned coursework. Approximately 40% of your grade will be earned from lecture exams 40% earned in the laboratory and 20% form other course work. Lecture exam scores maybe adjusted a maximum of 10% based on student performance. Course grades will be assigned as follows,
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F less than 60%
of the grade points total.
This is a grading outline. The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as deemed necessary. Any adjustments made will be in the student’s best interest
Course Withdrawal
If you choose not to complete this course you may withdraw and receive a grade of W. This must be done on or before Monday March 24th 2014. After this date you will be issued a grade based on the grade points you earned during the semester.
Incompletes
Under extreme circumstances a grade of I (incomplete) may be issued at my discretion. Before an incomplete may be issued three quarters of the course must have been completed and a contract stating must do to complete the course developed. You must complete the course on or before Wednesday October 15th, 2014. If the contract is not fulfilled by that date the incomplete will become an F.
Missed Exams
No makeup exams will be given. If for any reason you are unable to take an exam at the scheduled time a score of zero will be recorded. Missing exams is extremely detrimental to your grade.
Due Dates
Coursework is due as indicated. Late course work may not receive credit. Course work received after a given assignment has been graded, recorded and returned will not be accepted for credit. No coursework will be accepted after the last regular course meeting, Wednesday May, 11th, 2014
Academic Dishonesty
Any act of academic dishonesty including cheating on exams, plagiarism, and falsifying data will result a zero score on that portion of the course work and referral to the Vice President of Student Services. Any talking during exams and or sitting close to other students during exams will be considered cheating.
Suggestions
Maintain a notebook consisting of all course work and materials. Your success in this course will largely depend on your knowledge of information contained within your notes. Returned course work is a record of your progress and may be used to correct any errors in your instructor’s grade records.Read assignments before they are discussed in class. This will increase what you learn during lecture. Review your notes and text until you are familiar with their contents. Repetition is required to convert short-term memory to long-term memory.
Notice
Qualified students with physical or documented learning disabilities have the right to free accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at Great BasinCollege. For assistance, contact the Disabled Student Services Office at 753-2271.
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