SCI/250 Version 3 / 1
University of Phoenix Material
Read Me First – Week One
Introduction
This course is an introduction to the study of microorganisms. The breadth of this course includes both basic and applied microbiology. This week, you are introduced to the scope of microbiology including a historical overview of the field and some basic principles of microscopy.Then we begin our study of microorganisms by focusing on bacteria—how they grow, reproduce, and how they are commonly classified.
The course is designed for healthcare and non-health care majors to better understand the principles of microbiology and how they affect the human body. Your study of microbiology helps you understand that microorganisms are a part of the human environment and are therefore important to human health.
This week in relationship to the course and the program
This week is focused on the foundation of basic microbiology. The importance of microbiology to the environment and to human health is emphasized. A solid understanding of the scope of bacteria, how they grow and how they are classified,are important for applying your knowledge to the concepts that follow in the remainder of the course. Later weeks focus on other types of microorganisms and how they contribute to human disease.
Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials
The chapters assigned in this week’s readings are related to basic microbiology. Delineate how microorganisms are identified by microscopy and staining. Understand that bacteria are classified according to morphology, staining reaction, and biochemical test reaction.Distinguish between evolutionary relationships of microorganisms by numerical taxonomy and genetic homology.
Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking
As you read the text think about some of the methods used to identify bacteria. Which methods would seem to be most reliable? Think of situations where a positive identification is most necessary. Which methods seem to be the least reliable? Can you think of situations where these methods may be employed?Also think about how bacteria has impacted your life or body.Do you refrigerate foods that contain high concentrations or salt or sugar?Do those types of foods require refrigeration?
Summary
This week introduces you to the key concepts for a solid foundation of basic microbiology. This section of the course allows you to applythe information you have gained to your study of applied microbiology—both to human disease and industrial microbiology.
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