Optional Recommended Book: Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Lab by Leboffe

Course Description: This is a basic course involving the identification, morphology, metabolism, pathogenicity and genetics of microorganisms.

Prerequisites: Biol-01 or Biol-04 or Biol-04H.

Adviseries: Chem-02A; Engl-A, Engl-41

Expected Student Outcomes (ESO): Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

1.      Perform lab skills including: aseptic techniques, microscopy, bacterial staining and culturing.

2.      Compare and contrast the basic structure of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.

3.      List and describe growth/environmental factors influencing microbial growth.

4.      Diagram basic metabolic pathways found in microorganisms.

5.      Evaluate basic bacterial genetic principles and analyze implications for antibiotic resistance, genetic recombination, and biotechnology.

6.      Articulate and compare examples of opportunistic and parasitic relationships between humans and bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, and helminthes.

7.      Evaluate the role of the immune system in defending against infectious diseases.

Methods of Evaluation                                                                                    

Article Reviews

No more than once a week, an article review may be turned in for 10 points.  A total of 4 are required.  The details for this assignment will be found on my webpage, and the instructions/guidelines must be followed exactly or 0 credit will be received.  The last day for any Article Review is the final day of the week before the last week (Friday of week 16 no later than 12pm).

Grading Policy: Your grade will be based on the percentage of possible points that you have earned in class.

A         90 – 100%       >989                B         80 – 89.9%      880-989          

C         70 – 79.9%      770-879           D         60 – 69.9%      660-769           F          < 59.9% <660

Attendance Policy: I will consider dropping any student who has 4 unexcused absences (two weeks worth of class).  Arriving at class late or leaving early will be marked as being absent for half the class.

It is ultimately your responsibility to complete the appropriate paper work in a timely manner if you wish to drop this course.  If your name is on my final grade sheet, I will enter a grade based on the points you have earned.

Rules of Conduct

I strive to maintain a positive academic environment.  This is your educational experience, so please help me to make it an excellent one.  If you have a problem with any facet of this class, then take the time to notify me and I will try to accommodate you.  I will not compromise the integrity of the curriculum by consciously omitting portions of the subject.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty is a violation of the standards of student conduct.  The college, and therefore I as its representative, has the responsibility to ensure that grades assigned are indicative of the knowledge and skill level of each student and academic dishonesty makes it impossible to fulfill this responsibility.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and misuse of college computers and software.  I cannot and will not tolerate Academic Dishonesty.  The first act of dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment(s) for that day, the second will result in an F for the course and will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel.  Misusing lab equipment may also warrant these penalties.

Electronic Devices

With the following exceptions, no electronic devices (cell phones, blackberrys, ipods etc.) are allowed to be on during lectures or labs.  If you have a cell phone with a vibrate function, this may be on during non-exam times only in the vibrate mode.  Any incoming calls must be taken outside of the classroom.  Absolutely minimize the disturbance as you leave the classroom.  Calculator use is strictly regulated; you must ask me before you use one during an in-class assignment or test.  Failure to adhere to the Electronic Device police will be considered a Classroom Disruption or a violation of Academic Honesty and will be handled as detailed in the appropriate section.

Classroom Disruptions

Classroom disruptions that compromise the learning environment in the class will not be tolerated.  Classroom disruptions include, but are not limited to, conversations while I’m lecturing or a student is trying to ask a question, entering the classroom late or leaving early, and inappropriate contact between students.  You are in the classroom to learn, leave the socializing to outside the classroom.  Note – classroom discussions during an exam fall under a violation of Academic Honesty and will be dealt with as detailed above.  Any act of classroom disruption will warrant a verbal reprimand.  Continue disruption will result in your expulsion from the classroom for the rest of that session and you will not be allowed to re-enter the class for future sessions without first having a conference with me.  Further disruptions after this conference will result in expulsion from the class and will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel. 

Exam Policies

In addition to policies outlined above, which will be strictly observed during exam times, use the facilities before going into an exam.  Once you leave the classroom, your exam is over and I will grade based on the answer sheet you turn in (if any) before leaving the room.

Lab Exam: I have a fairly open lab exam format.  In order to keep the format please make note of the following rules:

1.         Fold your lab practicum answer sheet in half and keep it folded/oriented to minimize opportunities for other students to accidentally see your answers.

2.         No more than one person at a station.

3.         Don’t crowd a station; when waiting for a station wait at the side, back or front of the room.  Lines at stations are strictly forbidden.

4.         Don’t stay too long at stations; if you are having difficulty remembering the answer, then move onto the next station and come back when fewer people are trying to go to that station.

Study Suggestions – A few thoughts 

In order to have an opportunity to pass this class you must endeavor to do the following:

1.)    Attend all classes.

2.)    Read the pages before I lecture on it, read again thoroughly the parts I cover in lecture.

3.)    Take accurate notes and review those notes as soon as possible.

4.)    Study all relevant material 2-3 hours for every hour spent in lecture and one hour for every hour spent in lab – that is ~10-12 hours each week.

5.)    Quiz yourself – are you retaining the material you attempted to acquire in 1-4?  If not, you may need to do number 2 and 4 until you do retain said material.

6.)    I also highly recommend that you form study groups.  It has been determined that studying in groups is more effective then working alone.

Tentative Schedule – I will make every effort to stick to this schedule, but I reserve the right to change it as circumstances require.