General Microbiology Course Information:

Biology 310, 3 credit hours Section 02, T/TH, 1:30-3:00 WSB 311

Spring 2013

Instructor:
Malikah T. Abdullah-Israel, Ph.D Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Office: WSB 223 Office Phone: 757-823-8279 Email: mabdullah@nsu.edu Office Hours: TBA

Biology Department:
Department of Biology Office: WSB 115 Phone: 757-823-8512

Course Description: An introduction to the study of microorganisms to include basic

concepts on the classification, structure, biochemical and molecular properties of viruses, prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. Principles and methods of studying microbiology, microbial control and host microbe interactions are also addressed.

Prequisiste(s): BIO 110, BIO 111, BIO 260 and/or BIO 261 Course Rationale: General microbiology is a required course for all biology curricula
because it is a major biological discipline. It is also required as a prerequisite course in some health professions to meet accreditation. Upon completion of this course the student should have a knowledge base in microbiology that will enhance their comprehension and application of concepts in other biology courses such as cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and molecular biology.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course students should
be able to: 1. Outline and discuss the various systems of classifying microorganisms 2. Discuss major historical contributors to the field of microbiology 3. Outline and explain the major microbial metabolic pathways 4. Discuss cellular mechanisms employed to kill or inhibit microbes 5. Outline and describe methods to control microbial growth 6. Outline and explain major molecular processes essential to microbial genetics, gene Expression and gene exchange in microbes 7. Describe how microbes are utilized in recombinant DNA technology

Required Text: Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy, Robert W. Bauman, 3rd Edition,
Pearson Publishing, ISBN # 978-0-321-64043-7

Primary Method of Instruction: Instruction in this course will encourage the active
participation of students through a variety of instructional methods. These methods include class

discussions, interactive PowerPoint presentations, group activities, case studies and web based learning tools.

Evaluation/Assessment Methods: Evaluation for this course will be based on the

successful completion of exams, quizzes and other classroom and online activities. Exams: There will be four exams and a final exam. I will announce exams at least one week in advance. You may drop your lowest lecture exam scores. The final exam score cannot be dropped. Quizzes: In addition to exams there will be weekly in class quizzes. You may drop your lowest quiz score. Quizzes will not be announced and will be administered at the beginning of the class period. Students arriving late for class will not be allowed to take the quiz and will receive a grade of zero. Online Assignments: There will also be several online assignments that must be completed through Blackboard or the Mastering Microbiology website. Access to the Mastering Microbiology website comes with the purchase of the textbook. If you are sharing a textbook or are using a used textbook you will need to purchase an online access card from the bookstore. Missed Exams: Make-up exams will be given only to students who have a certified medical excuse or prior instructor approval. If you will be absent for an exam because of a university related activity, you will need to make arrangements at least one week in advance. Late Assignments: Take home assignments will be accepted up to two days after the due date. Assignments are considered late if not received by 5 pm on the due date. You will be penalized four points for every day the assignment is late. Extra Credit: Extra credit points may be given as bonus points on exams and as pep quizzes. These points will total no more than 5% of the total points assigned for the semester.

Evaluation Criteria: Grades will be determined by the following percentage distribution

45% 20% 20% 15% 3 exams at 15% each Quizzes Online Assignments Final Exam Project 100 pts each 100 pts total 100 pts total 100 pts total

Grading Scale: 100-93 A 92-89 A88-86 B+ 85-80 B 79-77 B76-74 C+ 73-70 C

69-66 65-63 62-60 59-56 Below 56

CD+ D DF

* The instructor reserves the right to revise the grading criteria as appropriate and will make reasonable attempts to notify students as time permits.

Academic Integrity Standards

Attendance: Students are expected to be present at each class. The universities attendance policy states that no more than 20% of class meetings (excused or unexcused) may be missed by a student during a given semester. Students whose absences exceed 20% of scheduled class meetings per semester may receive and a grade of F for the course (2005-2006 University catalog, pages 31 and 32). You are responsible for any work you miss during your absence. Tardiness: Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated!! Honor Code: All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that exhibits academic integrity. Please review the information in the student handbook regarding classroom decorum, cheating and plagiarism. Cell Phones: The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is not permitted during class time!! Please turn your cell phone off or place it on vibrate before entering the classroom. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are also not permitted during an exam (ie calculator function)!! Any student found using a cell phone during an exam will have their exam taken and will be excused from class.

Computer Literacy Requirements

To successfully complete this course, students should: Demonstrate at least an elementary knowledge of computers. Understanding files and folders for the purpose of uploading or downloading course content is essential. o Basic computer literacy classes (CSC-150) are available. Students lacking the necessary computer skills are strongly encouraged to take such classes before enrolling in an online class. Demonstrate a good understanding of the use of Web resources such as library and online research tools accessed though a Web browser. Demonstrate familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint. This is also essential.

Demonstrate a good understanding of how to operate NSU e-mail. This will ensure effective communications between both instructor and classmates. All students have been assigned an e-mail account and will be required to access it regularly via the Web. Blackboard LMS knowledge is essential for this course. o For students not familiar with the Blackboard LMS, an online orientation can be accessed by self registration in Blackboard. The course name is Blackboard Student Training. Further assistance with Blackboard can also be obtained through the Blackboard Central Help Desk at bbtechsupport@nsu.edu and by phone at 757-823-2328 M F 8AM 5PM.

Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) Statement: In accordance with Section 504
of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, contact Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) for the information regarding programs and services to enhance student success.

University Assessment Statement: As part of NSUs commitment to provide the

environment and resources needed for success, students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the universitys programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students will not be identified in the analysis results. Unless indicated otherwise by the instructor, results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades.

Tentative Class Schedule

Date Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Title A Brief History of Microbiology Cell Structure and Function Cell Structure and Function Exam 1 Microbial Nutrition and Growth Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body Exam 2 Characterizing Prokaryotes Characterizing Eukaryotes Characterizing Viruses Exam 3 Infection, Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Infection, Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Innate Immunity Innate Immunity Adaptive Immunity Adaptive Immunity Chapter # 1 3

3 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16
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Exam 4 Pathogenic Microorganisms Student Projects Pathogenic Microorganisms Student Projects Pathogenic Microorganisms Student Projects