Medical Microbiology Syllabus
Harlingen High School 2013-2014
Mrs. Hunt Room 8-111
Course Description
Medical Microbiology is designed to promote an understanding of the effects of microorganisms on the human body.
The study includes the standard precautions necessary for health maintenance and infection control. The focus is on
reduction of diseases that interfere with basic human needs. Students will engage in many topics and competencies
related to truly understanding the structure and function of microorganisms. Students will learn through reading
materials, study guides, unit worksheets, group work, projects, and labs. High levels of achievement will be in effect.
Students will be responsible for proper use of lab equipment, lab reports, and projects assigned throughout each unit.
One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes
in college.
Course Objectives
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Students will be able to discuss the physical characteristics of microorganisms.
Students will be able to describe bacterial adaptation, attenuation, drug resistance and toxins.
Students will understand the body’s defense system as well as disease transmission and control.
Students will be able to identify pathological organisms and discuss classifications of microorganisms.
Students will develop the skills of scientific inquiry while learning concepts in the classroom, lab, and field.
Students will understand how biological and social concepts related to the content apply to their everyday lives
and develop an increased knowledge of these concepts.
Materials
Students must keep an organized binder. Students are required to have all materials in class and ready to use by class
start, unless informed otherwise. Students will be given a textbook.
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2 inch 3 ring binder and loose leaf paper labeled with course title, student name, and class period.
5 dividers labeled as follows: Notes, Assignments, Labs, Quizzes, Tests
Pencil and pen (Black or Blue Ink Only)
Course Policies
Classroom Rules/Expectations
Students are expected to arrive each day on time and ready for instruction. You are expected to act responsibly and
contribute to an orderly learning environment. You are expected to follow and adhere to all behavior guidelines outlined
in the school handbook and discussed in class.
Attendance/Absences/Make-Up Work
Students will be allowed to make up work with an excused absence. It is the student’s responsibility to see me before
school or prior to class starting to get missed assignments or make up work. Students must turn in homework assigned
prior to their absence the day they return and homework assigned during their absence the day after the return, unless
you are granted an extension. Students must complete and turn in a student responsibility card and has three calendar
days to turn in the assignment. If assignment is not received by the end of the third day it will automatically be entered
as a zero in the grade book.
Grading Policies/Assessment
Grades will be determined as follows:
Semester Grade – 85%
Binder, Assignments, Quizzes, Labs/Lab Reports, Projects:
Tests: 25%
Semester Exam – 15%
75%
Homework Policy
Homework is expected to be turned in on time. Late work will ONLY receive 70% of the original grade. Students caught
copying homework will receive no credit and parents will be notified. Plagiarism is considered cheating. Students who
turn in plagiarized work will automatically receive a zero. Plagiarism is considered the copying of work (whether word
for word or slightly changing words) from another student, websites, books or other sources. All assignments must be
completed on lined loose-leaf paper, and all lab reports must be typed (12 Font Times New Roman).
Course Procedures
Lectures/Activities/Tests
Lectures and activities will emphasize topics related to medical microbiology. Students will be required to participate in
lectures and all activities. Students are required to read journals and medical articles, both online and in print format.
Reflections will be used frequently in class. Class time will be used to reinforce concepts through discussion, labs and
research. Students will be provided a monthly calendar so they can make adequate preparations for class. Tests will
include all materials discussed or assigned both in and out of class. Tests may also include material learned in previous
chapters. Format may include multiple choice, matching, short answer, and discussion. Problem solving will be
emphasized and questions will require critical thinking.
Quizzes
Quizzes are an integral part of medical microbiology. Quizzes are given to reinforce information received in class and to
make sure that students are reviewing the information between each class meeting. If notes are taken during a class
meeting you should EXPECT a quiz the next class meeting. These will not be “pop” quizzes, because you know they will
be given.
Projects
Throughout the year, students will complete several projects both individual and collaboratively. Some projects will be
completed during the class and some will be completed entirely at home.
Important Email and Web Sites
My email: veronica.hunt@hcisd.org
HHS website: http://www.hcisd.org/hhs
Additional Information
Room Number: 8-111 Phone Number: 956-427-3600 ext. 1121
If you need help before or after school, I will be available. Just check to make sure I do not have a departmental
meeting on the day you are coming.
I am very excited to have your child in my class. I hope to make this a memorable and exciting learning experience.
The only way this will be possible is if we all work together. Please email me frequently, as I will email you updates
and progress reports.
All students and their parents must read this information.
Please sign and date this sheet as an acknowledgement of these policies and procedures.
This sheet must be turned in to me and the first two sheets must be kept in the front of the student’s binder
throughout the year.
I have read the syllabus for Anatomy and Physiology and the Class Rules and Procedures. I am aware of all rules
and requirements for this class.
Student signature: __________________________________Date:_______________
Parent signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
Please fill out the student/parent information below: Thank you in advance for your time and thank you for giving
me this opportunity to teach your child!
Grade ______ Date of Birth_________
Student Name
Last________________________First________________________Middle_________
Preferred name to be called if other than the First Name_________________________
Mailing Address __________________________________________State ____ Zip ___________
Home Phone _______________________
Parent or Guardian Information
Mother’s Name _______________________________________________
Employer ___________________________________________________________
Day Time Phone ________________________Cell_____________________________
Mother’s email address (where you would like to get progress reports or updates) - Please print
______________________________________________________
Father’s Name _______________________________________________
Employer ___________________________________________________________
Day Time Phone ________________________Cell_____________________________
Father’s email address (where you would like to get progress reports or updates) - Please print
______________________________________________________
Parent that wishes to be contacted first for questions/concerns
______________________________________________________