Fall 2013 Syllabus for BIOL 250 – Microbiology, Dr. Burgess
Note: Instructor reserves the right to make reasonable changes in the syllabus at any point
during the semester
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Burgess Instructor E-mail: elizabethb@usca.edu
Office: SBDG 111D
Office Hours: F 8:00-9:00 AM, or by appointment
Course Description and Objectives: This course is an introduction to microorganisms, with
an emphasis on attributes relevant to human health. Students should become familiar with
modern microbiology, including pathogenic mechanisms and host-responses, classical and
modern microbiological techniques, and mechanisms to control microbial growth.
Course credit: 4 credit hours (upon successful completion)
Course Materials:
Lecture component: Slonczewski, J.L., Foster, J.W. (2011) Microbiology, An Evolving
Science 2nd ed. ISBN 0-393-93447-0. (required)
Laboratory component: Holley, H.A.T., Smith, G.W. (1998) Microbiology Laboratory
Manual. ISBN 0-697-37461-0. (optional)
LeBoffe, M.J., Pierce, B.E. (2012) A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology
Laboratory, 4th ed. ISBN 0-89582-872-3. (optional)
Lecture Time & Place: TTH 8:00 - 9:15AM, BUSEDU 140
Laboratory Time & Place: F 1:00 - 3:40PM, SBDG 213
Blackboard: https://blackboard.sc.edu, BIOLA250-003-FALL-2013:MICROBIOLOGY
Grading: The on-line grade book will be updated regularly. Documentation (the graded
quiz, exam or assignment) must be presented to resolve discrepancies.
Possible points breakdown:
5 lecture exams (100 pts. ea.)
500
1 lecture final exam (comprehensive, 100 pts.)
100
10 laboratory quizzes (10 pts.)
100
5-10 additional point opportunities (10-20 pts. ea.)
100
1 participation/safety score (20 pts.)
20
Total possible points
820
Grade-point scale: A: 738 or more, B: 737-656, C: 655-574, D: 573-492, F: 491 or less
Grade Opportunties Overview:
Lecture exams: Lecture exams will cover material presented since the last exam.
Question formats for the tests range from multiple choice to essay. Scantron Forms
882-E, available at the Pacer Shoppe, will be required.
Final exam: This exam will be comprehensive, covering material from the entire
semester. Likely, it will include actual questions from each of the lecture exams.
Laboratory quizzes: The laboratory quizzes will be given at the beginning of the scheduled
laboratory time and will cover material presented throughout the semester, including
assessment of your preparation for the lab exercise that day.
Additional point opportunities: At the instructor’s discretion, you will be given at least five
additional point opportunities during the semester. These may take the form of scheduled
or pop quizzes in lab or lecture, group quizzes or assignments, or Blackboard
discussion assignments. Guidelines will be provided as appropriate.
Participation/safety score: You start the semester with 20 points. Assuming you come to
class, participate, don’t hurt yourself or others, and clean up after yourself, you’ll end the
semester with 20 points.
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Attendance and Punctuality: Poor attendance will negatively affect both your Participation
and Safety score and your overall grade. Good attendance will give you the opportunity to
hear the lectures, ask questions, participate in laboratory exercises and learn the material on a
first-hand basis, which will improve your overall grade.
Exams and quizzes given at the beginning of the lecture or laboratory period will start
promptly at the scheduled time. Extra time will not be given for a late arrival.
There will be no make-up lecture exams or quizzes except under extreme
circumstances as deemed acceptable by the instructor on an individual basis. There will be
absolutely no make-ups for missed laboratory exercises, quizzes, or practical exams.
Tutoring: Tutoring services are available through the Academic Success Center on campus.
The center employs experts trained to help students develop good study habits based on
individual needs and skills. See http://www.usca.edu/asc for more information.
Disability Statement: If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that
might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services,
B&E 134, (803) 643-6816, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine
appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.
Honor Code: Students are expected to abide by the Academic Code of Conduct as described
in the Student Handbook on every exam and assignment. “On my honor as a University of
South Carolina at Aiken student, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on
this assignment / examination. To the best of my knowledge, I am not in violation of academic
honesty.” Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if academic integrity is violated.
Respect and Policy for Portable Electronic Devices: The instructor expects you to
participate in this course in a respectful manner. This includes using complete sentences in
correspondence and SILENCING distracting electronic devices before entering the classroom
or laboratory. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to
dismiss disrespectful students during lecture or lab, or to block their participation in on-line
discussions. There will be no make-ups of missed material.
The use of any portable electronic devices during class is not allowed for any reason
unless prior approval has been given to the student from the instructor or unless required for
the course. If you use a portable electronic device during a test, quiz, or other assessment, you
are eligible to receive a failing grade on that assignment.
Additional Advice: Microbiology is a very time-consuming course, and it will require study
time outside of regularly scheduled class time. Work with your lab partners and study in
groups, use the Student Q&A Discussion Board. Quizzing someone else can help you learn or
you might gain insight from someone else’s explanation of a difficult concept. Don’t hesitate
to ask questions about things you don’t understand. Make flash cards to help you remember
difficult terms. Set aside time each week to review lecture and laboratory material; do not
wait until the night before an exam to study. New material will build on the foundation you
establish with previous material. If you are serious about your career, put in the time required
to be successful.
Lecture Schedule: The PowerPoint files for each Lecture Topic will be posted on
Blackboard, grouped by exam. Content for exams will come primarily from what is presented
in class; the textbook is a supplement to this material. The exams will be scheduled based on
the amount of time required to get through the lecture topics associated with each. As the
semester progresses, the exam schedule will be updated on the Blackboard calendar.
The final exam is scheduled according to the USCA Final Examinations Schedule.
For this course, the final exam will be Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 AM.
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Microbiology Lecture Topics Outline
Topic
No.
Lecture Topic
Text Chs.
1
Chemistry, Introduction, History
1, A1
2
Non-Clinical Considerations
16, 22
3
Microscopy
2
EXAM 1 (Topics 1-3)
4
Structure
3, A2
5
Classification
18-20
EXAM 2 (Topics 4-5)
6
Metabolism
13-15
7
Genetics
7-12
EXAM 3 (Topics 6-7)
8
Growth and Control
4, 5, 27
9
Viruses
6
EXAM 4 (Topics 8-9)
10
Epidemiology
28
11
Pathogenesis/Virulence
25
12
Host Defenses/Immunity
23-24
EXAM 5 (Topics 10-12)
13
Bug Parade
26
FINAL EXAM (All Topics)
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Laboratory Schedule: Relevant information for lab each week will be posted on Blackboard
on Mondays. You are responsible for accessing this information and being prepared for
lab. Many of the exercises will require you to work in the lab outside of the regularly
scheduled lab time. You should be able to access the laboratory 24/7. Maintain regular
communication with your instructor and the laboratory assistants to request necessary
supplies in a timely manner.
Laboratory Safety: This course requires handling of live microbiological cultures. A lab coat
or oversized, button-up shirt and close-toed shoes are required. Do not eat or drink in the
laboratory at any time. Long hair and bangs must be pulled back or tied up. Keep workspace
clean. Thoroughly wash hands before and after lab work. Additional details will be provided
during the first laboratory meeting. Failure to practice laboratory safety will negatively affect
your Participation and Safety score.
Blackboard: Familiarity with Blackboard will be essential for this course. If you are having
trouble accessing Blackboard, get help as soon as possible by contacting University
Technology Services (http://uts.sc.edu/academic/blackboard/index.shtml, 803-777-1800, or
servicedesk@sc.edu).
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