HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE NORTHWEST – KATY CAMPUS
MICROBIOLOGY 2420
FALL 2014
Instructor contact information
Instructor:
Office:
Richard J. Cristiano, Ph.D.
Spring Branch - AD7
E-mail:
richard.cristiano@hccs.edu
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
713-718-5638
Tues./Thurs. 12pm-2pm or By
Appointment
Welcome to
Course Title:
Course Prefix:
Course Number:
Credit Hours:
Microbiology
Biol
2420/28584
4
Semester and Year:
FALL 2014
Class Days & Times:
Lecture Room Location:
Lab Room Location:
Lab/Lec:T/TH; 2pm-5pm
Rm 307
Rm 308
Course overview
Description:
This course is designed for health science majors. This course is a study of microorganisms including a description of
basic cell structure, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, reproduction and genetics. Mechanisms of transmission,
microbial entry, pathogenesis, prophaylaxis, epidemiology and microbial control of selected human pathogens will be
explored. Basic body defense mechanisms and immunological responses to pathological conditions will be examined.
Laboratory exercises will include aseptic techniques, microscopy, culture techniques, determination of bacterial
morphology, staining, and biochemical differentiation. This course is designed for allied health students.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Establish an understanding of the major historical events in microbiology and their impact on medical science.
- Describe basic cell structure, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, reproduction and genetics of microorganisms
with an emphasis on bacteria.
- Compare and contrast the various types of pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses,
protists, and helminths with an emphasis on their medical significance.
- Describe various methods of microbial control both in vivo and in vitro.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of immunology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of epidemiology.
- Compare and contrast the mechanisms of transmission, entry, pathogenesis, and prophylaxis of selected
human pathogens.
- Demonstrate skill in aseptic transfer techniques and discuss the importance of general aseptics.
- Demonstrate skill in basic microscopy, morphological staining, cultural techniques, and biochemical
differentiation of selected human pathogens.
In our efforts to prepare students for a changing world, students may be expected to utilize computer
technology while enrolled in classes, certificate, and/or degree programs. The specific requirements are listed
below:
Classes may be supplemented with online quizzes, online assignment submissions, Microsoft Word document
submissions, discussion boards, etc. as well as online homework and quizzes.
Getting ready
Required Material:
Text: Kathleen Park Talaro, Barry Chess, Foundations in Microbiology, 9th Edition, 2014, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Lab Manual: Donna S. Wiersema, M.S. & Pramila Sen, Ph.D., Editors. Microbiology, Laboratory Manual for Biology 2420,
5th Edition 2007.
Optional Materials: Scantrons (100 count) will be used for tests. I will not accept exams on other scantrons. You are
responsible for bringing scantrons to exams. Students will be required to purchase- Sharpie marker pens and Gloves
(Not required, however, if you want to use them, you must purchase them).
Instructor guidelines and policies
Attendance: Roll will be taken but attendance is your responsibility. I expect students to attend all classes. Good class
attendance is absolutely essential to do well in this course! It is a good idea to exchange names and phone
numbers with others in the class so that you can obtain the information you missed as quickly as possible. In case of a
prolonged absence (2 or more class meetings), the instructor should be notified as soon as possible. In the event you
are absent, it is your responsibility to check for information you missed as a result of your absence. In addition, if at
some point you decide not to attend this class anymore, I will not drop you. It is your responsibility to drop this
class if you choose to do so!
Assignments:
Reading homework may be assigned. You are expected to read and take notes and be prepared to participate in class
discussions. Read the chapters and labs before coming to class! It will make learning a lot easier! Work is due on the
assigned day. Late work will not be accepted.
Exams/Quizzes: There will be two lab practical exams worth 150 points. Lab exams will cover content and techniques
learned during the lab and will consist of fill in the blank and short answer questions. There will be no make-ups for lab
practical exams. All lecture (5 exams including final worth 550 points) and lab exams will consist of questions that may
include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, True-False, matching, and/or short answer questions. The final exam is
mandatory!!!! Exam policy: 1. Exams and quizzes will be given at the beginning of class time. After the first exam
has been completed, submitted, and that student has left the room, no more exams will be passed out. DON’T BE LATE
TO AN EXAM! 2. Bring with you to class a 100 question scantron. Caution; there are many versions of scantrons, not all
are the same. Make sure you bring the correct scantron. Those without will be sent to the bookstore to purchase one
before they are given an exam.
Lecture/Lab Report: There will be one report/project assigned worth 50 points. Further details regarding the report will
be provided during the semester.
Notes: Notes/powerpoints for each lecture/lab will be posted on-line prior to class. It is your responsibility to make sure
that you can access this material on-line. It is also your responsibility to access and print the notes. Bring the notes to
class with you to serve as a discussion outline. You must take your own notes and read the textbook to do well in this
class!
Make-up Exams: There will be no make-up allowed for quizzes and the lab practical exams. You will be allowed to
make-up ONE lecture exam throughout the semester, within a week (seven calendar days) of the missed exam being
given. I must receive in writing your request for a make-up within 24 hours of the missed exam. Once one week (seven
calendar days) from the original exam date has pasted, you will not be able to make up the exam and will receive a zero
on that exam. Missed make-up exams will also result in a zero; so once you make the appointment to make-up the
exam, keep it! Make-up exams will be given in the testing center. You cannot make-up the final exam.
In Class Technology (Cell Phones, Laptops, etc): All phones and beepers must be turned off or be in silent
(courtesy) mode. Please do not text or access you phone during class time or in the laboratory. You may not leave the
room during a test to answer a phone call. Should this occur your test will be taken up immediately. I will allow the use
of laptops in class, but only if you are using them for note taking purposes. The use of computers in class for email,
facebook or any other purpose beyond appropriate course work is strictly prohibited.
Instructor’s Assurance: Instructor will return all email correspondence (if you email me, please include your name and
what class you are in) within a 48-hour period Monday through Friday. All exams/quizzes will be graded and scores
given within a week of the exam date. Instructor will provide students with opportunity to review and discuss their exams.
Behavior and etiquette: Unless the students are asked by the instructor to conduct discussions, talking is not allowed
in lectures or labs. Communication among students during lab for group work is allowed with noise level kept to a low
level. The instructor will ask a student who disturbs lectures/labs to leave the room, and be marked “absent” for the day.
Eating or Drinking in Laboratory: No food or drinks are allowed in the microbiology laboratory.
Dress code: Covered footwear must be worn to ALL labs! A student who does not wear covered footwear will be asked
to leave the lab, and be marked “absent” for the day.
Questions/Problems: Please make sure that if you have any questions or problems at any time, that you first contact
me as soon as possible. The worst thing you can do is wait to contact me or to not take advantage of the resources
available to you. By taking an active part in your education, you will make your academic experience much more
rewarding and exciting!!
EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System)
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching
and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of
research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your
professors and department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Go to www.hccs.edu/egls3 for more
information.
LAB SAFETY RULES:
You will be required to read and sign a Safety Agreement. Please look at this safety video before you sign your Safety
Contract: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXrw8umUA78&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Some key points included in your agreement are:
- No food or drink allowed in lab at any time.
- Students in labs must wear closed-toe shoes at all time. If you have long hair, it must be tied back before
starting the lab.
- If you are exhibiting rude or immature behavior I reserve the right to ask you to leave the class. We will be
working with fire and living bacteria – the safety of you and your classmates will require everyone to act
responsibly.
GRADE DETERMINATION:
*All or any part of this syllabus is subject to change*
Your grade will be
determined by the following
Exams (4)
Details of format
4 Exams; 100pts. each
Points
(if applicable)
400
Percent of Final
Average
40%
150
300
15%
30%
Final Exam (1)
Lab practical exams (2)
One final exam
Lecture/Lab Quizzes
5-10 - Lecture/Lab Quizzes
100
10%
Lecture/Lab Report
1 Disease Report/Project
50
5%
1000
100%
Total:
2 - mid/end of semester;
150pts. each
LETTER GRADE ASSIGNMENT:
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Final Average in Percent
89.5 - 100
79.5 - 89.4
69.5 – 79.4
59.5 – 69.4
0 – 59.4
*At any time during the semester, you can determine how you are doing by;
1) Add up all the points you have earned.
2) Divide that by the total number of points possible at this time.
3) Multiply by 100, which will give you a percentage grade of how you are doing.
Withdrawal Policy
If you stop attending class, you must withdraw at the registration office prior to “W” day. Please remember that lack of
attendance does not mean that I will automatically drop you, It is your responsibility to drop this class. If you stop
attending class and do not officially withdraw, you will receive an “F” for the course.
Six Drop Rule
Students who enrolled in Texas public institutions of higher education as first-time college students during the Fall 2007
term or later are subject to section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, which states that an institution of higher
education may not permit a student to drop (withdraw with a grade of “W”) from more than six courses, including courses
that a transfer student has previously dropped at other Texas public institutions of higher education that have already
been counted against their six drop limit. Each student should fully understand this drop limit before you drop any
course. Please see a Counselor or Advisor in our Student Services area for additional information and assistance.
HCCS is committed to your success
Early Intervention Program and Services
Your success is our primary concern! If you are experiencing challenges achieving your academic goals,
please contact your instructor or an early intervention coach. We can provide assistance with academic needs,
ADA accommodations, classroom difficulties, financial concerns, and other issues. Contact
cfintervention@lonestar.edu for more information.
Tutoring
HCCS provides free online tutoring for all HCC students. Go to www.hccs.askonline.net; use your own e-mail address;
choose a username and password you will remember; put your HCC student ID number in the Comment Box.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are available to students who are experiencing difficulty with academic issues, selection of college
major, career planning, disability accommodations, or personal issues.
Tentative Instructional Outline:
*All or any part of this syllabus is subject to change*
Week Number
Lecture
Laboratory Exercises (Tentative)
**Exact Lab Schedule May Change**
1
Syllabus/ Main Themes of Microbiology (Ch. 1)
Main Themes of Microbiology (Ch. 1)
Syllabus/Introduction/Safety Agreement
Cell Structure & Function (Ch. 4/5)
Cell Structure & Function (Ch. 4/5)
Smear Preparation and Simple Staining
Ubiquity of Microorganisms
SEPT 9
September 8th - Official Date of Record
Characterizing & Classifying Viruses (Ch. 6)
Negative Staining
SEPT 11
Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 4/5, 6)
AUG 26
AUG 28
Care and Use of Microscope
2
SEPT 2
SEPT 4
3
4
SEPT 16
Microbial Nutrition, Ecology, and Growth (Ch. 7)
Microbial Metabolism (Ch. 8)
Gram Staining
SEPT 23
Microbial Metabolism (Ch. 8)
Acid - Fast Staining
SEPT 25
Microbial Genetics (Ch. 9)
SEPT 18
5
6
SEPT 30
Microbial Genetics (Ch. 9)
OCT 2
Exam 2 (Chapters 7, 8, 9)
Bacterial Spores
7
OCT 7
Drugs/Microbes/Host--The Elements of Chemotherapy (Ch. 12)
OCT 9
Drugs/Microbes/Host--The Elements of Chemotherapy (Ch. 12)
Bacterial Capsules
Physical and Chemical Agents for Microbial
Control
8
OCT 14
Microbe-Human Interactions (Ch. 13)
Microbe-Human Interactions (Ch. 13)
Bacterial Flagella and Motility Testing
Lab Practical Exam #1
Lab Practical Exam #1
OCT 21
An Intro to Host Defenses and Innate Immunities (Ch.14)
OCT 23
An Intro to Host Defenses and Innate Immunities (Ch. 14)
Culture and Isolation of Bacteria Using the
Streak Plate Method/ Aseptic Methods
Colony Morphology/Slants/Growth Patterns
10
OCT 28
October 31st - Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawl (Drop with a "W")
Exam 3 (12, 13, 14)
Selective, Differential, and Enriched Media
OCT 30
Adaptive, Specific Immunity and Immunization (Ch 15)
OCT 16
9
11
NOV 4
Adaptive, Specific Immunity and Immunization (Ch 15)
NOV 6
Diseases of the Skin and Wounds
12
Unit 11 – Genetic and Communicable Diseases
Gas Requirements for Growth of Bacteria
Week Number
Lecture
Laboratory Exercises (Tentative)
**Exact Lab Schedule May Change**
NOV 11
Diseases of the Nervous System & Eyes
NOV 13
Exam 4 (Chapters 15, Diseases of the Skin, Nervous
System, and Eyes)
Rapid methods for Identification of bacteria
13
NOV 18
Unit 12 – Biotechnology
Cardiovascular
& Systemic Diseases
NOV 20
Diseases of the Respiratory System
14
NOV 25
Thanksgiving Holiday November 27 – November 30th - No Classes
Diseases of the Respiratory System
Antibiotic Testing: Sensitivity and Resistance
NOV 27
Diseases of the Digestive System
Bacteriophages
15
DEC 2
Diseases of the Digestive System
DEC 4
Diseases of the Urinary & Reproductive System
Final Exam week from Dec 8th to Dec 14th
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 10, 2014: 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Diseases of Cardiovascular,
Respiratory, Digestive, and Urinary/Reproductive Systems/Part Comprehensive (Final Exam is
Mandatory!!). In addition a comprehensive District Exam will also be given at this time as well.
16
FINALS WEEK
Review for Practical
Lab Practical Exam #2
Additional Instructor Policies
Academic Integrity
This instructor is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of
the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these
standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or
assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for
a course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's exam, orally communicating or receiving
answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized
notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of
an exam. Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper
credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report, or project that someone else has
prepared, in whole or in part. Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to be completed
independently. These definitions are not exhaustive. When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or
misrepresentation, disciplinary action may include but is not limited to requiring you to retake or resubmit an exam or
assignment, assigning a grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of "F" for the course.
Additional sanctions including being withdrawn from the course, program or expelled from school may be imposed on a
students who violate the standards of academic integrity.
Student Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on College property or in an online environment. The
instructor would institute established HCCS disciplinary action. Students who pose a threat to the safety of others will be
subject to immediate withdrawal from the classroom. Please refer to the HCC Student Handbook.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement
HCCS is dedicated to providing the least restrictive environment for all students. We promote equity in academic access
through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to
participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational activities.
If you require reasonable accommodations because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact the
Counseling Office to obtain the necessary information to request accommodations. Upon completion of this process,
please notify your instructor as soon as possible and preferably before the end of the first two weeks of class to arrange
for reasonable accommodations.
Computer Virus Protection
Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using removable devices on more than one computer creates the
possibility of infecting computers and diskettes with a computer virus. This exposes the computers of the college, your
personal computer, and any others you may be using to potentially damaging viruses. The college has aggressive antivirus procedures in place to protect its computers, but cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of
its machines. It is your responsibility to protect all computers under your control and use and ensure that each diskette
you use, whenever or wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since new viruses arise
continually, your anti-virus software must be kept current. And, since no anti-virus software will find every virus, keeping
backup copies is extremely important.
Equal Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of the HCCS to provide equal employment, admission and educational opportunities without regard to
race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or disability.
FERPA
The academic, financial and non-directory information on your student account is confidential and protected by the
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). We cannot release certain information to another person without your
written authorization. The Authorization to Release Student Information Form can be found at
http://www.lonestar.edu/departments/studentservices/Authorization_to_Release_Student_Info.pdf.
Evaluation of Instruction
HCCS is committed to student success. As part of its’ institutional effectiveness efforts, our instructors are assessed in
several ways. For the continuous improvement of our instruction, all students are required to provide input for each
course they take each semester using the Course Evaluations Questionnaire. This occurs approximately half way
through your course and your instructor will provide you more information on this process. The deans, and/or
department chairs may visit each instructor’s class at some time during the semester to observe the instructional
environment being provided, and complete an assessment of the instructor.
Final Examinations
A final evaluation activity will occur during the published final evaluation period. The appropriate dean, director, or
department chair must approve any variation to this schedule.