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BIOLOGY 2420 - MICROBIOLOGY
CRN # 65220 - FALL SESSION 2013
WEST LOOP CAMPUS
TUES. 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, RM. C222
THURS. 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, RM. 162
3 HOURS LECTURE/LAB//90 CONTACT HOURS//15 WEEKS
COURSE SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: DR. DAVID SCHWARTZ
CONTACT INFORMATION: PHONE 713 718 8090, DURING OFFICE HOURS ONLY
OTHERWISE –
EMAIL david.schwartz@hccs.edu
OFFICE: WEST LOOP CAMPUS STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER, OFFICE #F10
11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Mondays through Thursdays
COURSE DESCRIPTION
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, prophylaxis, 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
technique, microscopy, culture techniques, determination of bacterial morphology, staining, and
biochemical differentiation.
This is a NON-MAJORS level microbiology offering!! While acceptable for most nursing and
allied health schools, this course may not transfer to certain healthcare related professional
program schools. The student is advised to check with these schools regarding the acceptability
of BIOL. 2420 before completing this course..
COURSE PREREQUISITE: Biology 1406, or equivalent, is a firm prerequisite for this
course!!!
COURSE GOAL: To help the student in becoming a safe and effective, microbially conscious
health care professional.
BIOLOGY PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLO):
Program SLO #1 -
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To recognize, identify, and describe the basic structures and functions associated with most life
forms.
Program SLO #2 To develop basic laboratory techniques appropriate to the field of Biology.
Program SLO #3 To develop study skills and habits appropriate for pre-professional students interested in healthrelated fields.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO):
The following Student Learning Outcomes with their associated assessment criteria are not
meant to be all inclusive, and are meant to be used along with all other course learning
outcomes and assessment devices, listed under Course Objectives, in the determination of the
student's final course grade. Completion of the specific Student Learning Outcomes listed
below, at any assessment grading level, does NOT and will NOT guarantee the student that
final course grade at the end of the semester!
Bio 2420 SLO #1
The student will recognize and compare the structure and function of microbes (and their
respective organelles) including bacteria, fungi, viruses, selected protozoa, and helminths.
PSLO #1
Bio 2420 SLO #2
The student will explain the process of identification and classification of microbes.
PSLO #1
Bio 2420 SLO #3
The student will explain the Clonal Selection Theory of Adaptive Immunity.
PSLO #1
Bio 2420 SLO #4
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The student will demonstrate aseptic technique in the laboratory and an understanding of
microbial control.
PSLO #2
Bio 2420 SLO #5
The student will exhibit competence with microscopy, including use of the oil immersion
objective lens.
PSLO #2
Bio 2420 SLO #6
The student will develop the habit of reliable attendance by being absent from class no more
than four times per semester.
PSLO #3
Bio 2420 SLO #7
The student will demonstrate punctuality in class attendance and in the submission of class
assignments by the deadline.
PSLO #3
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To establish an understanding of the major historical events in microbiology and their
impact on medical science.
2. To describe basic cell structure, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, reproduction, and
genetics of microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacteria.
3. To compare and contrast the various types of pathogenic microorganisms, including
bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists, and helminths, with an emphasis on their medical
significance.
4. To describe various means of microbial control, both in vivo and in vitro.
5. To demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of epidemiology.
6. To demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of immunology.
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7. To describe the basics of biotechnology and genetic engineering, and to provide an
understanding of the importance of molecular methods in the construction of microbial
products for scientific, medical and industrial uses.
8. To compare and contrast the mechanisms of transmission, entry, pathogenesis and
prophylaxis of selected human pathogens.
9. To demonstrate skill in aseptic transfer techniques, and discuss the importance of general
asepsis.
10. To demonstrate skill in basic microscopy, morphological staining, culture techniques, and
biochemical differentiation of selected human pathogens.
CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT: Lecture exams, laboratory practical exams, and class
activities will enhance the learning process by giving the student the opportunity to demonstrate
the basic intellectual competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and showing critical
thinking and problem solving ability.
COURSE CALENDAR:
Lecture and Exam schedule:
Laboratory Exercise schedule
WEEK #:
1 – Chapters 1, 3
2 – Chapter 4
3 – Chapters 5, 6............................................Laboratory Exercises 1, 2, 3
4 – Chapter 7..................................................Laboratory Exercises 4, 5, 6,10
5 – Chapters 8, 9.............................................Laboratory Exercises 7, 8, 9
6 – EXAM I (Ch. 1-6)
7 – Chapter 10...............................................PRACTICAL EXAM I (Labs 1-10)
8 – Chapter 11
9 – Chapter 12
10 – Chapter 13................................................Laboratory Exercises 11, 13, 14, 21
11 – EXAM II (Ch. 7-12)...................................Laboratory Exercises 15, 16, 17
12 – Chapters 14, 15........................................Laboratory Exercises 19, 20
13– Chapters 15, 16
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14 – Chapters 16, 18*
15 – EXAM III (Ch. 13-16).............................PRACTICAL II (Labs 11-21, but not 12 or 18)
15 – *Chapter 18 (after Practical Exam II, if necessary)
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
In order to benefit from the lecture sessions the student should read the assigned sections of
the text. The appropriate topics will be presented through lectures interspersed with questions
and answers. Weekly laboratory sessions will allow the student to stain and culture various
bacteria in order to become acquainted with the techniques utilized to study morphological and
metabolic characteristics. Some microbial groups and structures will be studied with prepared
slides. Obey all lab safety rules in your lab manual!! The instructor is not responsible for injury
to the student or for damage to the lab or equipment due to violation of lab safety rules!!
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
During the semester there will be three lecture exams, two laboratory practicals, and a final
comprehensive exam. There will also be an additional departmental final exam required. No
exam grade will be dropped in this course.
The lecture examinations are primarily objective in nature: i.e. multiple choice. In addition,
each regular semester lecture exam will consist of approximately 10% subjective (written)
material. Laboratory reports will be collected and, if acceptable, will be issued a completion
value of one point per lab exercise. These completion points will be added as extra credit to the
scores earned on their respective practical exams. Lab reports are due the next laboratory
session after the laboratory exercise, WITHIN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES OF SCHEDULED
CLASS or upon a due date announced by the instructor. AT ANY LATER TIME, the laboratory
exercise(s) will be refused, and will receive no completion credit. Absence upon due date is not
a valid excuse for late laboratory exercises.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS IN THIS COURSE!!! A missed regular lecture exam
may increase the weight of the final exam from double to triple weight, if the student is able to
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provide acceptable proof of a legitimate AND UNAVOIDABLE work or health related reason for
missing the regular lecture exam. The courtesy of extending the final exam weight in lieu of a
regular lecture exam is at the sole discretion of the instructor, otherwise a firm zero will be
averaged in. There will be no makeup exams given for laboratory practicals. A firm grade of
zero is recorded for a missed laboratory practical exam, without recourse to the final exam.
All exam sheets and Scantron forms will be collected as a permanent record of the student’s
performance – no exam material will be kept by the student.
The comprehensive final is mandatory. Failure to take the comprehensive final will result
in the firm course grade of “F”, regardless of the student’s course average from other
exam events.
HCC GRADING SCALE
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F= 59 and below – attended class and earned the grade.
FX – stopped attending class. This is a failing grade which may result in the student having to
rapidly repay certain types of government student loans.
IF – was given an I and did not finish the required work (automatic after 6 months)
INSTRUCTOR GRADING CRITERIA
Regular lecture exams (3)
Practical exams (2)
19 laboratory reports, as extra credit for the practical exams
Final comprehensive exam (X2)
* All seven test scores will carry equal weight. Course grade will be the average of all seven
test scores. For example:
3 regular exams + 2 practical exams + lab report credit + final exam (double weight) = 7 scores
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In this course, grades are not "curved". Individual assignments or papers are not accepted in
order to earn additional points. All students will have opportunities to improve point scores.
Extra credit may be earned on each regular lecture exam by answering the "bonus points"
question, and on laboratory practical exams by lab report extra credit.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook: Foundations in Microbiology ( 8th Edition ) 2011 , by Kathleen Park Talaro and
Barry Chess
Laboratory Manual: Microbiology, Laboratory Manual for Biology 2420
( Edition 5.5 ) 2013
Editors: Donna S. Wiersema, M.S. and Pramila Sen, Ph.D.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ADA
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability Counselor at your
college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll
down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty (cheating) on any exam event will not be tolerated and will lead to failure
of the exam event, or the course, depending upon the circumstances of the infraction. A
comprehensive statement on academic dishonesty can be found in the HCC Student
Handbook.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is a necessity to do well in this course. The student is expected to attend
each lecture and laboratory session. Roll will be taken each day. Consistent punctuality is also
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expected of the student. An absence is defined as any unexcused non-attendance of class for
fifteen minutes or more, at any time during regular class hours. Tardy arrival is defined as
arrival five minutes or more after the commencement of class. When absence is unavoidable, it
is the student's responsibility to obtain lecture notes and test assignments from fellow students.
Missed laboratory exercises may only be made up by attending another class during the same
week. Frequent absences and tardies will be reflected in your final course grade if you
are borderline. The excessively absent (4 lecture sessions or more) student may be
dropped from the course before the official drop date!!!
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – COURSE REPEATS
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively.
In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting new students (those starting college in Fall
2007) to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their academic career in
obtaining a baccalaureate degree. There may be future penalties imposed as well.
If you are in difficulty and need assistance - tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement – to
stay in class or to improve your academic performance, HCC Student Services can help you. In
any case, you no longer are able to drop a course by yourself. You MUST visit with your
instructor, or a faculty advisor, or a counselor, or online student services at
http://studentservicesonline@hccs.edu prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – COURSE WITHDRAWALS
In case of prolonged absences the instructor should be notified. The student must go through
proper channels in order to officially withdraw from a course; non-attendance does not
automatically withdraw one from any course. THIS MUST BE DONE PRIOR TO THE LAST
DAY TO ADMINISTRATIVELY DROP A COURSE TO RECEIVE A “W” ON YOUR
TRANSCRIPT. YOUR INSTRUCTORS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ASSIGN A “W”
FOR YOU AFTER THAT DATE!!! YOU WILL RECEIVE THE GRADE YOU EARN, WITH NO
EXCEPTIONS!!! I am under no obligation to withdraw you from this course if you stop
attending!! If a student fails to officially withdraw, he or she may be issued the grade of "FX" at
the end of the semester for non attendance. Exceptions to this policy will be made only under
extraordinary circumstances.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – SEXUAL HARASSMENT
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It is a violation of HCC policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in
sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47).
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – SAFE AND SECURE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
It is the policy of HCC to provide a safe and secure environment within which learning can take
place effectively. Accordingly, disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior in the classroom will
not be tolerated. Disruptive, threatening, or violent individuals will be asked to leave the
classroom for that day. Failure to comply with this request may lead to removal and/or arrest by
the police. This is in addition to any college disciplinary action to which the individual might be
liable.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – EGLS3 -- EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT
SURVEY SYSTEM
At Houston Community College, during a designated time, 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 division chairs for continual improvement
of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System
online near the end of the term.
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ASSESSMENT RUBRICS
MICROBIOLOGY- BIOLOGY 2420
Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
1. The student will
recognize and compare the
structure and function of
microbes (and their
respective organelles)
including bacteria, fungi,
viruses, selected Protozoa,
and Helminthes.
PSLO #1
2. The student will explain
the process of identification
and classification of
microbes.
PSLO #1
D
C
B
A
Unable to demonstrate
knowledge of structure and
function of most
microbes(and organelles)
including bacteria, fungi,
viruses, selected Protozoa,
and Helminthes
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
structure and function of a
few microbes(and
organelles) including
bacteria, fungi, viruses,
selected Protozoa, and
Helminthes
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
structure and function of
most microbes(and
organelles) including
bacteria, fungi, viruses,
selected Protozoa, and
Helminthes
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
structure and function of
most microbes(and
organelles) including
bacteria, fungi, viruses,
selected Protozoa, and
Helminthes.
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
structure and function of all
microbes(and organelles)
including bacteria, fungi,
viruses, selected Protozoa,
and Helminthes.
Unable to demonstrate and
apply knowledge of the five
“I’s”, standard methods of
identification, or use of
culture media.
Rarely able to demonstrate
and apply knowledge of the
five
“I’s”, standard methods of
identification, or use of
culture media.
Able to sometimes
demonstrate and apply
knowledge of the five
“I’s”, standard methods of
identification, or use of
culture media.
Able to consistently
demonstrate and sometimes
apply knowledge of the five
“I’s”, standard methods of
identification, or use of
culture media.
Able to consistently
demonstrate and apply
knowledge of the five
“I’s”, standard methods of
identification, and use of
culture media.
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Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
3.The student will be able
to explain Clonal Selection
Theory. PSLO #1
4. The student will
demonstrate aseptic
technique in the laboratory
and an understanding of
microbial control.
PSLO #2
Unable to explain the
origin and development of
T and B lymphocytes,
specificity and diversity of
receptors on T and B
lymphocytes, the origin of
immune tolerance, and
neither major stage of
Clonal Selection Theory.
Consistently disregards
aseptic technique in
performing lab exercises
and consistently disregards
rules of the microbiology
lab regarding disinfection,
food, and hand washing.
D
Unable to fully explain the
origin and development of
T and B lymphocytes,
specificity and diversity of
receptors on T and B
lymphocytes, the origin of
immune tolerance, and
neither major stage of
Clonal Selection Theory.
Consistently disregards
aseptic technique in
performing lab exercises
and occasionally fails to
follow the rules of the
microbiology lab regarding
disinfection, food, and hand
washing.
C
Able to consistently explain
the origin and development
of T and B lymphocytes,
specificity and diversity of
receptors on T and B
lymphocytes, the origin of
immune tolerance, and
neither major stage of
Clonal Selection Theory.
Occasionally fails to
demonstrate aseptic
technique in performing lab
exercises and occasionally
fails to follow the rules of
the microbiology lab
regarding disinfection,
food, and hand washing.
B
Able to consistently explain
the origin and development
of T and B lymphocytes,
specificity and diversity of
receptors on T and B
lymphocytes, the origin of
immune tolerance, and one
major stage of Clonal
Selection Theory.
Able to consistently
demonstrate aseptic
technique in performing lab
exercises and occasionally
fails to follow the rules of
the microbiology lab
regarding disinfection,
food, and hand washing.
A
Able to consistently explain
the origin and development
of T and B lymphocytes,
specificity and diversity of
receptors on T and B
lymphocytes, the origin of
immune tolerance, and two
major stages of Clonal
Selection Theory.
Able to consistently
demonstrate aseptic
technique in performing lab
exercises and consistently
follow the rules of the
microbiology lab regarding
disinfection, food, and hand
washing.
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Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
5. The student will exhibit
competence with
Microscopy, including use
of the oil immersion lens.
PSLO #2
6. The student will develop
the habit of reliable
attendance by being absent
from class no more than
four times per semester.
PSLO #3
7. The student will
demonstrate punctuality in
class attendance and in the
submission of class
assignments by the
deadline.
PSLO #3
D
Consistently unable to
locate the microbe on the
microscope slide and
consistently unable to focus
using oil immersion lens or
other objective without
instructor’s help.
Is absent frequently enough
to interfere with instruction
and the completion of the
course objectives, and/or is
frequently not where he/she
is expected to be. Infracts
the HCC attendance
policies.
Occasionally able to locate
the microbe on the
microscope slide, but
unable to focus using oil
immersion lens or other
objective without
instructor’s help.
When absent, is never
aware of the schedule for
the day upon return, and
must be reminded or
encouraged to complete
objectives missed during
the absence. Is
occasionally not where
he/she is expected to be.
Is frequently late for class
enough to interfere with
class instruction. Submits
assignments two or more
weeks late, or ignores
assignments.
Is frequently late for class
enough to interfere with
class instruction or submits
assignments no more than
one week late.
C
Occasionally able to locate
the microbe on the
microscope slide, and
occasionally able to focus
using oil immersion lens or
other objective without
instructor’s help.
When absent, is only
occasionally unaware of the
schedule for the day upon
return. Completes
objectives missed during
the absence only with the
help of the instructor and/or
classmates, and is where
he/she is expected to be at
all times.
Is occasionally late for
class and occasionally late
for assignment turn-in.
Submits assignments no
more than one day late.
B
A
Consistently able to locate
the microbe on the
microscope slide and
sometimes focus using oil
immersion lens or other
objective without
instructor’s help.
When absent,
independently or with little
help completes objectives
missed during the absence.
Always aware of the
schedule for the day, and is
where he/she is expected to
be at all times.
Consistently able to locate
the microbe on the
microscope slide and
consistently focus using oil
immersion lens or other
objective without
instructor’s help.
Is never absent, always
aware of the schedule for
the day, and is where
he/she is expected to be at
all times. Consistently and
willingly follows HCC
attendance policies without
being reminded.
Is consistently on time for
class and rarely late for
assignment turn-in. Always
submits assignments on the
due date.
Is consistently on time for
class and for assignment
turn-in. Always submits
assignments on the due
date.
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"YOUR PROBLEMS ARE YOUR PROBLEMS..."
My good friend and colleague, Jaye Ramsey Sutter, J.D., professor of government and criminal
justice, makes an important statement in her course syllabus. This is a statement to which I also
subscribe as part of my syllabus -"Your problems are your problems, not my problems. Please understand that your job, your
family, your volunteer work, (your other course work), your arrests, your court dates, your "stuff"
is not a (valid) excuse...Do not ask me to find extra points for you. You get the grade you
earned. I do not curve grades...I do not boost your grades to get you into the next college or
university. Don't tell me you "need" a grade and expect me to control your destiny. You control
your destiny as much as possible. You want an "A"?...you are going to need to study, prepare,
and earn it...You must take responsibility for yourself...You want to go to nursing school but you
can’t bother to take yourself seriously enough to take an exam on time? What if you can’t give a
patient medication on time? Professional, conscientious, responsible behavior begins here and
now and I am not responsible for your dream of going to medical/law/nursing school. You are."
(Parentheses are mine-DJS)
This syllabus does not constitute a contract between the instructor or HCC, and the student.
The provisions listed above may be changed at any time, either orally or by written notification.
However, examination and grading policies are firm for any given semester, unless
extraordinary or emergency circumstances occur.
NO CELL PHONES OR TEXT MESSAGING DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN USE IN CLASS AT
ANY TIME! AUDIBLE CELL PHONE RINGING MAY RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM
CLASS THAT DAY! I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE FROM USE ANY ELECTRONIC
DEVICE BEING USED FOR NON-CLASS PURPOSES.
THE USE OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING EXAMINATIONS OR
DURING POST EXAM TEST REVIEW SESSIONS IS CHEATING AND WILL RESULT IN
COURSE FAILURE!!
ANY UNAUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOUND OR OBSERVED ANYWHERE
WITHIN PLAIN VIEW OF THE STUDENT DURING EXAMINATIONS OR DURING POST
EXAM TEST REVIEW SESSIONS IS DEEMED TO GIVE THE APPEARANCE OF CHEATING
AND WILL RESULT IN EXAM FAILURE WITH A GRADE OF ZERO!! DON’T DO IT!!!!!
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