Microbial Survey, BIO 233, Fall, 2008
Lecture Syllabus
Professor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Dr. Teri Shors
HS 155: e-mail: shors@uwosh.edu
Mon. and Wed. 9:10-10:10 a.m., Friday 11:40-12:40 p.m.
Other times by appointment.
Lecture:
MWF 11:30-12:30 p.m. CLOW 101
Required text:
Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology, 8th Edition
by Jeffrey C. Pommerville
EXAM POLICY: There are NO MAKE UP Exams!
If a student misses an exam because of extreme circumstances (e.g. death of a close relative or a
documented medical excuse), the student will be allowed to take an essay or oral exam during the
last week of the semester. The grade earned on this exam will be substituted for the one missed exam.
Course Description
This course is a survey of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and some algae, fungi, and
invertebrates. Emphasis will be placed upon the health care applications of microbiology and
transmission of infectious disease agents. Laboratory will focus on standard microbiologic techniques
used in the allied health fields. This course is designed for those students interested in allied health fields,
including biology, nursing and medical technology majors. Prerequisite: one semester of general
biology (BIO 105).
Course Objectives
 To introduce the student to the relationship between microbes and our lives.
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To familiarize the student with the diversity, structure, and metabolic processes of microorganisms.

To understand the role of microbial genetics in grasping such concepts as antibiotic resistance and
the development of vaccines.


To learn how microbes are classified and identified in the laboratory.
To understand microbial populations and how unwanted microbial growth can be controlled (e.g.
microbes that cause food spoilage or disease).
To gain an understanding of how the human body and various microorganisms interact in terms of
health and disease (e.g. defense mechanisms, microbial pathogenicity).
Microbial Survey and Promoting the Liberal Arts: A liberal arts education refers to studies in a
college or university intended to provide general knowledge and develop intellectual capacities. A liberal
arts education prepares students to work in a variety of jobs. This is different from other types of
education where students develop professional or vocational skills for a specific job. The Pre-Nursing
and Science Education Majors are offered courses at UW-Oshkosh within the College of Letters and
Sciences (COLS). The COLS emphasizes a liberal arts education. It promotes a liberal arts education
model proposed by Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and
Universities since 1998. Schneider stresses the idea that ALL students receive an education of lasting
value, relevant for the 21st century. In her model learning should be: 1) "analytical, contextual and
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holistic thinking;" 2) "effective communication using multiple literacies and forms of expression;" 3)
"critical reflection/informed action as citizens, producers, human beings;" 4) "ethical action for local and
global communities;" and 5) "integrative learning."
At UW-Oshkosh, you will have a broad exposure to the liberal arts, while focusing on a topic that you
are particularly interested in such nursing or the sciences. BIO 233 (Microbial Survey), is a required
course in the Nursing Program and an elective course in the Science Education Major. Microbial Survey
is important in not only the study of infections and their treatment and prevention, but also in the
unraveling of the most fundamental aspects of biology. This is because microbes have an intimate
relationship with the basic machinery of their host cells. Thus, research on how microorganisms
reproduce themselves and spread has given us many insights into the way in which the cells of our bodies
function, leading in turn to a better understanding of the whole organism and of how infective
diseases may be prevented or cured.
Attendance
While there is no formal requirement, attendance in the lecture is highly recommended. Lectures will
include some information not included in the textbook. Earning a high grade in the class will be difficult,
if not impossible, without regular attendance. Information from lectures, films, or articles distributed
in class are all "fair game" for exam questions. If you miss a class period, it is your responsibility to
obtain notes from a fellow student. Punctuality is encouraged; if late arrival is unavoidable, the student
should enter the class in a manner that creates as little disruption as possible.
GRADING
The lecture portion of this class is worth 58% of your grade (600 pts.) and the laboratory is worth 42%.
There will be 435 pts. from the laboratory portion of the course. There will be four 100 point lecture
exams and a 200 point comprehensive final exam. The format of the exams will be multiple choice
(scan tron).
GRADING:
A
100-94%
AB
93-88%
B
87-82%
BC
81-77%
C
76-71%
CD
70-64%
D
63-60%
F
<60%
*Instructor reserves the right to adjust grades of
the entire class if necessary (e.g. curve).
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating on an exam, plagiarizing, or any other form of academic dishonesty will
be dealt with in accordance with the current UWO Student Discipline Code. The instructor reserves the
right to assign a grade of "F" for the course should circumstances warrant.
Common courtesy: Please turn off all cell phones and pagers prior to class.
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Tentative Lecture Schedule, Fall, 2008
Please note: most films do not last the entire class period. Lecturing continues on film days. Films cannot be made up. If you miss a film, please
get the notes from a fellow student. It is expected that you take notes during films because you will be tested on them.
Period
Date/Weekday
Topic
1
2
3
4
Sept. 3
Sept. 5
Sept. 8
Sept. 10
W
F
M
W
5
Sept. 12
F
6
Sept. 15
M
7
8
9
10
11
Sept. 17
Sept. 19
Sept. 22
Sept. 24
Sept. 26
W
F
M
W
F
12
13
14
Sept. 29
Oct. 1
Oct. 3
M
W
F
15
16
17
Oct. 6
Oct. 8
Oct. 10
M
W
F
18
19
Oct. 13
Oct. 15
M
W
20
21
Oct. 17
Oct. 20
F
M
22
23
24
25
26
Oct 22
Oct. 24
Oct. 27
Oct. 29
Oct. 31
W
F
M
W
F
27
28
29
30
Nov. 3
Nov. 5
Nov. 7
Nov. 10
M
W
F
M
Discuss Syllabus/Pre-Test
Film: Up Close and Personal; Body Bugs
Microbiology Then and Now
Film: ABC News Nightline: Ready or NOT? Is America Prepared for
Catastrophic Events?
Microbiology Then and Now
The Chemical Building Blocks of Life
The Chemical Building Blocks of Life
Basic Concepts of Microbiology
Basic Concepts of Microbiology
NOVA: Killer on Campus
Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function
Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function
Review Lab Techniques/Instructor's Notes
Disease Triangle: Nipah Virus Film
EXAM 1
Prokaryotic Genetics
Gene Transfer, Genetic Engineering, and Genomics
Review Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Film: Intimate Strangers Tree of Life
Physical and Chemical Control of Microorganisms/
Physical and Chemical Control of Microorganisms
Microbial Control Film or HIDE & SEEK Film
Physical and Chemical Control of Microorganisms
Physical and Chemical Control of Microorganisms
Film: ABC News Nightline: Anthrax
Exam 2
Antimicrobial Drugs
12 minute film: Tuberculosis
Antimicrobial Drugs
Microbiology of Foods
Film: PBS: Influenza, 1918 An American Experience
Airborne Bacterial Diseases
Foodborne and Waterborne Bacterial Diseases
Soil and Arthropodborne Bacterial Diseases
Eukaryotic Microorganisms: The Fungi
Film: Toxic Algae
Exam 3
Film: Parasites Eating us Alive
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Nov. 12
W
Nov. 14
F
Nov. 17
M
Nov. 19
W
Nov. 21
F
Nov. 24
M
Nov. 26-30th
Dec. 1
M
38
39
40
41
42
Dec. 3
Dec. 5
Dec. 8
Dec. 10
Dec. 12
W
F
M
W
F
Eukaryotic Microorganisms: The Parasites
The Viruses and Virus-like Agents
1918 Flu in Winnebago County
Viral Infections of the Respiratory Tract and Skin
NOVA: Brain Eaters Film
Exam 4
Thanksgiving BREAK
Viral Infections of the Blood, Lymphatic, Gastrointestinal, and
Nervous Systems,Vaccines, Epidemiology: Instructor's notes
HIV Instructor's notes
HCV Instructor's notes
Film: Surviving AIDS NOVA
Film: NOVA Plague Fighters
Final COMPREHESIVE Exam 5
Text Pages
Chapter 1
Chapters1 & 2
Chapters 2 & 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Chapter 9
Chapters 9 and 10
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
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