BIOL 260, Spring 2011
Instructor:
Davin Henrikson
Class website: facweb.northseattle.edu/dhenrikson
Email: dhenrikson@cascadia.edu
Office: Room CC1-350
Office Hours: By appointment, and 12:30P-1:15P
Meeting Places/Times: Lecture: M, W (Sect 1, 11AM-12:15PM in CC1-021)
(Sect 2, 1:35PM-2:50PM in CC1-250)
Lab:
T, Th (Sect 1, 11AM-12:40 PM in CC1-302)
(Sect 2, 1:35PM-3:15PM in CC1-302)
Course Description:
This course enables students to learn and practice the scientific method as they
develop an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of the microbial world. Students
will learn the basic principles of structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic
microorganisms, as well as viruses, and how this relates to cellular processes, human
disease, evolution, and the environment we live in. In the lab, students will learn
standard methods of isolating, assessing, and identifying microorganisms. (LAB)
Prerequisites: Completion of BIOL&211 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; and CHEM&121
or CHEM&161 with a grade of 2.0 or higher.
Required Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, (10th ed) by Gerard J. Tortora;
Christine L. Case; Berdell R. Funke, available at the UWB/CCC Bookstore., ISBN
9780321550071
Course Content and Topics:
 History of microbiology
 Survey of microorganism diversity, including viruses, viroids, and prions
 Immune response to microbes
 Pathogenicity and antimicrobial treatment of microorganisms
 Anatomy and physiology of microbes
 Microbial metabolism
 Microbial growth
 Control of microbial growth
 Microbial genetics
 Biotechnology
 Microbial reproduction
 Microbial ecology
 Principles of disease and epidemiology
Grading: In-Class activities: 6
x
10 pts each =
60 pts
Labs:
9 (drop lowest) x
20 pts. each = 160 pts.
Group Activities: 3
x
10 pts. each =
30 pts.
Project:
1
x
50 pts.
=
50 pts.
Exams:
4
x
50 pts. each = 150 pts.
Total (approximate)
= 450 pts.
Be aware they may be a few assignments added as we go. Stay informed!
Your percentage of the total points will be converted to grades approximately as follows:
%
Numerical Grade
≥ 95
4.0
90-94
3.5-3.9
85-89
3.2-3.4
80-84
3.0-3.1
%
75-79
70-74
60-69
50-59
≤ 49
Numerical Grade
2.7-2.9
2.3-2.6
1.3-2.2
0.7-1.2
0.0
Course Outcomes:
I. Learn Actively – Learning is a personal, interactive process that results in
greater expertise and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
 Plan and complete an independent project to identify an unknown species
of bacteria
 Compare gram negative and gram positive prokaryotic cell walls
 Use a microscope to examine features of cell anatomy
 Use basic microbiological techniques to observe culture and metabolic
characteristics of prokaryotes
 Demonstrate good scientific record keeping by maintaining a lab journal
 Use aseptic technique to develop confidence in ability to perform lab
procedures
II. Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively – Reason and imagination are
fundamental to problem solving and critical examination of ideas.
 Describe unity and diversity of microbial world
 Describe anatomy and physiology of microbes
 Describe energy metabolism in microbes including aerobic respiration,
anaerobic respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis
 Describe diversity of microbial metabolism
 Describe microbial genetics including replication, gene expression, genetic
recombination, and recombinant DNA technology
 Describe bacterial reproduction and discuss factors affecting microbial
growth and death.
 Describe viruses and their means of replication.
 Discuss the importance of microbes to the environment.
 Discuss the relationship of microbes to human diseases and current
antimicrobial treatment


Describe nonspecific and specific immune responses including T-cells, Bcells, antibodies, cell-mediated immunity, and humoral immunity
Describe the pathogenicity of microorganisms and their epidemiology
III. Communicate with Clarity and Originality – The ability to exchange ideas and
information is essential to personal growth, productive work, and societal
vitality.
 Construct, organize, and interpret graphs and tables generated from
laboratory exercises.
 Communicate concepts and lab findings in the form of laboratory write-ups
and lab journals
 Use research technology to create written documents and oral
presentations on disease
 Discuss disease mechanisms with classmates.
IV. Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments – Successful negotiation
through our increasingly complex, interdependent and global society requires
knowledge and awareness of self and others, as well as enhance interaction
skills.
 Appreciate the complexity and multiple ways of arriving at answers
 Work with peers to accomplish laboratory experiments
 In all group work, listen and contribute with respect and honesty
 Engage in discussion held and position yourself on topics you have
researched.
 Discuss microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology
as it applies to our world
Labs: Always be prepared for lab. Safety First! Many microbes in the lab can be
hazardous, so handle all organisms carefully and dispose of all waste properly. Be
aware of yourself and those around you at all times (pay attention!). The experiments
and report sheets will be available online. The requirements for lab reports will be
discussed in class. Pre-labs will generally be due the class period before each lab. Lab
reports will generally be due the class period following each experiment (see daily
schedule). The lowest lab score will be dropped. No make-up labs will be possible. No
food or drinks are allowed in the lab. Although you will share data, and are encouraged
to discuss any aspects of the lab with your classmates, you are expected to write and
turn in your own individual work for your reports.
Special Notes Regarding Lab:
*If you arrive to lab late (after the safety and procedures lecture) you will not be allowed
to participate in the lab. You may stay as an observer, take down data and write up the
report for a maximum of 75% credit for the lab report.
*You must pass the lab portion of the class with at least 50% of the total points available
(after dropping your lowest lab score) in order to receive credit for the LAB portion of the
class.
*You will be required to submit the signature sheet (provided in the lab packet) at the
second lab meeting.. (If under 18 your parent or guardian must sign).
Un-graded Worksheets: These will be interspersed with the lectures, and are an
important part of the learning process. The worksheets will not be graded, but keys will
be posted on the class website. Help will be available from the instructor as needed.
Homework: There will be some homework assignments, consisting of problems from
the textbook. There due dates will be announce when they are assigned. Help on
graded homework should be obtained from the instructor during office hours or by
email.
Group Activities: There will be three group activities, which will be completed in class.
The activities are due at the end of the class period in which they are completed (see
daily schedule). Although you will work on these in groups, each student must hand in
their own paper to get credit. These activities are a chance to apply the material
covered in the reading, lectures, worksheets, and homework in collaboration with your
peers. Groups will be expected to work relatively independently on the activities, but
may interact with other groups as needed. Help from the instructor will be limited to
clarification of the questions.
Project: Students will be placed into small groups and each group will choose a topic
on which to prepare a presentation to be presented to the class at the end of the
quarter. The project will involve relating one or more concepts from the class to
environmental health. Each group will prepare a 15 minute presentation. Each student
will also write an individual reflection on the group process. More information on the
project will be given out in a separate handout.
Exams: There will be 4 exams (50 minutes each). For each exam you may bring a 3”x
5” card, handwritten, both sides. Note: cards may be used for subsequent exams (for
example, for exam 2 you may have one new card plus the card you made for exam 1).
There will be no make-up exams, except in the case of excused absences (up to my
discretion), and when I am notified in advance.
Attendance: Although attendance is not directly a part of your grade, poor attendance
will likely result in a lower grade due to missed exams, prepared problems or labs, late
assignments and gaps in your understanding of the course material. If you miss a
class, it is your responsibility to obtain the lecture notes and any other handouts from
the website, or from a classmate, not from the instructor, except in the case of excused
absences (up to my discretion), and when I am notified in advance.
Late Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted with a 10% deduction from the
total score for each class period late up until the assignment is returned to the class.
Assignments later than that will not be accepted, except in the case of excused
absences (up to my discretion), and when I am notified in advance. Graded work is
generally handed back the next class period after it’s due.
Attitude and Class Participation: Please show respect towards myself, and your
fellow classmates, by listening when others are speaking, by participating and allowing
others to participate in group activities, and by keeping all criticism constructive. Every
question is a good question, so please ask questions in class. Chances are other have
the same question but are afraid to ask. You must turn off all cell-phones, pagers or
other electronic communication devices during class. See me if you have a legitimate
need to have yours on.
How to Succeed: Keep up with the material, come to class, hand in all assignments,
study early for exams, and above all get help when you need it. Read the chapter
before lecture and after. Be prepared for lab. Get help early. Don’t wait until the day
before the exam to clear up your questions. Microbiology should be interesting and
exciting as well as challenging, so have fun!
Class materials: If possible, bring your book to class. Always bring your lab sheets
and a pen to lab.
Cascadia Community College Learning Agreement:
* Academic Honesty: The College regards acts of academic dishonesty, including
such activities as plagiarism, cheating and/or/violations of integrity in information
technology, as very serious offenses. In the event that cheating, plagiarism or other
forms of academic dishonesty are discovered, each incident will be handled as deemed
appropriate. Care will be taken that students’ rights are not violated and that
disciplinary procedures are instituted only in cases where documentation or other
evidence of the offense(s) exists. A description of all such incidents shall be forwarded
to the Vice President for Student Success, where a file of such occurrences will be
maintained. The vice president may institute action against a student according to the
college’s disciplinary policies and procedures as described in the Student Handbook.
*In this class, any assignment found to involve academic dishonesty will be given a
grade of 0.0 and the incident will be reported.
Situations where you may collaborate:
• Group Activities and Prepared Problems
• Lab preparation (excluding written portions of pre-lab)
• Lab experiments and work-up of lab data
• Project
Situations where you must work entirely on your own:
• Graded Homework
• Exams
• Written portions of pre-labs and lab reports (including all of the Chemical Resources
lab)
* Acceptable Use Policy on Information Technology: In general, the same ethical
conduct that applies to the use of all college resources and facilities applies to the use
of Cascadia’s systems and technology. These systems may only be used for
authorized purposes, using only legal versions of copyrighted software, and with
consideration and respect for the conservations of resources and the rights of other
users. For additional information, go to the Open Learning Center for a complete copy
of the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures.
* Counseling Services: If you have a personal problem or stress that is affecting your
schoolwork and would like to talk with someone, please contact the Cascadia
counselor. Counseling at Cascadia is confidential, professional and free. Visit the
Kodiak Corner front desk or call 452-352-8860 for an appointment.
* Disability Support Services: If you have or suspect you have a disability and need
an accommodation please contact the front office in Kodiak Corner at 452-352-8383 to
make an appointment with the Disability Support Services. Services and
Accommodations through DSS are not retroactive.
* Diversity: Cascadia Community College affirms a commitment to freedom from
discrimination for all members of the College community. Celebration of diversity and
cultural differences is a hallmark of a true learning community. Pluralism, diversity and
equity are therefore at the core of Cascadia’s mission. Individual difference is affirmed
and celebrated in our community of learning.
* Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures are posted in each classroom. To
reach campus security personnel, dial 425-352-5222. Fire and police may be reached
by dialing 9-911.
* Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Cascadia Community
College complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974
concerning the information that becomes a part of a student’s permanent educational
record and governing the condition of its disclosure. Under FERPA, students are
protected against improper disclosure of their records.
* Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather affecting morning classes,
there will be notification on the local media by 5:30 a.m. You may also call the main
campus number: 425-352-8000 to hear a message that will be updated with the latest
Cascadia closure information. You may also go online to www.schoolreport.org and
click on Cascadia Community College to get the latest report. Should the weather
deteriorate during the day, you may check online, listen to the main campus message,
check email or the media to hear news about closures or class schedule changes.
* Learning Assistance Options: To support student success, Cascadia offers a
variety of support services. The Open Learning Center provides a place for students to
receive assistance with class assignments and technology needs. It contains a
computer lab and tutoring center that houses both the Writing Center and the Math
Center, where students can seek individualized tutoring on a walk-in basis. The Open
Learning Center is located in CC060.
*In case of instructor illness: A suitable substitute will be found if possible. If class is
cancelled, a notice will be placed on the door, and an announcement will be placed on
ERes outlining expectations for course work. Instructor may not be able to respond to
email in case of illness.
*In case of student illness (or family illness if student is needed as caregiver):
Instructor must be contacted by email or phone immediately. If student is unable to
complete course work remotely during this time, instructor and student will make a plan
to address the lost time. Options may include: extensions of deadlines for
assignments, make-up exams, make-up labs (when feasible), withdrawal from the
course, a grade of incomplete, or a hardship withdrawal (if past the regular withdrawal
deadline).
Note: the above options do not apply to planned student absences. For planned
absences, instructor must be notified at the beginning of the quarter, or as soon as the
absence is planned. The student will be responsible for turning in any assignments due
during the absence on time, or early. The student will be responsible for planning, with
the instructor’s permission, to take any exams that occur during that time early. No
extensions or make-up exams will be given in the case of a planned absence.