Biology 3400 - Principles of Microbiology
University of Lethbridge Spring Semester 2016
Instructor: Dr. Wade Abbott
Office: D-887
Tel: (403) 317-3443
Email: wade.abbott2@uleth.ca
Office hours: Thursday 9:30-11:30, or by appointment
Lab Instructors:
Helena Danyk
Office: D-884
Tel: (403) 329-2664
Email: helena.danyk@uleth.ca
Laurie Pacarynuk
Office: D-868
Tel: (403) 332-4577
Email: pacarynuk@uleth.ca
Lectures: Tuesday and Thursday, Section A - 8:00 - 9:15 am, Uhall C-640
Labs: Tuesday and Thursday in room C770 or C780; 9:25 am to 10:40 am or 10:50 am to 12:05 pm.
Prerequisite Class: BIOL2000
NOTE: Due to the requirements of laboratories and microscopes for other courses, laboratories must be
cleaned and promptly vacated. There will be no supplemental open laboratory periods; tasks assigned should
be readily completed within the scheduled intervals.
Course Description: This course is an introduction to microorganisms with an emphasis on metabolism,
growth and control of growth, genetics, ecology and microbial diversity, including bacteria, archaea, viruses,
fungi, protozoa and algae. Course material will cover the history of the discipline as well current scientific
advances and applications in biotechnology. Aspects of microbial genetics, cellular physiology and
biochemistry will be introduced. Students should already be familiar with introductory concepts of genetics
and cell biology. Labs will investigate aspects of bacteriology and demonstrate general microbiological
procedures.
Objectives: Students in this course are expected to:
• acquire a working vocabulary of Microbiology;
• develop an understanding of fundamental microbiological principles and processes;
• apply information learned in the classroom to real life problems;
• recognize the interrelationships between processes at various levels of biological organization.
Biology 3400 - Principles of Microbiology
Spring 2016
Course Preparation
It is assumed that students enrolled in this course will have the following background or be able to readily
acquire it through additional readings. Core courses taken previously will have provided this background:
Cell biology: cellular structure and function, clear understanding of the basic differences between prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells, basic understanding of cellular reproduction, including cell cycle, meiosis, mitosis
Diversity of life: taxonomy, systematics and current classification systems
Biochemistry: understanding of chemical structure, chemical reactions, functional groups, macromolecules;
protein structure and function; basic understanding of metabolism including aerobic and anaerobic respiration,
and photosynthesis
Genetics: clear understanding of DNA structure; DNA replication, transcription, translation; basic understanding
of gene structure function and regulation; basic understanding of genetic variation, including mutation,
recombination, heredity and evolution; basic understanding of gene transfer system
Recombinant DNA technology: basic understanding of gene cloning, hybridization, DNA sequencing, PCR
Scientific method, writing and history: the scientific process, including hypothesis, experimentation, observation,
variables, etc.; scientific writing; basic history of science
Reference and Laboratory Textbook:
Madigan, Martinko, Bender, Buckley, Stahl. Brock Biology of Microorganisms 14th edition. Pearson Press. This is
an up to date, accurate and reasonably comprehensive text of microbiological principles with descriptions of
some economic applications in food, agriculture, and medicine. Lectures will also introduce supplemental
material.
Course Web Site:
Course material can be found through the Course Website: http://classes.uleth.ca/201601/biol3400a/. Course
information, slides, lecture notes, lab manual, course outline, and useful web sites will be posted on this site.
Lab Manual and Lab coats:
The lab manual is posted on the course web page. Lab coats, safety glasses and closed-toed shoes must be worn
in the laboratory at all times. Your lab instructor will distribute free lab coats during the first laboratory session.
NOTE: Labs start on January 12. Please read pages 1 – 11 of the lab manual.
Lab Book: A lab notebook is required for lab write-ups. Your lab instructor will provide you with information
about the lab notebook during the first lab.
Lab Examination Material: Students are responsible for all material included in and interpreted from the class
slides, in addition to any material posted to the class website. Recommended readings are solely for the purpose
of improving comprehension and concepts that are not covered in class will not be examined. This is a
comprehensive course that covers a lot of material; it is recommended that students attend class regularly,
prepare for student labs, and take advantage of office hours.
Biology 3400 - Principles of Microbiology
Spring 2016
Mark Distribution:
LECTURE
Lightning Talk
Mid-Term Examination 1 (in class Feb 4)
Mid-Term Examination 2 (in class Mar 10)
Final Examination (2 pm on April 18)
Total
LABORATORY
Laboratory Skills Tests
Lab Books
Assignments/Lab Reports
Lab Exam
Total
COURSE TOTAL
5%
12.5%
12.5%
20%
50%
8%
8%
24%
10%
50%
100%
NOTE: A passing grade is required in both lecture and laboratory components in order to receive a passing
grade for the course.
Lightning Talk:
This is an in-class oral PowerPoint presentation by groups of two on a compelling topic in microbiology (for
example: disease, biotechnology, recent discovery). Developing the ability to distill a topic down to its key points
and present it in a compelling way is key to being successful in any line of future employment. In addition,
presenting lightning talks at scientific congresses is becoming a common way to highlight the research progress
of trainees. The presentation should be 5 minutes long (recommended 3-5 slides) with 2 minutes allotted for
questions. The contributions of each participant will be evaluated – so it is recommend that each member
present and answer at least one question. Topics and group composition must be approved by Dr. Abbott by
Mar 10. A schedule will be available on or before Mar 24.
Grading System: Final letter grades will be assigned according to this scheme:
Letter
Percent
Grade Point
A+
A
A-
Excellent
90-100
85-89.9
80-84.9
4.0
4.0
3.7
B+
B
B-
Superior
77-79.9
74-76.9
70-73.9
3.3
3.0
2.7
C+
C
C-
Average
67-69.9
64-66.9
60-63.9
2.3
2.0
1.7
D+
D
Poor
57-59.9
50-56.9
1.3
1.0
F
Failing
49 or less
0
Biology 3400 - Principles of Microbiology
Spring 2016
Class Schedule
Jan 7
Overview; Chapter 1: Microorganisms and Microbiology (1-24)
Jan 12
Chapter 2: Microbial Cell Structure and Function (pg. 25-67)
Jan 14
Chapter 2: Microbial Cell Structure and Function (pg. 25-67)
Jan 19
Chapter 3: Microbial Metabolism (pg. 73-106)
Jan 21
Chapter 4: Molecular Microbiology (pg. 107-142)
Jan26
Chapter 5: Microbial Growth and Control (pg. 143-176)
Jan 28
Chapter 6: Microbial Genomics (pg. 183-214)
Feb 2
Chapter 7: Metabolic Regulation (pg. 215-244)
Feb 4
1st Midterm
Feb 9
Chapter 8: Viruses and Virology (pg. 245-264)
Feb 11
Chapter 9: Viral Genomes and Diversity (pg. 265-290)
Feb 16 Reading Week – No Classes
Feb 18 Reading Week – No Classes
Feb 23
Chapter 8: Viruses and Virology (pg. 245-264)
Feb 25
Chapter 9: Viral Genomes and Diversity (pg. 265-290)
Mar 1
Chapter 10: Genetics of Bacteria and Archaea (pg. 315-346)
Mar 3
No Class
Mar 8
Chapter 11: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (pg. 315-346)
Mar 10
2nd Midterm
Mar 15
Chapter 12: Microbial Evolution and Systematics (pg. 347-378)
Mar 17
Chapter 19: Microbial Ecosystems (pg. 597-630)
Mar 22
Chapter 20: Nutrient Cycles (pg. 631-648)
Mar 24
Chapter 22: Microbial Symbioses (pg. 669-704)
Mar 29
Chapter 23: Microbial Interactions with Humans (pg. 705-730)
Mar 31
Lightning Talks #1
Apr 5
Lightning Talks #2
Apr 7
Lightning Talks #3
Apr 12
Medical Microbiology Guest Lecture (Dr. Rob Gruninger)
Apr 14
Molecular Process of Bacterial Pathogenesis Guest Lecture (Drs. Darryl Jones and Julie
Grondin)
Final Exam
Apr 18 2:00-5:00 pm (Only material Mar 15-Apr 14 will be examined)
NOTE: I will be away April 8-14th. Students will be expected to attend guest lectures as there will be one
question from each lecture on the final exam. I will have extended office hours Friday Apr 15th 12pm-4pm.
Although I will try to address emails throughout the semester, no emails will be answered the weekend before
the exam (15th-17th).
*Flex Lecture – if time allows.