STUDENT COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE NAME: Microbiology
COURSE NUMBER & SECTION NUMBER: BIOL 2420 LG1
CLASS MEETINGS: MW: 3:30-4:45 P.M.
SEMESTER: Spring 2016
CRN: 20360
INSTRUCTOR NAME: Deanna Sengelmann
DIVISION: Science, Math & P.E.
INSTRUCTOR EMAIL: Deanna.Sengelmann@victoriacollege.edu
INSTRUCTOR WEBPAGE: N/A
OFFICE PHONE: (830)672-6251
OFFICE HOURS: Before or after class, or by appointment
OFFICE LOCATION: VC G 111
DEPARTMENT: Science
OFFICE FAX: (830)672-6706
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Biology 2420 is a study of microorganisms including a survey of all major groups.
Emphasis is placed on physiology, epidemiology and pathology associated with
clinically important prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Lecture includes
general morphology and physiology, disinfections and sterilization, immunity and
mechanisms of pathogenesis as well as a general survey of pathogens of human
significance. Laboratory work includes selected exercises progressively developing
skills in aseptic handling, staining and nourishing, detecting metabolic products and
studying diagnostic features of bacteria.
PREREQUISITE(S): Texas Success Initiative complete.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S), SUPPLIES, AND MATERIALS:
TEXTBOOK: Talaro, Foundations in Microbiology, 9th ed., WCB McGraw-Hill Publishing, Boston,
2014.
ISBN 978-0-07-352260-9
LAB MANUAL Coons, W.J., Microbiology Lab Manual Biology 2420, 2nd ed., Pearson Custom
Publishing Co., Austin, TX
ISBN 978-0-558-35840-2.
Additionally, students are expected to provide the following materials for each laboratory
period:
1. Lab coat
2. Nitrile gloves (1 box should last the entire semester)
3. Map colors
4. Spiral lab notebook
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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5. Combination lock (optional) You may wish to bring a combination lock so you may lock
up personal belongings that are not allowed in the laboratory.
You will each have a small plastic box to store your small items (think shoebox) in the lab.
You will have lockers available outside the lab classroom to lock up your belongings during
lab. No purses, cell phones, backpacks, etc. are allowed in the lab.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Task: Cite examples of persons significant to the history of microbiology and describe
their contributions to science. Explain the basis of biological classification listing the
major taxonomic groups and providing examples of each. Explain binomial nomenclature
used to describe living organisms. Demonstrate understanding of the chemical basis of
living cells and compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Outcome: Given a series of lectures and lab exercised the student will demonstrate the
ability to identify the characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exhibit
understanding of basic cell chemistry and the significance of historical discoveries in
microbiology by scoring at least 70% on a written examination.
2. Task: Demonstrate knowledge of metabolism, growth and reproduction of microorganisms,
including the molecular structure of DNA, transcription to mRNA and the final translation
to protein. The student will further be expected to exhibit understanding of the
mechanisms of genetic diversity among microorganisms.
Outcome: Given a series of lectures and lab exercises the student will demonstrate the
ability to identify the processes of replication, and transcription of DNA, translation of
mRNA into protein and demonstrate basic knowledge of microbial genetics by scoring at
least 70% on written examination.
3. Task: Show an understanding of the mechanism of disinfecting agents, methods of
sterilization, antibiotic and chemotherapeutic activity, describe mechanisms by which
microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobial therapy and explain specific and
nonspecific host defense mechanisms against microorganisms.
Outcome: Given a series of lectures and lab exercises the student will demonstrate
knowledge of disinfection, sterilization, sanitization, antibiotic and chemotherapeutic
activity as well as human immunology by scoring at least 70% on a written examination.
4. Task: Demonstrate methods of cultivation, identification and safe control of microbes in
the laboratory.
Outcome: Given a series of laboratory exercises the student will demonstrate the
knowledge required for safe handling of microorganisms and their physical and
biochemical identification. This will be accomplished by a series of weekly quizzes
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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followed by observation of aseptic technique and on practical exams. The student will
further be required to identify bacterial specimens using the appropriate media and flow
charts. The student must score a minimum of 70% of the cumulative laboratory points.
ASSESSMENTS:
Learning outcomes will be assessed by:
Quizzes
Major exams
Laboratory Practical Exams
Microbiological unknowns
Comprehensive practical exams
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
INSTRUCTIONAL MODES
Face-to-face instruction
ATTENDANCE
a. Be on time to lab and expect to stay the entire period!
b. Each lab takes two periods to complete. The first period, you will set up the experiment.
The following period, you will read your results. YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH PARTS OF A
LAB TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT FOR THE WEEK’S WORK.
c. Each lab requires that cultures and other materials be properly prepared, dispensed, and
then discarded or returned to storage. Because of this, make-up labs are typically NOT
possible and are only allowed under extraordinary circumstances. If you absolutely must
miss a lab period, contact your lab instructor as soon as possible. In certain cases, it MAY
be possible for you to attend the other lab section that day. However, YOU MUST OBTAIN
PERMISSION FROM BOTH LAB INSTRUCTORS BEFORE SWITCHING SECTIONS. Note that
because of limited space, there is no guarantee that you will be able to switch sections
for any particular lab.
d. Microbiology lab is organized as a series of stepwise skills required to move from one lab
to the next. Therefore, in some instances, A STUDENT MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO
CONTINUE UNTIL HE OR SHE HAS SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED THE PREVIOUS WEEK’S
WORK.
e. If a student misses more than two labs, his or her laboratory average will automatically
be recorded as a zero. Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated on an individual basis.
PREPAREDNESS
Each lab contains terms and/or questions that should be investigated in the lab manual or
textbook prior to that lab period. Students are expected to read and comprehend each unit.
and come to lab prepared.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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GRADING POLICY
a. Lab counts as 30% of the student’s overall course grade.
b. Lab performance will be evaluated on the student’s ability to follow directions, label
accurately, and perform techniques correctly. Points will be deducted for any
shortcomings in these areas.
c. Written work will be graded for accuracy, neatness, and completeness. Points will be
deducted for incomplete or incorrect answers, misspelled words, poor grammar, and
sloppiness.
d. Determination of lab grade:
Lab Reports (in lab manual, 7 at 5 points each)
35 points
Lab Quizzes (8 at 5 points each)
40 points
Safety, Microscopy, and Ubiquity Exam
10 points
Bacterial Infections Report and Presentation
5 points
Midterm Practical
35 points
Aseptic Technique Exam
10 points
Identification of Bacteriological Unknowns
40 points
Final Practical
35 points
Total possible points*
205 points
*Lab instructors reserve the right to give additional assignments, quizzes, and/or
exams as needed.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of
academic integrity. Therefore, Victoria College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as
described in the Student Handbook. Students are expected to complete all quizzes and exams
with no notes or aids of any kind. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to make exceptions.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic
dishonesty.
COPYRIGHT POLICY:
All printed materials disseminated in class or on the web are protected by copyright laws.
One copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of
any of these materials is strictly prohibited.
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS:
Be on time, prepared and organized for your lab class. Be proactive about asking for help.
Use your textbook, lab manual and other resources before asking for your instructor’s help.
IMPORTANT DATES
 The ORD for this class is 2/3/2016.
 The last day to drop this class is 4/6/2016.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Spring 2016 Microbiology Lab Schedule
Date Day Lab Lab Topic
1/20 w
1 Intro and Safety
1/25 m
2 Microscopy
1/27 w
Microscopy
2/1
m
3 Ubiquity of microbes
2/3
w
Ubiquity of microbes
2/8
m
4 Smear prep and Gram Stain
2/10 w
Smear prep and Gram Stain
2/15 m
5 Acid Fast Capsules and Endospores
2/17 w
Acid Fast Capsules and Endospores
2/22 m
6 Aseptic transfer streak plate and growth
2/24 w
Aseptic transfer streak plate and growth
2/29 m
7 midterm practical
3/2
w
Midterm practical
3/7
m
Hospital Infections report
3/9
w
Students present reports to class
3/14 m
spring break
3/16 w
spring break
3/21 m
8 Intro to biochemical testing
3/23 w
Intro to biochemical testing
3/28 m
Intro to biochemical testing
3/30 w
Intro to biochemical testing
4/4
m
9 enteric MacConkey, IMViC
4/6
w
enteric MacConkey, IMViC
4/11 m
10 gram + PEA, Catalase,Mannitol, Blood Agar
4/13 w
gram + PEA, Catalase,Mannitol, Blood Agar
4/18 m
11 Bacteriological unknowns
4/20 w
Bacteriological unknowns
4/25 m
Bacteriological unknowns
4/27 w
Bacteriological unknowns
5/2
m
review for final exam
5/4
w
lab final exam
5/9
m
Lecture Final Exams Week
5/10 w
Lecture Final Exams Week
Assignment and quizzes
Intro and Safety quiz
Points
5
Lab 2 info page due and quiz
10
Lab 3 report due and quiz
10
Lab 4 report due and quiz
10
Lab 5 report due and quiz
10
Written midterm exam
Aseptic Technique practical exam
35
10
Turn in report
5
Lab 8 report due and quiz
10
Lab 9 report due and quiz
10
Lab 10 report due and quiz
10
Unknowns due-full credit
40
final exam/ last date for unknowns
35
Total Points available
205
**This schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in lab.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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Student Resources
At Victoria College, helping students succeed in fulfilling their educational goals is
our top priority. VC offers a wide range of resources designed to help ensure that
all students achieve success and realize their dreams.
Advising & Counseling Services
Victoria College offers academic advising, career counseling, and transfer services
to all VC students. Additionally, Advising & Counseling Services provides support
services for special populations, including VA students and students with
documented disabilities
Career Services
Career Services offers information, assistance, and guidance to current and former
students seeking employment. The counselors also assist individuals in choosing a
career, planning a new career, or changing careers.
Computer Help Desk
Victoria College operates a Computer Help Desk that provides technical support
services for students who experience computer access and usage issues.
Computer Labs
In addition to computers available in each of three main tutoring centers across
campus, VC also offers computer labs open for general student use in the
Technology Center, the Student Center, the Academic Building and in the Health
Sciences Center.
Disability Support Services
Special accommodations are available for qualified students with documented
disabilities. Services may include note-taking assistance, special parking
provisions, adapted testing and reader services. For more information, call Karen
Friedel at (361) 572-6411 or stop by the Advising & Counseling Services office.
Emerging Scholars
The Emerging Scholars program provides support for students on academic
probation and helps them return to good academic standing. Advisors offer
students assistance with practicing effective study strategies, time management
skills and use of VC resources in order to help ensure a rewarding transition from
struggling student to successful student. For more information, call Liz Cubriel at
(361) 582-2572 or stop by the Advising & Counseling Services office.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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KEY Center
VC’s first-generation and low-income students, along with students with
documented disabilities, may apply for access to the KEY Center . Funded by the
U.S. Department of Education, this TRIO Student Support Services program offers
extensive assistance and support for members by providing tutoring, advising and
career exploration, financial literacy education, cultural events, and workshops to
foster success. For more information, call the KEY Center at (361) 582-2414.
Library
The VC/UHV Library serves both Victoria College and the University of HoustonVictoria. Library staff is committed to anticipating and satisfying the information
and research needs of VC and UHV students.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental instruction (SI) is a voluntary program where students benefit from
the guidance of an SI leader who provides support in historically challenging
courses. The safety and support of a group setting comprised of fellow students
creates an environment in which students may become more comfortable with
college-level materials and study requirements. For more information, call SI
Coordinator Brian Hutcheson at 361-582-2581.
Testing Center
The Testing Center is a place where students can take a variety of tests, such as
the GED Exam, college placement exams, credit by exam, online course exams,
and more.
Tutoring Services
There are over 30 tutors in VC’s tutoring centers located on the Main Campus,
with hours to fit students’ needs. Tutoring services are also available at the
Gonzales Center and the Calhoun County Center. Students can get help with a
variety of subjects such as math, English, science classes, and much more. For
more information, call Betty East at (361) 572-6473 or stop by one of the tutoring
centers.
Veteran’s Affairs
Veteran’s affairs advisors are available at Victoria College to help U.S. Military
veterans access their education benefits and provide support in achieving their
civilian professional goals. For more information, call Stacy Kelly at (361) 572-6462
or stop by the Advising & Counseling Services office.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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