NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Microbiology
Course Prefix & Number: BL2420
Section Number: 500
Term Code:fall2014
Semester Credit Hours:4
Lecture Hours:48
Lab Hours:48
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): The course consists of a survey of key concepts in the
biology, classification and genetics of microorganisms, viruses and parasites and the reactive
eukaryotic immunology. Biotechnical approaches will be discussed and applied in the
laboratory. This course consists of 48 lecture hours and 48 laboratory hours, earning 4
credits hours of science
Course Prerequisite(s):BL1406
Course Type:
 - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC
Core)
- Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
 - WECM Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Diana Avila, PhD
COR 261
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Doug Elrod, PhD
COR304
940 498 6291
delrod@nctc.edu
davila@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
Text: Required: Microbiology, 4th edition, Bauman.
Textbook Publisher Website: http://masteringmicrobiology.com/ You must purchase a
book or an online subscription. You will receive an access code which you will enter
during online registration. The course ID is MMBAVILA03987. This is necessary to
perform the assigned homework and take the online quizzes, which represent 5% of your
grade, respectively. A total 10% of your grade!
Laboratory Manual: Required: Microbiology Lab Manual, BIOL 2420. This an in
house lab.
GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded
Course
Elements
5
5
12
1
2
10
10
Graded Course Elements
Exam
Quizzes
Homework
Group project
Lab practical
Lab quizzes
Daily work
Percentage or
Points Values
60%
5%
5%
5%
15%
5%
5%
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student Learning Outcome
At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
Students will develop a thorough understanding of microorganism biology including morphology,
metabolism, taxonomy, and microbial genetics. Also, eukaryotic immunology, virology, mycology,
parasitology and the relationship of these organisms to diseases. Students will also have hands-on
experience on handling live microorganisms using aseptic techniques, culture techniques, and applying
various staining procedures used for identification of bacteria.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
Microbiology and the Scientific Method
Students should be able to:
1. Recognize the past, present and future of microbiology as a science.
2. Demonstrate an understanding, and the ability to use, the scientific method including observation,
hypotheses testing, data collection, and analysis.
3. Discuss how microscopy has revealed the structure and function of microorganisms.
4. Understand how microorganisms are used as model systems to study basic biology, genetics,
metabolism and ecology.
5. Describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
6. Correctly perform microbiologic lab skills and display a habit of good lab practices.
Chemistry of Organisms
1. Demonstrate knowledge of cell structures, functions, and metabolic diversity exhibited by
microorganisms, impact of metabolic characteristics on growth, and control of growth.
2. Compare the life cycle and structures of different types of viruses.
2. Recognize how basic chemical structures are related to cellular chemistry.
3. Understand that microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature, inhabiting a multitude of habitats,
occupying a wide range of ecological habitats.
4. Have and understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms,
Microbial Genetics
Students should be able to:
1. Have an understanding of basic microbial genetics, as it relates to topics such as structure,
function, diversity, metabolism, and metabolic regulation.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of evolutionary forces and their consequences.
3. Describe evidence for the evolution cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways from early
prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
4. Understand the taxonomic, ecological, and genetic relationships among microorganisms.
5. Identify unique structures, capabilities, and genetic information flow of microorganisms.
6. Describe the causes and consequences of mutations on microbial evolution and the generation of
diversity as well as human impacts on adaptation.
Microorganisms and Immunology
Students should be able to:
1. Explain the dynamics of commensal, opportunistic, and pathological relationships between microbes
and humans. Also, the impact of microorganism on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, and
energy.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the interaction between microorganisms and the environment.
2. Have an understanding of the immune response and disease-causing microorganisms, including
aspects of the humoral, cell-mediated and non-specific immune responses, as well as the molecular
basis for pathogenesis
3. Articulate the role of the immune system in maintaining homeostasis, challenging infections, and
fighting cancer.
Microorganisms and Biotechnology
Students should be able to:
1. Recognize that microorganisms have an indispensable role in the environment, including elemental
cycles, biodegradation, biofilms, etc.
2. Recognize that microorganisms play an integral role in disease, and microbial and immunological
methodologies are used in disease treatment and prevention. Also, classify these interactions
between microorganisms on human and non-human hosts as neutral, detrimental, or beneficial.
3. Recognize the biotechnological application of microorganisms to solve environmental problems.
4. Have an understanding of how microorganisms and their products plays a vital role in biotechnology,
fermentation, medicine, and other industries important to human well being.
Laboratory Learning Outcomes:
Students should be able to:
1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as
microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
2. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the
laboratory.
3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
4. Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem,
energy, and human health, including biofilms.
Identify unique structures, capabilities, and genetic information flow of microorganisms.
Compare the life cycles and structures of different types of viruses.
Discuss how microscopy has revealed the structure and function of microorganisms.
Give examples of the range of metabolic diversity exhibited by microorganisms, impact of
metabolic characteristics on growth, and control of growth.
9. Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways
from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
10. Describe the causes and consequences of mutations on microbial evolution and the
generation of diversity as well as human impacts on adaptation.
11. Classify interactions of microorganisms on human and non-human hosts as neutral,
detrimental, or beneficial.
5.
6.
7.
8.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular attendance and active participation in class to both lecture and lab is essential for learning.
Students with 5 or more lecture absences or 3 lab absences may be dropped from the class.
Students are responsible for all material and assignments given in class and lab. If a class is missed, it
is the student's responsibility to use the Angel resources to determine what was missed or contact
other students to see what was covered or assigned on that day. Students are also expected to
complete all assigned quizzes, exams, and other work on the assigned day see “Evaluation”
section for further information.
It is the student's responsibility to use proper withdrawal procedures if the student decides to
withdraw.
CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________
o Communication
o Mathematics
xo Life and Physical Science
o Language, Philosophy & Culture
o Creative Arts
o American History
o Government/Political Science
o Social and Behavioral Sciences
o Component Area Option
REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES
 Critical Thinking
 Communication
 Empirical and Quantitative
 Teamwork
 Personal Responsibility
 Social Responsibility
The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is_Nov
6_______________.
Last day to
Withdraw
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
The course consists of a survey of key concepts in the biology, classification and genetics of
microorganisms, viruses and parasites and the reactive eukaryotic immunology. Biotechnical
approaches will be discussed and applied in the laboratory. This course consists of 48 lecture
hours and 48 laboratory hours, earning 4 credits hours of science.
Date
Subject
Aug 26
28
T
H
Introduction
Sept 2
4
9
11
T
H
T
H
Cell structure and function
Microscopy, staining, and classification
Microscopy, staining, and classification
Microbial metabolism/ Microbial nutrition and growth
16
18
23
25
30
Oct 2
7
9
14
16
21
23
28
30
Nov 4
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
Microbial nutrition and growth
Microbial genetics
Exam #1
Recombinant DNA technology
Controlling microbial growth in the environment
Antimicrobial drugs
Characterizing and classifying prokaryotes
Characterizing and classifying prokaryotes
Exam #2
Characterizing and classifying eukaryotes
Characterizing and classifying viruses
Infection, infectious diseases, epidemiology
Infection, infectious diseases, epidemiology
Innate immunity
Adaptive immunity
Exam
Quizzes
Reading
Assignment
Chapter 1
A brief history of microbiology/ Scientific Method
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5/6
Quiz 1
Exam #1
Quiz 2
Exam #2
Quiz 3
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Exam #1
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Exam #2
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
6
11
13
18
H
T
H
T
Immunization and immune testing
Exam #3
Immune disorders
Pathogenic gram positive/ Pathogenic gram negative
20
25
27
Dec 2
H
T
H
T
Rickettsias, etc/ Pathogenic fungi
Parasitic protozoa, etc/ Pathogenic DNA viruses
Thanksgiving – NO Classes
Pathogenic RNA viruses/ Applied and environmental
microbiology
4
Final
H
T
Exam #4
Final December 9 at 8 am
Week
Beginning
Aug 25
Sept 1
8
15
22
29
Oct 6
13
20
27
Nov 3
10
17
Lab # Subject
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Safety/The Compound Microscope
Cells
Microscopic Appearance of Bacteria-Staining-Part A
Part B
Part C
Lab Practical (labs 1-5)
Cultivation and Colonial Morphology of Bacteria-Part A
Cultivation and Colonial Morphology of Bacteria-Part B
Examine Results Exercise 4
Parasites – Protozoans and Helminths
Parasites- Cestodes and Nematodes
DNA analysis
Lab Practical (labs 7-11)
Quiz 4
Chapter 17
Exam #3
Chapter 18
Chapter 19/20
Quiz 5
Chapter 21/22
Chapter 23/24
Exam #3
Chapter 25/26
Exam #4
Final
Exercise #
E1
E2
E3
E3
E3
E4
E4
E4
E5
E5
E6
Exam #4
Final
Student Rights & Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall
be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and
regulations concerning student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the
Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is
punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be
limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See the Student Handbook for more
information.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Disability Services (OSD)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have
a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the
Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower
Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal
equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA
Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).
http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their
academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab,
and free online tutoring in the evening. The program helps students acclimate to college by
providing students free interactive workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest
Student Success Center.
Tobacco-Free Campus
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property.