STUDENT COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE NAME: Microbiology
COURSE NUMBER & SECTION NUMBER: BIOL 2420 LG2
CLASS MEETS: MW: 7:00-8:15 P.M.
SEMESTER: Spring 2016
CRN: 20361
INSTRUCTOR NAME: Brent Baker
DIVISION: Science, Mathematics & Physical Education
INSTRUCTOR EMAIL: brent.baker@victoriacollege.edu
INSTRUCTOR WEBPAGE: N/A
OFFICE PHONE: (830) 672-6251 ext. 3444
OFFICE HOURS: Before or after class, or by appointment
OFFICE LOCATION: VCG 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 (one box should last the entire semester)
3. Map colors (be sure to have pink)
4. Index cards
5. Combination lock (optional; students may wish to bring a combination lock to secure
personal belongings that are not allowed in the laboratory)
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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 exercises 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 a
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 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.
Learning outcomes will be assessed via laboratory reports, quizzes, written exams, practical
exams, and identification of bacteriological unknowns.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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ATTENDANCE
a. Students should be on time to lab and expect to stay the entire period!
b. Each lab takes two classes to complete. Media will be inoculated the first class. Results will
be read the following class. STUDENTS MUST ATTEND BOTH PARTS OF A LAB TO RECEIVE
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. Students should inform their lab
instructor as soon as possible if they absolutely must miss a lab. In certain cases, it MAY be
possible to attend the other lab section that day. However, STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN
PERMISSION FROM BOTH LAB INSTRUCTORS BEFORE SWITCHING SECTIONS. Note that
because of limited space, there is no guarantee that students 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.
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, 8 at 5 points each)
40 points
Lab Quizzes (8 at 5 points each)
40 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 instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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 lab. Be proactive about asking for help. Use your
textbook, lab manual, and other resources before asking for your instructor’s help.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Date
W 1/20
M 1/25
W 1/27
M 2/1
W 2/3
M 2/8
W 2/10
M 2/15
W 2/17
M 2/22
W 2/24
M 2/29
W 3/2
M 3/7
W 3/9
M 3/14
W 3/16
M 3/21
W 3/23
M 3/28
W 3/30
M 4/4
W 4/6
M 4/11
W 4/13
M 4/18
W 4/20
M 4/25
W 4/27
M 5/2
W 5/4
Lab
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Lab Topic
Introduction and Safety
Microscopy
Microscopy
Ubiquity of Microbes
Ubiquity of Microbes
Smear Preparation and Gram Stain
Smear Preparation and Gram Stain
Acid Fast Stain, Capsules, and Endospores
Acid Fast Stain, Capsules, and Endospores
Aseptic Transfer, Streak Plate, and Growth
Aseptic Transfer, Streak Plate, and Growth
Midterm Exam-Practical
Aseptic Technique Exam
Bacterial Infections Report
Bacterial Infections Presentations
Spring Break-No Class
Spring Break-No Class
Introduction to Biochemical Testing
Introduction to Biochemical Testing
Introduction to Biochemical Testing
Introduction to Biochemical Testing
Enteric Bacteria, MacConkey, and Imvic Series
Enteric Bacteria, MacConkey, and Imvic Series
Gm+, Pea, Catalase, Mannitol, and Blood Agar
Gm+, Pea, Catalase, Mannitol, and Blood Agar
Identification of Bacteriological Unknowns
Identification of Bacteriological Unknowns
Identification of Bacteriological Unknowns
Identification of Bacteriological Unknowns
Review for Final Exam
Final Exam-Practical
Assignments and Quizzes
Lab 1 Quiz
Lab 2 Report Due & Lab 2 Quiz
Lab 3 Report Due & Lab 3 Quiz
Lab 4 Report Due & Lab 4 Quiz
Lab 5 Report Due & Lab 5 Quiz
Lab 6 Report Due
Bacterial Infections Report Due
Lab 8 Report Due & Lab 8 Quiz
Lab 9 Report Due & Lab 9 Quiz
Lab 10 Report Due & Lab 10 Quiz
Unknowns-1st Attempt Due
Unknowns-2nd Attempt Due
**This schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in lab.
IMPORTANT DATES:
The ORD for this class is 2/3/2016. The last day to drop this class is 4/6/2016.
STUDENT RESOURCES:
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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.
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 instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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The VC/UHV Library serves both Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria. 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.
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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