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STUDENT SYLLABUS
Course Name/Section Number:
Microbiology/ BIOL 2420 CRN 10059
Instructor Name: Dr. Stephanie Gacke
Division/Dept: Science
Office Hours: By Appointment
Office Number:
118
Office Phone: 830-672-8676
Instructor Email: Stephanie.Gacke@victoriacollege.edu
,/mbond@gvec.net
Instructor Website: NA
Course Description (AMS)
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) (AMS):
Texas Success Initiative complete in Reading, Writing, and Math
Required Textbook(s), Supplies, and Materials (AMS):
Lecture Text Required
Talaro, Foundations in Microbiology, 9th ed., WCB McGraw-Hill Publishing, Boston, 2014. ISBN 978-0-07-352260-9
Laboratory Manual Required
Coons, W.J., Microbiology Lab Manual Biology 2420, 2nd ed., Pearson Custom Publishing Co., Austin, TX ISBN 0-5362778-18.
Laboratory: Additional Material will be provided by the instructor.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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Laboratory Supplies Required
Students are required to provide their own nitrile gloves (usually 1 box is sufficient) and a laboratory coat. You may
wish to bring a combination lock so you may lock up personal belongings that are not allowed in the laboratory.
Learning Outcomes (AMS):
The student will obtain an introductory level understanding of microbiology including historical and current
significant events and persons within the field. Students will be introduced to taxonomy, prokaryotic cells and
eukaryotic cells as well as metabolism, growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Students will have an
understanding of bacterial, viral, fungal, helminth and protozoan diseases .The student, upon completing this
course will be familiar with the major concepts of microbiology, common laboratory techniques and safety,
disinfection, sterilization, basic microbial genetics, epidemiology and immunology.
Assessments (AMS):
1. Exams will be timed and primarily multiple choice in nature. Exams will be taken through blackboard during class
time in a proctored computer laboratory without notes. Log in time is not considered part of your timed exam.
The final exam is cumulative as per Victoria College Rules.
2. Spelling will be graded on any written exams or pop quizzes. Imagine viewing a misspelled word on your own
medical chart. Would this give you confidence in your health care provider?
3. Everything on the exam is covered in lecture or in your text book. Attendance to lecture is essential as I may add
or delete material to the course.
4. Once your exam is over you must leave the computer lab. Please do not discuss the exam with other students.
They may be waiting to take the exam. Exam materials will be reviewed during class hours, but specific
questions will not be available for viewing.
5. On exam days please leave your cell phone at home. If this is somehow impossible, it MUST be turned off and
left in the assigned area. If it is not turned off and it rings, your exam is over. If you have your cell phone on
your person during the exam your exam is over. Copying of any exam materials will result in an automatic grade
of zero points.
6. You must attend the exam for your section or arrange a make-up exam with your instructor. Simply attending
another exam session is considered academic dishonesty and will follow the policy in Article V section 7.1
through 7.3 of The VC Student Handbook.
Please NOTE: All makeup exams will be more difficult than the original exam and can be in
any format including an oral exam.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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SCANS (When Appropriate - AMS): Not Applicable
Course Requirements (AMS):
Specific lecture topics, assignments and lab activities will enhance the material from the textbook. It is strongly
recommended that the student read the corresponding chapter before attending class and the corresponding lab in
the lab manual.
Criteria for Grading (AMS):
Lecture Course grades are calculated according to the following formula:
Test 1
25%
Test 2
25%
Test 3
25%
Test 4
25%
Course Total 100%
Lecture is 70% of your final grade. Your laboratory score is 30% of your final grade. Final Grades will be
assigned by Dr. Gacke. Pop quizzes will be given at Dr. Gacke’s discretion.
Attendance (AMS):
1. You are expected to regularly participate in the class in which you are enrolled. You are responsible for the
subsequent completion of work missed during an absence. Prompt arrival is expected, especially in the
laboratory. The instructor will consider any more than 2 laboratory absences as excessive. The instructor
may, at his or her discretion, give you a zero in laboratory if you miss more than two absences.
2. You are responsible for obtaining the material covered on the day you missed from a fellow student. It is
generally a good idea to get the phone numbers of at least 2 classmates for this purpose. Any instruction
missed and not subsequently completed may affect your grade. Any make-up work is at the discretion of
the instructor.
3. Plan to stay the entire lab session. If you are unable to attend your regularly scheduled lab (not an exam),
you may be allowed to attend another lab session. However, you must contact the instructor first! Do not
just show up. This is a courtesy & should not become a reoccurring problem.
4. If you have an emergency & cannot attend a lab or exam, contact your instructor to arrange a make-up. If
you miss an exam or a lab you must email the instructor as soon as possible. Waiting more than 1 day (24
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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hours) to contact the instructor may result in points deducted from your grade unless an extended
absence is documented (Think unplanned hospitalization.) You are wise to discuss a known absence with the
instructor before missing an exam if possible.
5. Make-up exams and their format are at the discretion of the instructor.
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
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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
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.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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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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Tentative Class Calendar (Including Each Major Assignment and Examination - (AMS):
Biology 2420
Spring 2016
Monday and Wednesday
Microbiology Instructor’s Note: You will note that the title contains the word tentative which means that this
schedule is not final and is subject to change. It is provided to you as a guide, so that you may know roughly where
we are within the given material and where we intend to go. You will be expected to use the subject index of your
lecture textbook to augment your knowledge of these topics. Any changes to this schedule will be announced in class.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Date
1/18
1/20
1/25
1/27
2/1
2/3
2/8
2/10
2/15
2/17
2/22
2/24
2/29
3/2
3/7
3/9
3/14
3/16
3/21
3/23
3/28
3/30
4/4
4/6
4/11
4/13
4/18
4/20
4/25
4/27
5/2
5/4
5/9
Lecture Topic
Text Reading
Lab
MLK day - No Class
Intro to Microbiology and Lab Practices
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microorganisms
Ch 1,2,3
1
Ch 4,5
2
Nutrition, Growth, and Metabolism
Ch 7,8
3
Review
Exam
Microbial Control
Ch 11,12
4
Microbes and Immunity
Ch 13, 14
5
Immunity
Ch 14,15
6
Review
Exam
Spring Break - No Class
Spring Break - No Class
Brief Ch 17 and Important Cocci
Ch 17, 18
8
Important Bacilli
Ch 19, 20
9
Review
Exam
Spirochetes and Fungi
Ch 21, 22
Ch 6, 24, 25
10
Viruses
Ch 6, 24, 25
11
Special Topic in Micro
Catch Up and Review
Take Home Assignment
Review
Final Exam
7
12
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Lab Topic
No Class
Safety and Intro
Microscopy
Microscopy
Ubiquity of Microbes
Ubiquity of Microbes
Exam - Safety, Microscopy and Ubiquity
Smear Prep and Gram Stain
Smear Prep and Gram Stain
Acid Fast, Capsules and Endospores
Acid Fast, Capsules and Endospores
Aseptic Transfer, Streak Plate and Growth
Aseptic Transfer, Streak Plate and Growth
Mid- Semester Exam - Practical
Mid- Semester Exam - Aseptic Technique
No Class
No Class
Intro to Biochem Testing
Intro to Biochem Testing
Enteric Bac., MacConkey, Imvic
Enteric Bac., MacConkey, Imvic
Review
Exam
Gm +, Pea, Catalase, Mannitol , Bld Agar
Gm +, Pea, Catalase, Mannitol, Bld Agar
Bacteriological Unknowns
Bacteriological Unknowns
Antibody-Antigen Interaction
Antibody-Antigen Interaction
Review for Final
Final Exam