Microbiology 250 -Spring, 2016
Chapter 1 Outline and Study Guide
Textbook Readings
Brock Biology of Microorganisms Chapter 1 Textbook Pages: 1-24
Chapter 1 presents background and context for the study of microbiology. It is truly an
introductory chapter, Read all sections of the Chapter but Chapter 1 is not as important as
later chapters. Sections 1.3 and 1.4 are the most important. Section 1.8 on Robert Koch
and his postulates is the next most important section.
Other Readings and Assignments
Read the article that you find at the following url.
http://www.statnews.com/2016/01/07/otzi-iceman-stomach-bacteria-study/
It describes a new way to apply the study of microorganisms (H. pylori) to other
disciplines of science. Be prepared to participate in a class discussion of this article on
Thursday, January 21.
If you like you can read a different report on this topic at the following url.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/08/science/otzi-the-iceman-stomach-bacteria-europemigration.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentC
ollection=science&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlaceme
nt=9&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
There are no other readings or assignments at this time.
Other reading/writing/viewing/internet assignments may be made later.
Mini-Quizzes
The mini-quizzes scattered throughout this chapter are important! Use these mini-quizzes
as ways to assess your understanding of concepts as you read. Mini-Quizzes on Sections
1.3, 1.4 and 1.8 are more important than mini-quizzes on other sections.
Big Ideas
The Big Ideas at the end of the Chapter (pp. 69-70) are important! These big ideas
articulate and emphasize the main point of each chapter sub-section. Big Ideas from
Sections 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8 are more important than those from other sections.
You should be familiar with and understand the Big Ideas from Sections 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8.
Key Terms
You will need to have a solid understanding of the Key Terms presented on page 23-24 in
order to be successful in the rest of the course. These vocabulary terms are foundational
for subsequent material. Many of the terms are very basic and others are reviews from
other courses.
Key terms that appear in the assigned chapter reading material and on the power point
slides are more important than terms that do not appear in both places.
Review and Application Questions
The Review and Application Questions on Page 24 are important. You should use these
questions to help guide you in your study of microbiology and your preparation for
course exams. These questions help you to look at facts, concepts, big ideas and key
terms in different ways and they also help you to understand relationships.
Review Questions 2, 3, 4 and 8 are the most important Review Questions. Application
Question #2 is the most important Application Question.
For the Exam
Mini-Quiz, Big Ideas, Key Terms, Review and Application Questions material as
described above may appear in some form on one of your course examinations. Other
lecture material, writing and homework material may also appear in some form on the
exam.