Great Basin College
General Microbiology, Biol 251
Course Syllabus
Spring 2012
Course Description; General Microbiology is the study of taxonomy, morphology,
physiology, pathogeneses, and ecology of microorganisms. Laboratory skills in aseptic
procedures, isolation and identification of microorganisms are stressed. This is an internet
enhanced course.
Instructor; Doug Hogan
Office; Room 117, or Room 122 (Biology Lab), Winnemucca Campus
Office Hours; M,W 11:00-1:00. T,Th 12:15-1:15.
Phone Number; 775-623-1809
E-mail; dough@gwmail.gbcnv.edu
Course Meeting Times and Location; T,Th 9:30-12:15, Room 122
Textbook, lecture, Microbiology an Introduction, 10th edit, By Tortora et. al.
ISBN 0321742699
Textbook, lab, Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Application, By Leboffe et. al.
ISBN 978-0-89582-705-0
Online access to www.masteringmicrobiology.com
Expected Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course students will be able to
1. Describe several of the many roles microbes play in Earths ecology.
2. Demonstrate the use of a compound light microscope to observe microbes such as
bacteria.
3. Diagram and label typical prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, viral particles and prions.
4. Create models of microbial growth patterns and describe effective methods of
controlling microbial growth.
5. Provide several examples of biotechnology and outline the procedure for creating
recombinant organisms.
6. Describe various pathogens, their mode of action, and the diseases they cause.
7. Describe how the body defends itself against disease and how this process may be
enhanced.
8. List several industrial applications of microbes.
Measurement of Outcomes
Periodically student will be required to take traditional exams designed to measure
mastery of these objectives. Exams will be a combination of matching, multiple choice,
and essay questions. Students grades will be based on their level of competency reflected
by their scores on these exams (see grading).
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Tentative Schedule
Day
Date
Topic
Reading
T
Th
T
Th
1/24
1/26
1/31
2/2
Chapters 1,2
T
Th
T
Th
T
2/7
2/9
2/14
2/16
2/21
Th
T
Th
T
2/23
2/27
3/1
3/6
Microbial World and Chemistry
No Class, BLM RAC Meeting
Microscopes
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells
Exam 1, Chapters 1-4, TBA
Microbial Metabolism
Microbial Growth
Control of Microbial Growth
Microbial Genetics
Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA
Exam 2, Chapters 5-9, TBA
Classification of Microbes
Bacteria, Archea,
Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, Helminths
Viruses, Viroids, Prions, Disease
Exam 4, Chapters 10-13, TBA
Th
T
Th
T
Th
T
Th
T
Th
3/8
3/13
3/15
3/20
3/22
3/27
3/29
4/3
4/5
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
T
Th
T
Th
T
Th
4/10
4/12
4/17
4/19
4/24
4/26
T
Th
T
Th
5/1
5/3
5/8
5/10
Epidemiology
Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
Innate Immunity
Specific Defense
Immune Response and Immunology
Spring Break
Spring Break
Autoimmune Diseases
Antimicrobial Drugs
Exam 5, Chapters 14-20 TBA
Diseases of the Skin and Eyes
Diseases of the Nervous System
Diseases of Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
Diseases of the Respiratory System
Diseases of Digestive
Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems
Exam 6, Chapters 21-26, TBA
Environmental Microbiology
Industrial Microbiology
TBA
Lab Final
Chapter 3
Chapters 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
2
T
5/15
Exam 7, Chapters 27-28
Course Policies
Grading
The number of grade points earned during the semester will determine student’s
grades. Grade points are earned from lecture exams, online homework, laboratory
practices, laboratory unknowns, laboratory exercises, quizzes, presentations and other
course work. Forty percent of your grade will be earned in the laboratory and sixty
percent in lecture. Lecture exam scores maybe adjusted a maximum of 10% based on
student performance. Individual point values are determined by calculating their relative
percentage of the high score. Course grades will be assigned as follows.
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F less than 60%
This is a grading outline. The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as
deemed necessary. Any adjustments made will be in the student’s best interest.
Exams
Lecture Exams will consist of two or three sections. The first section will require
matching terms with their definition. Terms specific to this course appear in the assigned
reading and may be listed at the end of each chapter. The most significant terms are
included in the notes and discussed in class. The second section will consist of multiple
choice questions which examine each students understanding of the concepts being
studied. The third section (optional) will contain one or more essay questions. Possible
question topics may be found within the lecture note / study guides outlines provided.
Presentations
During the semester you will be presenting information to your classmates. Your
presentation should be supported by “Power Point” or other software and notes similar to
those provided by me supporting my presentations.
Online Homework.
Go to www.masteringmicrobiology.com. Register for DougsMicroSpring2012.
Homework will be due at 11:59 PM Sundays. Missed assignment will not receive credit.
Attendance
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Attendance is a substantial part of this course. There is a direct correlation
between attendance and grades. Students who miss more than one class meeting seldom
earn A’s, and those that miss three or more seldom earn B’s. I am aware that many of you
have jobs and families. May I suggest the following; 1. Provide your employer and
family with a copy of your school schedule. This will facilitate keeping things going
smoothly at work and home allowing you to sustain your academic progress. 2. Those of
you with children arrange backup child care. Expect that your “sitter” may have
unforeseen difficulties or be unable to care for a sick child. At times, life just happens,
cars quit running, those close to us have problems and unfortunately may become ill and
may even pass away. Anticipate trouble with your spouse, ex, or significant other. If you
don’t have a spouse, ex, or significant other, well... the semesters has just begun. Keep
the following in mind. Your grade is determined by grade points. Points are earned
by demonstrating what you have learned, not what you have endured during this
course. If a student cannot make it to class, it is his or her responsibility to obtain missed
materials and information upon returning to class (exchange telephone numbers and use
the buddy system).
Missed Exams
No make up exams will be given. If for any reason you are unable to take an
exam at the scheduled time a score of zero will be recorded. Quizzes are often given at
the beginning or end of class sessions and may not be made up. Missing exams and
quizzes is extremely detrimental to your grade.
Due Dates
Coursework is due as indicated. Late course work may not receive credit. Course
work received after a given assignment has been graded, recorded and returned will not
be accepted for credit. No coursework will be accepted after the last regular course
meeting.
Academic Dishonesty
Any act of academic dishonesty including cheating on exams, plagiarism, and
falsifying data will result a zero score on that portion of the course work and referral to
the Vice President of Student Services. Any talking during exams and or sitting close to
other students during exams will be considered cheating.
Suggestions
Maintain a notebook consisting of all course work and materials. Your success in
this course will largely depend on your knowledge of information contained within your
notes. Returned course work is a record of your progress and may be used to correct any
errors in your instructor’s grade records.
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Read assignments before they are discussed in class. This will increase what you
learn during lecture. Review your notes and text until you are familiar with their contents.
Repetition is required to convert short-term memory to long-term memory.
NOTICE
Qualified students with physical or documented learning disabilities have the right
to free accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at Great
Basin College. For assistance, contact the Disabled Student Services Office at 753-2271.
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