MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
DEPT.: Biology
COURSE NUMBER: 2270
NUMBER OF CREDITS: 4
COURSE TITLE: Microbiology
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Covers the fundamentals of the science of microbiology, microscopy,
structure and function of cells, metabolism, microbial growth and control, genetics, and
recombinant DNA technology. Also covered is a survey of the microbial world including bacteria,
viruses, and pathogenic fungi, protozoa and multi-cellular organisms. The interaction between the
microbe and its host is covered as well as environmental and applied or industrial microbiology.
Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce lecture material and provide an opportunity for
students to (1) master microbiological techniques, (2) develop critical thinking skills, and (3) learn
to analyze and present data.
AUDIENCE: Microbiology is appropriate for students in a wide variety of programs, including the
allied health sciences, biological science, environmental science, animal science, forestry,
agriculture, home economics, nutrition, pharmacy, various pre-professional programs, and the
liberal arts.
FULFILLS MN TRANSFER CURRICULUM AREA(S)
Area 3: by meeting the following competencies: a, b, c, and d
PREREQUISITES OR NECESSARY ENTRY SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: One of these courses, BIOL
1110, CHEM 1101, or CHEM 1150 is recommended.
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
THIS COURSE IS USUALLY OFFERED:
Every other year
fall
spring
summer
undetermined
Four goals are emphasized in course at Minnesota West Community & Technical College:
1) ACADEMIC CONTENT:
1. To investigate cellular characteristics of microorganisms.
2. To become familiar with laboratory equipment, growth media and procedures used in a
microbiology lab.
3. To illustrate the metabolism, growth, and control of microscopic organisms.
4. To gain an understanding of pathology, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and immunology as
it relates to interactions between the microbe and its host.
5. To discuss microbial genetics and recombinant DNA technology.
6. To study many pathogenic microorganisms.
2) THINKING SKILLS:
1. To prepare students to start thinking like a microbiologist.
2. To encourage students to engage interactively with the material and self-assess their
understanding of the learning material as they progress.
3. To help students develop their critical thinking skills and give them an active role in their
learning.
4. Present problem-solving scenarios and questions to help students develop their critical
thinking skills.
3) COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:
1. Enhancement of writing and presentation skills through papers and oral presentations.
2. Development of science writing skills through completion of laboratory reports.
4) HUMAN DIVERSITY:
1. Working with a laboratory partner.
2. Working in small study groups.
TEXTBOOKS TO BE USED:
Lecture – Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., & Case, C. L. Microbiology: An Introduction. San
Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Laboratory – Johnson, T. R., & Case, C. L. Laboratory Experiments in Microbiology. San
Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED: BIOL 2270 – LECTURE TOPICS TO BE COVERED
TEXT CHAPTER
3. Observing Microorganisms through a Microscope
4. Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Cells
5. Microbial Metabolism
6. Microbial Growth
7. The Control of Microbial Growth
8. Microbial Genetics
9. Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA
11. The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea
12. The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and
Helminths
13. Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
14. Principles of Disease & Epidemiology
15. Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
16. Innate Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the
Host
17. Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host
18. Practical Applications of Immunology
19. Disorders Associated with the Immune System
27. Environmental Microbiology
28. Applied and Industrial Microbiology
BIOL 2270 – LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS TO BE COVERED
EXERCISE
1. Use and Care of the Microscope
2. Examination of Living Microorganisms
3. Microbes in the Environment
4. Transfer of Bacteria: Aseptic Technique
5. Preparation of Smears and Simple Staining
6. Negative Staining
7. Gram Staining
8. Acid-Fast Staining
9. Structural Stains (Endospore, and Capsule)
10. Morphologic Unknown
11. Isolation of Bacteria by Streak Plate Technique
12. Special Media for Isolating Bacteria
13. Carbohydrate Catabolism
14. Fermentation
15. Protein Catabolism, Part 1
16. Protein Catabolism, Part 2
17. Respiration
18. Unknown Identification and Bergey’s Manual –
Biochemical Unknown
19. Oxygen and the Growth of Bacteria
22. Physical Methods of Control: Heat
23. Physical Methods of Control: Ultraviolet Radiation
24. Chemical Methods of Control: Disinfectants and
Antiseptics
25. Chemical Methods of Control: Antimicrobial
Drugs
26. Effectiveness of Hand Scrubbing
Microbial Genetics – Colony Transformation
The Genus Staphylococcus – Isolation of
Staphylococci
The Genus Streptococcus and Neisseria – from the
Upper Respiratory Tract
LIST OF EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES: This course is intended to:
1. To present an appropriate balance between microbiological fundamental and
applications, and between medical applications and other applied areas of microbiology.
2. Present many complex topics in a clear and accurate manner.
3. Help students focus on and master the core concepts of microbiology.
4. Describe current and practical uses of microbiology.
5. Encourage learning outside the classroom.
6. Guide students through each laboratory procedure and provide help to better interpret
their laboratory results.
LEARNING/TEACHING TECHNIQUES used in the course are:
Collaborative Learning
Problem Solving
Student Presentations
Interactive Lectures
Creative Projects
Individual Coaching
Lecture (PowerPoint)
Films/Videos/Slides
Demonstrations
Other (describe below)
Lab
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR THIS CLASS INCLUDE:
Reading
Lecture Tests
Individual Projects
Oral Presentations
Worksheets
Collaborative Projects
Textbook Problems
Papers
Portfolio
Group Problems
Term Paper
Other (describe below):
Laboratory Exercises
Identification of Bacterial Unknowns
EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to:
1. Master the fundamental concepts of microbiology including microscopy, structure and
function of cells, metabolism, microbial growth and control, genetics, and recombinant
DNA technology.
2. Know the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and multi-cellular
parasites.
3. Understand the principles of pathology, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and immunology.
4. Appreciate the importance of microbes in our daily lives and their central role in
nature and industry.
5. Practice and apply microbiology laboratory techniques.
LABORATORY OUT-OF-CLASS ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS:
Each laboratory exercise has questions to be researched and answered before coming to each
laboratory session. There are several books in the Minnesota West library to assist you in your
research. It is important for your own safety to familiarize yourself with the lab material before
each laboratory session.
Veteran Services: Minnesota West is dedicated to assisting veterans and eligible family members in
achieving their educational goals efficiently. Active duty and reserve/guard military members should advise
their instructor of all regularly scheduled military appointments and duties that conflict with scheduled
course requirements. Instructors will make every effort to work with the student to identify adjusted
timelines. If you are a veteran, please contact the Minnesota West Veterans Service Office.
To receive reasonable accommodations for a documented disability, please contact the campus Student Services
Advisor or campus Disability Coordinator as arrangements must be made in advance. In addition, students are
encouraged to notify their instructor.
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by
contacting the Student Services Advisor or by calling 800-658-2330 or
Minnesota Relay Service at 800-627-3529 or by using your preferred relay service.
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