Approved by University Studies Sub-Committee March 17, 2004. A2C2 action pending.
Approved by Faculty Senate April 5, 2004.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
PROPOSAL FOR UNIVERSITY STUDIES COURSES
Department ____Biology ______________________________________________ Date _____February 16, 2004________________
__Biol 409_____________
Course No.
_____General Microbiology___________________________
Course Name
This proposal is for a(n)
___x___ Undergraduate Course
Applies to: ____x__ Major
___x__ Required
_____ Elective
______ Minor
_____ Required
_____ Elective
University Studies (A course may be approved to satisfy only one set of outcomes.):
Course Requirements:
Basic Skills:
Arts & Science Core:
_____ 1. College Reading and Writing
_____ 2. Oral Communication
_____ 3. Mathematics
_____ 4. Physical Development & Wellness
Flagged Courses:
__ 4___________
Credits
_____ 1. Humanities
_____ 2. Natural Science
_____ 3. Social Science
_____ 4. Fine & Performing Arts
Unity and Diversity:
_____ 1. Critical Analysis
_____ 2. Science and Social Policy
_____ 3. a. Global Perspectives
_____ b. Multicultural Perspectives
_____ 4. a. Contemporary Citizenship
_____ b. Democratic Institutions
_____ 1. Writing
__x___ 2. Oral Communication
_____ 3. a. Mathematics/Statistics
_____ b. Critical Analysis
Prerequisites __Biol 308, Biol 310, Chem 340 ______________________________________________________________________
Provide the following information (attach materials to this proposal):
Please see “Directions for the Department” on previous page for material to be submitted.
Attach a University Studies Approval Form.
Department Contact Person for this Proposal:
_David W. Essar_______________________________________ ___7-5272____________
Name (please print)
Phone
__dessar@winona.edu_____________
e-mail address
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY STUDIES APPROVAL FORM
Routing form for University Studies Course approval.
Department Recommendation
Course______________________
_____ Approved
_________________________________
Department Chair
________________
Date
Dean’s Recommendation _____ Approved
_________________________________
Dean of College
_____ Disapproved
____________________________________________
e-mail address
_____ Disapproved*
________________
Date
*In the case of a dean’s recommendation to disapprove a proposal, a written rationale for the recommendation to disapprove shall
be provided to the University Studies Subcommittee.
USS Recommendation
_____ Approved
_________________________________
University Studies Director
A2C2 Recommendation
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Approved
_________________________________
Chair of A2C2
Faculty Senate Recommendation
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Approved
_________________________________
President of Faculty Senate
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
Academic Vice President Recommendation _____ Approved
_________________________________
Academic Vice President
Decision of President
_____ Approved
_________________________________
President
_____ No recommendation
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
Please forward to Registrar.
Registrar
_________________
Date entered
Please notify department chair via e-mail that curricular change has been recorded.
Materials Submitted for Course Approval
Biology 409 (General Microbiology) is a required course for Medical Technology Majors and Cytotechnology
Majors only, and is a 4 credit course. Biology 409 also serves as a Biology Elective open to any biology major
who has completed the prerequisites.
Overview of Biol 409: General Microbiology is a course specifically designed for Medical Technology
Majors, Cytotechology Majors, and upper-level Biology Majors. Medical Technology and Cytotechnology
Majors, as well as some Biology Majors will be working in clinical laboratories and will be expected to
diagnose microbial infections in blood, feces, sputum or histological preparations. This is a junior or senior
level course and virtually all students have completed Communication Studies 191. These students will be
responsible for talking with patients (or patient owners), nurses, technicians and other medically related staff.
Oral communication skills are important for these students in that they will often have to present their findings
to other physicians and/or other members of the health related field through verbal means. In addition, these
professionals are expected to present new and interesting findings at Workshops and Conferences within their
field.
Oral Requirements: Students in this class will give 3 different presentations that will be designed to teach
them both formal and informal speaking. The first presentation will be to lead a group discussion of a section
of the textbook The Microbe Files: Cases in Microbiology for the Undergraduate by Marjorie K. Cowen. Each
student will be assigned a topic in the book in which they will ask questions of the class, answer questions
posed by the class, and initiate and continue a discussion on that topic. The second presentation will be to
actually “teach” the material for one of the pathogenic microorganisms covered in class. Each student will have
ample time to learn as much as possible about one parasite and then present their findings to the class. Finally,
students will form groups of 3-4 in which they will give a classroom presentation of a specific chapter from the
textbook Alcamo’s Fundamentals of Microbiology.
Justification of requirements and learning activities:
1. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to earn significant course credit through
extemporaneous oral presentations.
This requirement is met as the students give three evaluated oral presentations. All of the presentations are
evaluated by both the instructor and, anonymously, by student peers. The points associated with the graded oral
presentation will represent approximately 20% of the total points available in this course.
2. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to understand the features and types of
speaking in their disciplines.
This requirement is met by having students present in both a formal and informal manner. Students in this field
will often be presenting their findings in an informal setting and need to be comfortable with that kind of public
speaking. This informal part will be met by having the students lead a class discussion. They will not
monopolize the speaking but instead will initiate a conversation that is factual. The group project
(presentations) are both formal and informal. Students will prepare a formal presentation and/or activities, but
will have to adjust their tone, content, demeanor and approachability to their audience. Finally, the students
will also prepare a formal presentation, similar to a presentation they would give at a workshop or conference
on a parasite of their choice. By making all three presentations different, I believe the students will understand
the breadth of speaking to different audiences.
3. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to adapt their speaking to field-specific
audiences.
This requirement is met as the students will give three very different presentations to an audience that are
“experts” or almost experts in their field. In the three in-class presentations, the students will also have to adapt
their speaking as one is very informal, one is formal, and one is very formal. This simulates students speaking
knowledgeably with peers and presenting findings at a conference, respectively.
4. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to receive appropriate feedback from
teachers and peers, including suggestions for improvement.
This requirement is satisfied in that the students will do one in-class presentations in which they will receive
feedback from both the instructor and other students before they do each of their other presentations. All
presentations will be evaluated and all evaluations will be made available to the student allowing improvement
of public speaking.
5. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to make use of the technologies used for
research and speaking in their fields.
This requirement is met with the requirement that students use appropriate tools and media to support their
presentations. Students will be allowed to choose any media for their discussion of The Microbe Files: Cases in
Microbiology for the Undergraduate, but will be required to develop a power point presentation on the
pathogenic microorganism. Students will also have to decide on the media they will use for their textbook
chapter presentation. They may decide to use powerpoint, but they also have access to both overheads and
chalkboards.
6. Requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to learn the conventions, format, usage,
and documentation in their field.
This requirement is met as the students do their three presentations. All presentations will require that students
do scientific literature searches. They will be required to hand in written bibliographies of all citations they
used in their presentations. Students will be instructed as to the proper format and usage of scientific literature
within an oral presentation and be expected to follow these guidelines.
BIOLOGY 409: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
Fall 2004
Instructor:
Dr. David W. Essar (Lecture and Laboratory)
Office Hours: Posted on door and web page, and by appointment
215B Pasteur Hall, 457-5272
E-mail: dessar@winona.edu
Lectures:
T & R 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM, Stark B8
Labs:
Section 01 T & R 12:00 PM - 1:50 PM, SLC 268
Section 02 T & R 2:00 PM - 3:50 PM, SLC 268
Text:
Alcamo’s Fundamentals of Microbiology by Jeffrey C. Pommerville,
7th Edition, 2004.
The Microbe Files: Cases in Microbiology for the Undergraduate by
Marjorie K. Cowen, 2002.
Laboratory Manual:
Web pages:
Microbiological Applications: Short Version by Harold J.
Benson, 8th Edition, 2002.
http://course1.winona.msus.edu/dessar/BIO409
Prerequisites: Biology 308, 310 and Chemistry 340 (or Chemistry 350 & 351) or
permission from instructor.
Course Description:
The major objective of this course is to introduce the biology of bacteria and selected microorganisms to
students already familiar with the basic principles of biology and chemistry. This course is intended to provide
students with the background necessary to understand all the major subjects traditionally discussed in
introductory microbiology. These subjects include the development of microbiology as a science, the
biochemical and physiological processes of microorganisms, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, food and
industrial microbiology, microbial taxonomy, and pathogenic microbiology, including an introduction to
immunology. When discussing pathogenic microorganisms, a greater emphasis will be placed on the
epidemiology of diseases and the methods of prevention rather than on the methods of treatment. The major
focus of this course is the biology of microorganisms, not the biology of humans, therefore the causative agents
of disease will be stressed, not the organ systems that these agents affect.
The laboratory experience serves several functions. First, it will introduce you to standard microbiological
staining and culture techniques. You will then gain some experience in bacterial isolation and identification.
Group projects and presentations, individual presentations, and discussions will also be part of some lectures
and laboratories, although completion of projects may require work outside class or lab. Lectures will cover
only two-thirds to three-quarters of the topics which will be on the examinations. The remainder of the material
you will obtain from the text on your own or from ancillary readings. If will provide you with a detailed set of
chapter review questions. If you study the text carefully, and can answer the questions in adequate depth, you
will have sufficient mastery of the material to do well. You will of course, also be responsible for lecture
material. I am using this approach for two reasons. First, it permits adequate coverage of all areas I consider
necessary. Secondly, and more importantly, it provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in working
on your own, instead of simply taking down lecture notes. This experience will prove valuable to you in the
future when much of your learning will be independent rather than through traditional classroom lectures. This
approach does tend to be somewhat more time consuming and potentially frustrating than the traditional course
format, but I am convinced that it is a profitable learning experience in its own right.
Instructor’s expectations:
Adequate preparation for both lecture and laboratory cannot be overstressed. Details discussed in lectures can
neither be appreciated nor remembered if a student has not first studied the general topic. The laboratory
exercises cannot be completed or understood without diligent preparation. Frequent assessments of student’s
preparedness will be made through the use of quizzes in the laboratory and exams in lecture.
Attendance Policy:
a. Attendance at is not mandatory, but is expected and highly recommended. Each lecture will cover
material that may or may not correspond with the textbook. In addition, participating in lecture gives
the student an opportunity to ask questions or discuss relevant, interesting topics.
b. Attendance of the laboratory is required, makeup laboratories will not be available!
c. I will not give make-ups for laboratory quizzes. QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN AT THE BEGINNING
OF LABORATORY SESSION, SO BE ON TIME. IF YOU ARE LATE YOU WILL HAVE AS
LONG AS THE OTHER STUDENTS TO FINISH YOUR QUIZ. A quiz will be given at the
beginning of nine laboratories (indicated on the syllabus), and will focus on material covered during the
previous lab session with emphasis on the pre-lab lecture and reading material from the laboratory
manual. If an examination is missed for any reason other than a hospitalized illness, death in the
immediate family, or personal emergencies which have been excused by the Dean of Students or
verified by other means the exam can not be made up. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE! The
final exam must be taken at the time scheduled by the university.
Examinations:
Exams will be given as scheduled. Please do not ask to take exams early or late. There will be four hourly
exams and a comprehensive final (100 points each). The exam format will be short answer, essay, fill-inthe-blank, and matching. In addition to the correct concept and organization of ideas, grammar and spelling
will be important in answering the essay, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Exams are Blue
Book; students are required to purchase one at the bookstore prior to each exam.
This course satisfies 4 s.h. oral flag requirement for University Studies
University Studies oral flag has 6 goals. These goals are encompassed in requirements or learning activities that
promote students’ abilities to:
a) earn significant course credit through extemporaneous presentations.
b). understand the features and types of speaking in their disciplines.
c). adapt their speaking to field-specific audiences.
d). receive appropriate feedback from teachers and peers, including suggestions for
improvement.
e). make use of the technologies used for research and speaking in their fields.
f) learn the conventions of evidence, format, usage and documentation in their fields.
These goals will be fulfilled the following ways:
1. Each student will be required to lead a class discussion on a topic that appears in The Microbe Files: Cases
in Microbiology for the Undergraduate. Topics will assigned randomly to students during the second week of
class. Discussions will be worth 50 points and will be evaluated by both the instructor and student peers.
2. Each student will be required to present a detailed description of a microorganism of medical importance.
The student will be required to use Power Point, and will cover all the current information that is known about
that parasite. This presentation will be worth 50 points and will be evaluated by both the instructor and student
peers.
3. Each student will do a textbook chapter group presentation with 2-3 other students. This presentation will be
where the group will teach other students in the course some of the material from one of the text chapter
specifically dealing with microbial diseases. This presentation will be worth 100 points and will be evaluated
by both the instructor and student peers.
learn the conventions of
evidence, format, usage,
and documentation in their
fields.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
adapt their speaking to
field-specific audiences
make use of the
technologies commonly
used for research and
speaking in their fields
Group
Presentation
Microbe
Files
Discussion
Power Point
Presentation
understand the features
and types of speaking in
their disciplines
X
earn significant course
credit through
extemporaneous
presentations
receive appropriate
feedback from teachers and
peers, including suggestions
for improvement.
Outcomes of each of the above goals are presented on the following Outcomes Grid.
Grading System:
The final grade will reflect an assessment of performance and accomplishment in both lecture and
laboratory portions of the course as follows:
Lecture Exam #1 (September 16th)
Lecture Exam #2 (October 14th)
Lecture Exam #3 (November 14th)
Lecture Exam #4 (December 9th)
Comprehensive Final Exam
Chapter Presentation
Powerpoint Presentation
Microbe Files Presentation
Laboratory Reports, Chromobacterium Isolation & Unknowns
Lab Quizzes (9 X 10 points)
Lab Final Practical
Written Laboratory Final
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
50 points
50 points
260 points
90 points
50 points
50 points
1150 points
LATE LABORATORY REPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
In general, grades will be given as 1035 – 1150 points (90 – 100%) = A, 920 – 1034 points (80 – 90%) = B,
805 – 919 points (70 – 80%) = C, 690 – 804 points (60 –70%) = D, and 0 – 689 points ( 60%) = F.
CHEATING, WHETHER SEEKING OR GIVING ASSISTANCE DURING A QUIZ OR EXAM,
WILL RESULT IN A COURSE GRADE OF “F”
Outline of the major topics to be covered in lecture:
I.
Foundations of Microbiology
A. The Development of Microbiology
B. Basic Concepts of Microbiology
II. The Bacteria
A. Bacterial Structure & Growth
B. Bacterial Metabolism
C. Bacterial Genetics
III. Control of Microorganisms
A. Physical Control of Microorganisms
B. Chemical Control of Microorganisms
C. Chemotherapeutic Agents & Antibiotics
IV. Bacterial Diseases of Humans
A. Airborne Bacterial Diseases
B. Foodborne & Waterborne Bacterial Diseases
C. Soilborne & Arthropodborne Bacterial Diseases
D. Sexually Transmitted, Contact, & Miscellaneous Bacterial Diseases
V. Viruses
A. Characteristics of Viruses
B. Pneumonotropic & Dermotropic Viral Diseases
C. Viscerotropic & Neurotropic Viral Diseases
VI. The Fungi
VII. The Protozoa
VIII. The Multicellular Parasites
IX. Infection & Disease
X. Microbiology & Public Health
A. Microbiology of Foods
B. Environmental Microbiology
C. Industrial Microbiology
Laboratory Schedule:
Week
Date
Exercise #
Laboratory Title
Page #
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------I
9-2 (R)
Laboratory Report #1 DUE
237 & 238
Exercise #1 ONLY (10 pts)
1
Brightfield Microscopy
3
4
Microscopic Measurements
17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------II
9-7 (T) 7
Aseptic Technique
35
8
Bacteria
42
10
Negative Staining
52
9-9 (R)
QUIZ #1, Ex. 1, 4, 7, & 8
7
Aseptic Technique
35
-Evaluation of Results
8
Bacteria
42
-Evaluation of Results
11
Smear Preparation
54
12
Simple Staining
58
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------III
9-14 (T)
Laboratory Report #7 & 8 DUE
245 & 246
(10 pts)
13
Capsular Staining
59
9-16 (R)
QUIZ #2, Ex. 10, 11, 12, & 13
Laboratory Report #10-13 DUE
251 & 252
(10 pts)
14
Gram Staining
60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------IV
9-21 (T) 15
Spore Staining
63
16
Acid-Fast Staining
65
9-23 (R)
QUIZ #3, Ex. 14, 15, 16
Laboratory Report #14-16 DUE
251 & 252
(10 pts)
14
Gram Staining
60
-Unknown (25 points)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------V
9-28 (T) 17
Motility Determination
66
19
Pure Culture Techniques
76
9-30 (R)
QUIZ #4, Ex. 17 & 19
17
Motility Determination
66
-Evaluation of Results
19
Pure Culture Techniques
76
-Evaluation of Isolation Techniques
-Subculturing Techniques
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------VI
10-5 (T) 19
Pure Culture Techniques
76
-Evaluation of Slants
Laboratory Report #17 DUE
253
(10 pts)
Laboratory Report #19 DUE
257 & 258
(15 pts)
Handout
Chromobacterium Isolation
21
Bacterial Population Counts
87
10-7 (R)
QUIZ #5, Ex. 21
21
Bacterial Population Counts
87
-Counting and Calculation
Week
Date
Exercise #
Laboratory Title
Page #
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------VII
10-12 (T)
37
Preparation and Care of Stock Cultures
130
38
Morphological Study of Unknown
132
-Nutrient Broth Culture
:Gram Stain (10 pts)
:Microscopic Measurements
:Motility
enter data on descriptive chart
325
10-14 (R)
Laboratory Report #21 DUE
261 & 262
(10 pts)
37
Preparation and Care of Stock Cultures
130
-Interpretation of Results
38
Morphological Study of Unknown
132
:Motility
-Interpretation of Results
:Nutrient Agar Slant
-Spore Stain
enter data on descriptive chart
325
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------VIII
10-19 (T)
Laboratory Report #37 DUE
283
(10 pts)
39
Cultural Characteristics
135
40
Physiological Characteristics: Oxidation & Fermentation Tests
139
10-21 (R)
QUIZ #6, Ex. 39
39
Cultural Characteristics
135
-Evaluation of Cultures
enter data on descriptive chart
325
40
Physiological Characteristics: Oxidation & Fermentation Tests
-Evaluation of Tests
139
enter data on descriptive chart
325
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------IX
10-26 (T)
QUIZ #7, Ex. 40
41
Physiological Characteristics: Hydrolytic Reactions
148
42
Physiological Characteristics: Miscellaneous Tests
152
10-28 (R)
QUIZ #8, Ex. 41 & 42
41
Physiological Characteristics: Hydrolytic Reactions
-Evaluation of Tests
148
enter data on descriptive chart
325
42
Physiological Characteristics: Miscellaneous Tests
152
-Evaluation of Tests
enter data on descriptive chart
325
43
Use of Bergey's Manual
155
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------X
11-2 (T)
Laboratory Report # 40-42 DUE
285 & 286
(25 pts)
42
Use of Bergey's Manual
155
- Identification of Unknown DUE (50 pts)
45
The Enterotube II System
167
-Inoculation and Incubation
33
Antimicrobic Sensitivity Testing
118
(Kirby-Bauer Method)
11-4 (R)
QUIZ #9, Ex. 45 & 33
45
The Enterotube II System
167
-Recording Results
-Addition of Test Reagents
-Identification with Interpretation Guide
-Laboratory Report #45 DUE
289 & 290
(20 pts)
33
Antimicrobic Sensitivity Testing
118
(Kirby-Bauer Method)
-Interpretation of Results
Last day for Chromobacterium Isolation Evaluation
(25 pts)
Week
Date
Exercise #
Laboratory Title
Page #
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------XI
11-9 (T) & 11-11 (R)
POWERPOINT
PRESENTATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------XII
11-16 (T) & 11-18 (R)
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------XIII
11-23 (T) & 11-25 (R)
NO LAB THIS WEEK
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------XIV
11-30 (T)
Laboratory Report #33 DUE
277 & 278
(10 pts)
REVIEW WEEK
*Simple Staining
*Gram Staining
*Pure Culture Technique: Streak Plate
12-2 (R)
REVIEW WEEK
*Simple Staining
*Gram Staining
*Pure Culture Technique: Streak Plate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------XV
12-7 (T)
Laboratory Final Practical
(50 pts)
*Simple Staining
*Gram Staining
*Pure Culture Technique: Streak Plate
12-9 (R)
Written Laboratory Final
(50 pts)
10.
CAUTION: In the Microbiology Laboratory (SLC 268), you will be working with potentially pathogenic
microorganisms. Therefore, you should carefully read the accompanying "Rules for Working in Microbiology
Laboratory" and follow these rules for your protection. POOR LABORATORY PRACTICE WILL BE
JUDGED ACCORDINGLY! IN FACT, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LOWER THE GRADE OF ANYONE
UP TO 50 POINTS BASED ON YOUR OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN THE LABORATORY (INCLUDING
LABORATORY SAFETY), ATTENDANCE, AND PREPARATION BEFORE COMING TO LABORATORY.
RULES FOR WORKING IN THE MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
ALL OF YOU HAVE TAKEN OTHER LABORATORY COURSES BEFORE. HOWEVER, UNLIKE OTHER LABORATORIES,
IN MICROBIOLOGY, YOU WILL BE WORKING (PROBABLY FOR THE FIRST TIME) WITH POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS
ORGANISMS. THEREFORE, THERE ARE SOME RULES/PRECAUTIONS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR YOUR OWN
AND EVERYONE ELSE'S SAFETY. MOST OF THESE ARE BASED ON COMMON SENSE; OTHERS ARE NOT.
HOWEVER, ALL MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED.
1.
Bring into the laboratory only the materials that you need (e.g., lab manual, textbook, and notebook). Leave
everything else (e.g., coats, other books, backpacks, etc.) in the proper storage area.
2.
Wash your hands thoroughly before AND after each laboratory period, and anytime during lab when/if you come
in contact with a live culture.
3.
Before lab, thoroughly clean off your work area with disinfectant.
4.
Although not required, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you wear a clean lab coat at all times during lab.
Not only will it protect your clothing, but it will provide an additional protective barrier between you and the
bacteria with which you will work.
5.
Eating or drinking is NOT allowed in the laboratory!
6.
In every lab, you will be using Bunsen or Fischer burners for making sterile transfers. Therefore, be careful of
loose clothing. If you have long hair, keep it tied behind your head, out of the way. (You can lose quite a bit of
hair before realizing that it is on fire!) Be careful where you place the burner, and light it only when necessary.
7.
Keep your drawer or storage area neat and clean.
8.
Never put any objects (e.g. pencils & pens) into your mouth. Labels for glassware should be moistened with tap
water, not saliva.
9.
If an accident occurs, consult the instructor immediately! If a culture is spilled, or a test tube is dropped, pour a
suitable germicide over the area. Clean up the spills with paper towels after 10 minutes. Dip your hands in
germicide, then wash well with soap and warm water.
10.
If you cut yourself or sustain any injury, tell me immediately!
11.
NEVER pour ANY cultures down the drain. Also, NEVER pour molten agar down the drain.
12.
Be considerate of other students. When lab is over, thoroughly clean off your work area with disinfectant.
Return microscopes to the cabinets (with the lowest power objectives in place). Return other equipment to its
proper storage area. Discard all trash in proper containers. Remove tape labels from glassware, this includes
petri plates. Place all dirty glassware (e.g. test tubes, pipets, etc.) into the proper receptacles for sterilization.
The Portfolio in Microbiology
What is it? The Portfolio in Microbiology is a collection of readings, writings, and presentations designed to help you learn to
research a topic and write about it. The Portfolio adds a creative dimension to the course, while reflecting information search and
summary processes; it helps you develop an expertise in a particular topic. It also displays your efforts to excel in the course and
gives you an opportunity to learn microbiology in a different mode.
Where do these readings and writings come from? You pick the topic from contemporary microbiology. You can do a summary
of an article in Discover magazine or The New York Times or Scientific American or Health or Newsweek or any other publication of
substantial significance. Magazines are available at the library and at newsstands. You can do a book review of The Hot Zone or the
Andromeda Strain or any other book with a microbiological overtone that piques your interest. You can review the movie Outbreak
or a television program, or review a television special or series such as on public television, 48 Hours, 20-20, or others. The basic
idea is to research and write about a topic of current interest in microbiology.
How long does the writing have to be? The writing should be no more than one page (single-side) per topic. It must be typed. The
name of the article, author, and source should be included at the beginning of an article summary.
How is the Portfolio submitted during the semester? On Tuesday of each week, you submit your entire Portfolio (including any
new writings and old writings) at the beginning of class. I’ll give you a folder and an envelope for submitting your papers. If you
have no submissions, that=s OK - just skip a week or two; if you have one or two or three or whatever, that=s OK too (but try to avoid
collecting articles, the writing all at once - the idea is to space out your submissions). I=ll look at you writings and give the Portfolio
back to you as soon as possible with any comments I have so you can use the suggestions for future writings.
When is the Portfolio submitted for the last time? The whole Portfolio comes into me the last day of the course. I=ll look it over
and possibly retain it for a period of one semester. After that time you may have it back.
What=s the Portfolio worth? I will use the Portfolio as a tie breaker or to enhance your grade, if your effort justifies it. Basically
you are showing me your interest in microbiology and your willingness to do something extra without necessarily expecting “extra
points.” You should be aware that there are no guarantees, nor are any implied. The Portfolio is not a requirement for the course, nor
is it considered an “extra credit” project. It is simply a way for you to learn some additional microbiology, do some writing, and give
me a reason to do something for you grade should the opportunity arise. A good Portfolio may help a person with a 78 average get a
B, but it may not do too much for a person whose average is 80 - that person may also get a B.
How do you get started? Stop by my office, pick up a folder and an envelope, and you=re on your way. Good luck.