NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE / ALEXANDRIA CAMPUS / LECTURE POLICIES- FALL2015
4-credit BIOLOGY 150-002A – Introductory Microbiology
(Instructor reserves the right to alter this document at his/her discretion during the semester)
Assistant Professor: Dr. Hong P. Nguyen
Office Location: Room 352, Bisdorf Building
Phone: 703-845-6506
Email honguyen@nvcc.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 9:30AM-10:30AM
Tuesday: 8:30AM -10:30AM
Wednesday: 8:30AM-10:30AM
Wednesday: 1:45PM-3:45PM by appointment only
Thursday: 3:30PM-6:30PM by appointment only
COURSE IDENTIFICATION:
Tuesday/Thursday Lectures: 2:00PM-3:15PM Bisdorf (AA) bldg. Room # 293
Tuesday Lab: 3:30PM-6:10PM Bisdorf (AA) Bldg Room 491
All communications during the semester will be posted on BB. It is your responsibility to check BB at
http://learn.vccs.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp for new announcement of the following week. If you miss the class,
check BB for assignments and due date.
IMPORTANT DATES
 September 7: Labor Day Holiday-No lecture
 September 10: Last day to drop with tuition refund or change to audit
 October 1: last day to apply for Fall graduation
 October 12-13: Non instructional day – No classes
 November 3: Last day to withdraw without grade penalty
 November 25: Non instructional day – No classes
 November 26-27: Thanksgiving holiday-College closed
 November 28-29: Non instructional day – No classes
 December 15 : Comprehensive final exam -Study guide will be provided
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Textbook: Microbiology-An Introduction; Authors: Tortora/Funke/Case, 11th edition
(Pearson)
COURSE EVALUATION CRITERIA & POLICIES
 CLOSED BOOK QUIZ:
o Quiz is given for each week via Respondus application on BB. I will post the quiz by Saturday morning
and you complete the quiz by the end of Monday. The quizzes are timed and you have 15 minutes to
complete a quiz. Questions are based on complete lecture chapters. Each quiz is worth 10 points.
The format of the quiz is multiple choice or True/False questions.
o Please note that you are not able to access the quiz after the due date. NO makeup quiz will be
given under any circumstances because I drop one low grade quiz. If you miss one quiz by any
reasons, the missed quiz would be the dropped one.
 EXAMS:
o There are five exams in the course. Exams 1 – 5 and a comprehensive final exam. Exam schedule
was noted in the class schedule. The exam includes multiple choice questions, True/False, matching,
and short answer questions. Exam questions include information from handouts, in-class lectures,
assignments, and assigned reading. You should read text book to clarify what you do not understand
and to gain knowledge. It is recommended that you read the chapter review before lecture class to
learn terminology and to get ideas of the chapter.
o You are permitted to make up only one exam. You are responsible for emailing me for permission and
for the due date to complete makeup exam. Make-up exam is administered at the testing center by
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the due date. 50% out of your actual exam points will be deducted if you makeup exam within a
week after the due date. Makeup exam is not allowed after that. You will automatically get ZERO
points for that exam.
o It is advisable that you call the testing center to confirm the testing center hours before arriving. All
students will be required to show picture identification when taking a make-up test at the Testing
Center. All your text book, note book, pack bags, and electronic devices including cell phones are not
allowed while taking the exam.
o You need to have green scantron for each test. I will take off two (2) points if you do not have
scantron at the testing time. You have to follow the instructions how to fill out the scantron sheet. If
you change an answer from the scantron, please make sure to erase it carefully and note your correct
answer with the ink pen next to that question. I do not re-grade if the scantron did not mark your
answer correctly unless it happens to the whole class.
 ASSIGNMENTS
o Assignments include but not limited to the following: in-class activities, take home assignments,
assigned article readings and article summaries. There will be NO make-up for in-class activities
because we will discuss that assignment on the same date.
o If you miss class for any reasons, you need to check BB for assignments and the due date. You are
responsible to submit assignments at the same date as your classmates. It is advisable to exchange
phone numbers with another student.
o My late assignment submission with permission allow 1 late day without grade penalty after the
due date. 30% grade deduction will be applied for any day after that.
o You are allowed to discuss with your classmates or utilize all resources needed to complete
assignments. Please write answers on your own words. Please “Do Not Cut and Paste”
information from on line sources. That is considered as “Plagiarism”. I will take off 30% out of the
actual grade of that assignment with a warning for the first time; “Zero” points for the second time, and
you will get academic discipline at college level for the third time.
 READING ASSIGNMENTS
1. Select and describe three most important aspects that you find in the article. Please provide
reasons for your selection (justify your choices)
2. Identify two things that you do not understand or two confusing things from the article
3. Assuming you are writing to the author of the article, pose a question to the author
 HUMAN DISEASE PROJECT/PRESENTATIONS:
o You will do a presentation. The topic of the presentation is based on microorganisms and human
disease (chapters 21-26). The presentation includes PP slides of the following:
1. Name of the microorganism, the disease, your name and your partner name
2. Characteristics of the assigned microorganism
3. Symptoms of the disease
4. Reservoir/normal biota
5. Transmission
6. Pathogenesis
7. Diagnosis
8. Treatment
9. Prevention
10. Epidemiology
o Grading system for lecture presentations
1. 3 points each slide (You MUST include reference for each slide. I will take off 2 points for each
slide that you do not provide reference)
2. 5 points for on-time submission (You must submit your PP presentation on the weekend
before your presentation date)
3. 5 points for figures, style, presentation
GENERAL POLICIES
 SCANTRON SHEETS: You need to follow the instructions how to fill out the scantron sheet. If you change an
answer from the scantron, please make sure to erase it carefully. If you still are in doubt then please write the
letter answer on the scantron sheet. I do not re-grade if the scantron did not mark your answer correctly
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unless it happens to the whole class. You are responsible to transfer answers from the question sheet to the
scantron because I will not add any point for those questions.
 Under no circumstances you are allowed to use an electronic or paper language translator, dictionary,
thesaurus etc. on a quiz, test or examination of any type. If you have problems in language skills to be
successful in the class without the use of this tool, then you should need to work through the ESL courses
offered by NVCC before attempting BIO/NAS.
 The “I” grade would be assigned only if a student complete more than 50% of the course requirements and is
unable to complete a course due to unavoidable, verifiable circumstances. It requires the permission of the
Dean. The student must complete the remaining course work by the end of the subsequent term.
 NO smart phone, NO laptop, NO iPad, NO electronic dictionary, and NO other electronic devices are allowed
while taking the quiz, the lecture exams, final exam, and during exam review. Please follow the rule because
you are not allowed to continue taking the exam if you violate this rule.
 If we cannot complete chapters as planned, I will record the lecture on BB so you can listen to those recorded
lectures on your own time.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE COURSE: Read the chapter that is being discussed before coming to class. Work on
the assignments and review material on a regular basis. Once a chapter has been completed in class, go back and
read the lecture handout, lecture notes and the text book. If you feel lost at any point in the course, please see me as
soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to get help.
GRADING SCALE AND OVERALL STANDARDS
Lecture grades will include the following estimated points
 Best 12 BB quiz:
120 points (10 points each quiz)
 Best four exams
240points
 Final exam
120 points
 Assignments
120 points
 Assigned reading
60 points
The lecture grade is 70% of the course grade and based on quizzes, exams, and activities points. The laboratory
grade is 30% of the course grade. Lab exams and quizzes are used to evaluate laboratory progress. A passing
grade must be received in the laboratory in order to pass the course. The student is expected to complete the
course with a 70% or better score. Successful completion of the course work will result in the following grade. 90100= A; 80-89= B; 70-79= C; 60-69= D and below 60 is not passing. Please discuss any foreseen problems in
advance with the instructor. You are responsible to record your grade for each quiz and test and make the
calculation if you wish to know what your status in class during the semester.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Regular attendance to all classes is expected. Please try to be on time. You are
responsible for knowing materials covered during lecture whether you are in class or not. It is not necessary to call if
you miss a lecture, except missing an exam.
THE ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE - WRITING ASSISTANCE, TUTORING SERVICES AND
DISABILITY SERVICES: “Do you want to succeed in your classes, but need more outside help? The Academic
Center for Excellence (ACE) and the Academic Center for Reading and Writing (ACRW) provide free peer
tutoring and reading and writing assistance. ACE and ACRW are located in AA229. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, stop by (AA229), call (703.845.6363), or visit us online: http://www.nvcc.edu/campusesand-centers/alexandria/campus-resources/academic-support/index.html.”
If you have special needs, problems and/or require special accommodations, please address these with me at the
beginning of the semester. Reasonable accommodations will only be made for students who have a verifiable
need. If you are seeking accommodations based on a disability, you must provide a disability sheet, which can be
obtained from the counselor for Disability Services.
STUDENT SAFETY: In case of emergency, please follow the emergency evacuation procedure as discussed on the
first day of class and as posted in the classroom.
NVCC is a place for learning and growing. Students should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. In
order to meet this objective, a student should: (a) let the instructor, supervisor, Dean of Students or Provost know if
any unsafe, unwelcome or uncomfortable situation arises that interferes with the learning process; and (b) inform the
instructor, within the first two weeks of classes, if the student has special needs or a disability that may affect the
student’s performance in this course.
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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: When College officials award credit, degrees and certificates, they must assume the
absolute integrity of the work done by you; therefore, it is important that you maintain the highest standard of honor
in your scholastic work.
Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned. When such misconduct is established as having occurred, it subjects
you to possible disciplinary action ranging from admonition to dismissal, along with any grade penalty the instructor
might, in appropriate cases, impose. Procedural safeguards of due process and appeal are available to you in
disciplinary matters.
Academic dishonesty, as a general rule, involves one of the following acts:
Cheating on an examination or quiz, including (1) giving, receiving or soliciting of information and the unauthorized
use of notes or other materials during the examination or quiz. (2). Buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting any material
purported to be the unreleased contents of a forthcoming examination, or the use of such material. (3). Substituting
for another person during an examination or allowing such substitution for one's self. (4). Plagiarism. This is the act
of appropriating passages from the work of another individual, either word for word or in substance, and representing
them as one's own work. This includes any submission of written work other than one's own work. (5). Collusion with
another person in the preparation or editing of assignments submitted for credit, unless such collaboration has been
approved in advance by the instructor. (6).Knowingly furnishing false information to the College, forgery and
alteration or use of College documents or instruments of identification with the intent to defraud.
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Date
Aug 25/27
Sept 1/3
Sept 8/10
NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE - ALEXANDRIA CAMPUS
BIOLOGY 150-003A– INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY
Tentative Schedule of Monday Lecture Classes – Fall 2015
(This schedule is subject to change)
Discussion Topics
Review syllabus
chapter 1 lecture : The Microbial world and you
Chapter 2 selected topics. This topic was covered in A&P course
Chapter 3: selected topics
BB Quiz
Chapter 4 lecture: Functional anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells
BB Quiz and Test # 1
Chapter 5 lecture: Microbial metabolism
September 10
Last Day To Withdraw With Tuition Refund Or Change To Audit
Sept 15/17
BB Quiz
Chapter 6 lecture: Microbial growth
BB Quiz
Chapter 7 lecture: Controlling Microbial Growth and on Chapter 20: Antimicrobial Drugs
BB Quiz and Test # 2
Chapter 8: Microbial genetics
Chapter 9 Assignment
Last Day To Apply For Fall Graduation
Sept 22/24
Sept 29/Oct 1
October 1
Oct 6/8
Oct 13
Oct 15
Oct 20/22
Oct 27/29
BB Quiz
Chapter 20: Antimicrobial Drugs
No Class – Non-instructional Days
BB Quiz
Chapter 10 lecture: Classification of microorganism
Chapter 11 lecture: Prokaryotes: Domains bacteria and archaea
BB Quiz and Test # 3
Chapter 12 lecture: the Eukaryotes: Fungi, algae, Protozoa and Helminths
BB Quiz
Chapter 13 lecture: Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
November 3
Last Day To Withdraw Without Grade Penalty
Nov 3/5
BB Quiz
Chapter 14 lecture: Principles of Disease and epidemiology
BB Quiz and Test # 4
Chapter 15 lecture: Microbial mechanisms of pathogenicity
BB Quiz
Chapter 16 lecture: innate immunity: Nonspecific defenses of the host
BB Quiz
Chapter 17 lecture: Adaptive immunity: Specific defenses of the host
Nov 10/12
Nov 17/19
Nov 24
Nov 26
No class – Thanksgiving Day Holiday
Dec 1/3
BB quiz and Test 5
Chapter 18 Lecture: Vaccines and Diagnostic Immunology
BB Quiz
Chapter 19 Lecture Hypersensitivities and Immune disorders
Comprehensive Final Exam - Study guide will be provided
Dec 8/10
Dec 15
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