MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2012-2013
Instructor: Leticia Cortez, MPH
E209
937-3200
lcorte08@sisd.net
TEACHER WEBSITE: http://www.sisd.net//Domain/466
You will be able to find the following information on my website:
 Schedule
● Syllabus
 Notes and Assignments
● Class Calendar
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to promote an understanding of the effects of microorganisms on
the human body. The study includes the standard precautions necessary for health
maintenance and infection control. The focus is on reduction of diseases that interfere
with basic human needs.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
1.) Students MUST come to class everyday with the following materials: 1 subject notebook (will
need 4 notebooks, 1 per nine weeks), pencil, and pen for taking notes, colored pens or
highlighter. Notebook for Medical Microbiology MUST be maintained up to date for this class.
2.) This class involves reading assigned material, mastering making of media and inoculation of
plates and slants, staining and identifying bacteria by given criteria, and intense study of
microbial agents and their effect on human health.
3.) All class information given comes from the teacher notes, videos, handouts, etc. If you
miss a class, you are responsible for acquiring necessary information.
4.) Safety is of utmost importance in this class as we will be culturing possible pathogenic bacteria.
Students will be informed of lab safety rules including dress code for lab. Any student, who has
not successfully completed lab safety training, will not be allowed to participate in lab
activities.
5.) Eating and drinking is strictly prohibited.
6.) The use of any electronic device is also prohibited.
7.) Academic honesty is of extreme importance. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall
be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the
student's own work. Academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the student handbook
and policies in line with the campus and district.
8.) Every student MUST have a school ID in order to leave the classroom.
9.) Please let me know of any health condition that may put you at risk in this class, for example:
asthma, pregnancy, allergies, etc.
GRADING POLICY
In averaging nine weeks grades, the following weighting procedure will be used:
 45% -- Daily Work: class work, homework, and quizzes
 40% -- Major Grades: projects, section tests
 15% -- Nine Weeks Test
At the end of the nine week period, a comprehensive nine weeks exam will be administered.
PROPOSED COURSE SYLLABUSMay be subject to change throughout the course
SEMESTER 1
1ST NINE WEEKS
History of Medical Microbiology
Epidemiology
Aseptic Technique and Microbial Control
Structure of Microbial Cells- Prokaryotes
Gram Staining
2nd NINE WEEKS
Pathogens and the Human Immune Response
PBL- Bacteria Study and Presentations
Differential Staining
SEMESTER 2
3rd NINE WEEKS
Viruses
Prions
Structure of Microbial Cells-Eukaryotes : Protists, Parasites, Fungi
4th NINE WEEKS
Diseases of the Body Systems
Biological Warfare
RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
Each student may be expected to conduct research projects by reading current publications, newspaper
articles related to current trends in the medical field, etc. Each student may be required to present to the
class the information obtained. Each presentation must follow the guidelines set forth by the instructor.