Health Academy Microbiology
Instructor: Mrs. Carter, Room 566
Email: Jill.Carter@leusd.k12.ca.us
Course Description: Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and their impact on humans and the
environment, with a special emphasis on human health. This lab oriented course provides ample
opportunities for investigation and experimentation in culturing, staining, counting, and characterization
and identifying microbes. Microbiology is a college-prep course for students planning to pursue a career
in the health and medical profession and meets the “D” requirement for college entrance.
Unit 1 Intro to Microbiology. This unit is an introduction to the world of microbiology, including the
history and science of microbiology and why microbiology is important.
Unit 2 Microorganisms. This unit provides an in-depth comparative study of microbial diversity
whereby students learn the characteristics used to distinguish one microbe group from another.
Unit 3 Chemical Aspects of Microorganisms. In this unit the chemistry of life will be examined.
Topics to be studied are the biochemical molecules, nutritional requirements, and growth of microbes.
Unit 4 Genetic Aspects of Microorganisms. This unit introduces the study of heredity and involves
many topics- DNA, RNA, genes, the genetic code, chromosomes, DNA replication, protein synthesis,
genetic engineering and gene manipulation.
Unit 5 Environmental Microbiology. This unit centers on the interactions between microorganisms and
their environment. Topics to be studied include symbiotic relationships, microbial communities, and
agricultural microbiology.
Unit 6 Microbiology in Healthcare Facilities. This unit examines healthcare epidemiology, healthcare
associated infections, and infection control in healthcare facilities.
Unit 7 Pathogenicity and Host Defenses. This unit investigates what it means to become infected by a
microbe beginning with how pathogens cause infection, the response of the immune system, and the work
of vaccines.
Unit 8 Infectious Diseases. This unit is an overview of infectious diseases. Diseases categorized by body
system, opportunistic diseases, and those emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will be examined.
Attendance and Tardy Policy: Each student is to be in his or her assigned seat ready to work by the end
of the tardy bell. The school-wide tardy policy will be enforced. Attendance is expected and required
unless excused. You will be allowed to make up all work due to EXCUSED absences. It is your
responsibility to find out the missing work. You will have the number of days absent, plus one additional
day, to make up your work. Make-up labs will be completed during a scheduled time with the instructor.
However, because of the nature of lab activities, not all labs can be made up and it is highly
recommended that you make an effort to attend class when labs are scheduled.
Required Materials:
 100 sheet spiral notebook, 8 ½ x 11, please nothing smaller
 Pencils/pens
 Textbook: Burton’s Microbiology for the Health Sciences
Course Procedures: Each unit of study focuses on a particular aspect of microbiology. In each unit, you
will take lecture notes, complete quizzes and homework assignments, take a test, and participate in labs
and unit projects. All assignments will be completed in the spiral notebook. Assignments must be
complete and on time to be eligible for full credit. Late work and late notebooks will be accepted for 70%
of the total point value. You are to submit only your own work manufactured from your own thoughts
and processes. Students demonstrating academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. Parents
and students, if you would like to receive text messages about important class information then text
@carterper2 to 81010.
Tests: At least one test will be taken for each unit. The test may be composed of multiple-choice,
true/false, matching, and essay type questions and/or lab skills.
Grades: Students earn points for each assignment/test and those points accumulate throughout the
semester. A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D= 60-69% F = 0-59%
Grades will be based on the following weighted categories:
Assignments (including labs) = 45%
Tests/Quizzes = 45%
Final Exam = 10%
Restroom Policy:
Students are permitted five restroom passes per semester.
Online Grades:
Grades are available on Infinite Campus and can be accessed using the student’s student ID number and
password.
Behavioral Guidelines: I believe that every student has a right to an education. Any student who chooses
to act in a way that takes that right away from others will not be tolerated. Consequences of these behaviors
include, but are not limited to, a verbal warning, a phone or email home, lunch or after school detention,
and a referral.
1. Be Respectful. Have respect for yourself, your peers, and the teacher. Always raise your hand to
speak or to get out of your seat. Use appropriate language in the classroom.
2. Be On Time and Prepared. Be in your seat, ready to work with all needed materials, before the bell
rings.
3. Be Clean. ALWAYS clean up your workspace, desktop, and floor area before you leave.
4. Be Safe. Follow ALL classroom rules and laboratory safety procedures.
5. No food, drinks, gum, and electronic equipment in the classroom. Cell phones, iPods, or other
electronic equipment are not allowed in the classroom and will be taken if they are out.
Video Permission:
The information regarding videos and instructional media to be used this academic year is listed below.
Each of these films is age-appropriate and content-related. If you have any questions regarding any
videos/films, please contact your student’s teacher. If you would prefer that your student not view this
material, the student will be given an alternative assignment of equal value in a supervised location.
 The Plague
 Bird Flu: How Safe Are We?
 Contagion (rated PG-13)
 Surviving AIDS
 Typhoid Mary
 The Vaccine War
 Ebola: The Plague Fighters
Please return this page with signatures tomorrow
Student Section: I have read and understand all of the information on these pages. I understand my
actions and my grade are my responsibility. I understand that it is important to be in class, and that if I am
absent it is my responsibility to seek and complete make-up work. My signature below indicates my
willingness to cooperate with my teacher and follow these class procedures and rules for my success in
this course.
Student Name (please print)
Student Signature
Parent Section: I have read this course outline and understand what is expected. I understand that my
student is responsible for his/her actions and grade, and that it is the student’s responsibility to seek and
complete make-up work after an absence. I give permission for my student to view the videos as listed; if
you do not give permission please indicate below.
Parent Name (please print)
_______________________
Parent Phone #
Parent Signature