BIOL 120 Microbiology Applications
Course: BIOL 120 Microbiology Applications
Term:
Days/ Time:
Instructor:
E-mail address:
Phone:
This course provides an overview of microbiology, as well as applications
of microbiology in the healthcare practice. We will evaluate how
microorganisms play a role in the environment and human body through
lecture, activities, assignments, quizzes, exams, and a hands-on
laboratory.
All course materials are to be accessed through Schoology.com, an online
platform that will allow for us to be green in this course, as well as allow
you to access the information, no matter where you are.
Let’s have a wonderful semester exploring the world of microbiology!
Course Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of
biology and chemistry as they relate to
microbiology.
2. Identify characteristics and types of common
microorganisms.
3. Examine modes of transmission and methods
for preventing the spread of microorganisms.
4. Articulate host inflammatory and immune
processes.
5. Explain treatment of infectious diseases:
antimicrobial medications and bacterial
resistance.
6. Categorize infectious diseases of body systems of
current epidemiological concern.
7. Outline basic procedures in clinical microbiology
lab practice and evaluate effective learning
strategies.
Successful completion of the assignments, lab
activities, quizzes, exams, and semester project will
fulfill the course outcomes as listed above.
Institutional Outcomes

Information Literacy and Communication - Utilize
appropriate current technology and resources to
locate and evaluate information needed to
accomplish a goal, and then communicate findings
in visual, written and/or oral formats.
 Relational Learning - Transfer knowledge, skills and
behaviors acquired through formal and informal
learning and life experiences to new situations.
 Thinking Abilities - Employ strategies for reflection
on learning and practice in order to adjust learning
processes for continual improvement.
 Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning - Follow
established methods of inquiry and mathematical
reasoning to form conclusions and make decisions.
 Community and Career - Participate in social,
learning, and professional communities for personal
and career growth.
Successful completion of the assignments, lab activities,
quizzes, exams, and semester project will fulfill the
course outcomes as listed above.
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Grading
Description
Online Exams
Tests= 3 total
These are online exams that will assess your ability to
remember and understand the information from
theory and lab and will be provided through either
Mastering Microbiology or Blackboard. These are
worth 70 points of your overall exam grade for each
exam.
In-Class Exams
Tests= 3 total
These are short exams, given in class as indicated on
the tracking calendar, to assess your ability to apply,
analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information based
on the knowledge and understanding of course
content. These are worth 30 points of the exam
grade for each exam.
Final In-Class Exam
This is an exam provided at the end of the term to
assess your ability to apply, evaluate, and analyze
information that you have learned in the course. This
exam will cover content from the entire semester.
This is worth 150 points total.
Authentic Assessment
Review Paper and
Presentation
In-class assignments,
activities, and online
discussions in
Blackboard
You will individually complete a paper on a selected
and approved topic of your choice and then provide
a presentation of your topic to your peers. The
information for this assessment will be provided in a
separate document. This project is intended to
connect the information you’ve learned to your
career and to the course and institutional outcomes.
This entire project is worth 100 points.
In-class assignments and activities are intended to
help you reinforce the information learned from
online and in-class. These make up 10% (100 points
total) of your grade. If you miss class, these cannot
be made up and the points are lost (except under
special circumstances. Discussions on Blackboard
will be monitored and failure to actively participate in
discussions will result in a loss of points for the
discussion.
Percent
of
Course
Grade
30%
15%
10%
10%
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Mastering Microbiology
Activities
Assignments are intended to help you understand the
information and apply it to the healthcare practice.
These assignments will not have any kind of
extension.
In-class activities will be assessed on participation in
the activity. You will not be able to make up a missed
in-class activity, however, the information will be
available to you to help you prepare for the exam
(you cannot earn credit on the activity).
Lab Exercises
Laboratory exercises are worksheets that will
demonstrate your ability to interpret, analyze, and
evaluate information from laboratory experiments
that you will complete in groups. The lab manual is
available on Blackboard.
Lab Quizzes will assess your ability to retain
information from the lab activities. These are given
in lab, and are not allowed to be made up (unless
documentation is provided, see policies for makeup
work).
Lab Quizzes
Total =
15%
10%
10%
100%
Required Textbook
The required textbook is Microbiology with Diseases by Body
System with Mastering Microbiology, 4th edition, by Robert W.
Bauman. Note: You are required to have the
masteringmicrobiology access code which is included in the bundle
through the college. No exceptions.
Grading Scale
Percentage
Grade
Value
90-100%
A
85-89%
B+
80-84%
B
75-79%
C+
70-74%
C
69% or less
F
Other:
W = Withdrawal prior to
midpoint of semester
I = Incomplete (see school


Grades are available for viewing on Blackboard.
Your instructor will meet with you at the 4 week, 8 week, and 12 week
checkpoints to make sure you are aware of your course grade and to address
your concerns/ questions.
 If you miss more than 2 class sessions and/ or are failing at the mid-term,
you will be required to complete a learning contract with your instructor to
increase the likelihood of success in the course.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
 Only documented family emergencies and personal emergencies will
be acceptable reasons for missing an exam, not completing a quiz on
time, presenting a project, or missing a lab. A vacation is not an
acceptable reason for missing lab activities, tests, quizzes, or projects without
prior arrangements with the instructor. There will be no exceptions to the
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makeup policy. Please plan accordingly.
There will be no extensions for exam preparation or completion of any of
Grades that are higher
the other course materials, as they are clearly identified on the tracking
than a .5% will be
calendar.
rounded to the next
 It is the responsibility of each student to attend the class section in which
highest percentage. This
they are officially registered when an exam/ quiz is scheduled. If an exam/
means, if you receive a
quiz is missed due to extenuating circumstances, the student will be given
79.6% you will receive an
one opportunity to arrange to make up the exam within 1 week of the exam
80% overall grade.
date. Failure to make arrangements within this time frame will result in a 0
on the exam/ quiz. Until an exam/ quiz is made up, the student will earn
zero points.
 If a scantron is used on an exam, your grade will be based on the scantron.
Make sure that you have answered all questions appropriately on the
scantron. If you miss items or do not transfer the answers correctly, you will
lose those points- the instructor will not make any exceptions to this policy.
 There will be no extensions for late work. If work is not turned in when it is
due (based on the tracking calendar), you will receive a 0. No exceptions will
be made to this policy- do not turn in work late and expect credit for it. It is
marked on the tracking calendar. That being said, you will be allowed to turn
in late work within 5 business days of the due date 1 time over the course of
the semester. This is your one “freebie”, or “get out of jail free” opportunity.
Use it wisely!
 Handwritten work must be written in black or dark blue ink. If your
handwriting cannot be deciphered (i.e., is not easily legible), your work will
not be graded and you will receive a 0 for the assessment.
On-site references (These books are on reserve in the campus library – instructor will assign specific
readings to supplement the text and support completion of writing assignments):
•
Maczulak, A. E. (2011). Encyclopedia of microbiology / Anne Maczulak ; foreword by Robert
H. Ruskin. New York: Facts On File, c2011.
•
McMillan, V.E. (2012). Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences, Fifth Edition. Boston:
Bedford/ St. Martin’s.
Web-based references (Instructor will assign specific readings to supplement the text and support
completion of writing assignments):
•
Purdue OWL: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
•
Microbe Wiki: http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/MicrobeWiki

Supplemental
Materials
policy)
TIME COMMITMENT NECESSARY TO EARN
COURSE CREDIT
In order to successfully achieve all outcomes for this 3-credit hour
course, it is expected that each student will participate in the scheduled
in-class hours (two 60-minute contact hours – 120 minutes – each week
for lecture; 3 60-minute contact hours- 180 minutes- each week for
laboratory) and dedicate an approximate total of 90 hours during the
term for out-of-class preparation and work time. Out-of-class time will
be necessary for completing textbook/lab readings and related
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assignments, accessing and using additional resources as identified by the instructor and/or through student
research, completing both non-graded and graded drafts and final writings, and preparing for an oral
presentation.
Tasks & Time Allocation for this 3-Credit Hour Course:
Tasks
Approximate Time*
In-Class Theory Time 1x/ week
120 minutes x 15 weeks= 1800 minutes or 30 hours
In-Class Lab Time 1x/ week
180 minutes x 15 weeks= 2700 minutes or 45 hours
Out of Class Preparation: 3 credit hours x 2 out of
6 hours x 15 weeks= 90 hours over the term
class hours for each credit hour= 6 hours/ week
TOTAL HOURS IN AND OUT OF CLASS=
30+45+90= 165 hours
*Though each student’s actual allocation of time to specific out-of-class
activities will vary, he/she should anticipate that the overall time
commitment, in class and out of class, will be necessary for successful
completion of this course.*
SKILLS ASSISTANCE/COURSE ENHANCEMENT
The instructor is available 30 minutes prior to class and 30 minutes after class, as well
as during posted office hours and by appointment.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Bryant & Stratton College provides you with additional opportunities to enhance your learning experience by
providing highly qualified, dedicated, and friendly tutors at the Bayshore and
Wauwatosa campuses for the biology courses. Utilizing their additional
assistance will increase your likelihood of persistence in this course and your
degree path.
RESOURCES
All course materials will be available through Blackboard. The textbook and
laboratory manual are required course materials; all laboratory exercises must
be printed prior to lab and the textbook should be brought to both lecture
and lab. Students are expected to come to class prepared with textbook,
pen/pencils, and paper.
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Attendance Policy
Important things to know about attendance:
•
Attendance is taken at all academically-related activities including class and labs and is part of your
permanent record.
•
It is your responsibility to contact your instructor to make
arrangements for any material or work being missed due to your
absence.
•
If you cumulatively miss two weeks’ worth of class time in one
class, you will need to see your instructor or academic advisor to
pick up and complete a Status Update and Learning Contract
form to be signed by you and your instructor. These may be
updated or replaced should additional absences impact your
performance in class.
•
Tardiness is not acceptable. The classroom door will be closed at the start of class. If you are late,
you may rejoin the class at the break. Homework must be handed in at the beginning of class; if
handed in after start of class it will be counted as late. Quizzes or other graded activities that are
missed cannot be made up.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SYLLABUS
The instructor frequently reviews the syllabus to assure that the most current thoughts regarding this course
are reflected as well as to accommodate necessary changes that may be needed. It is the instructor’s
prerogative to adjust the syllabus. Any such changes will be communicated in class as well as by email
notification of all students in the class and such changes will be documented.
E-MAIL POLICY
The instructor will respond to e-mails within 24 hours, provided they are sent
during business hours of 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM Monday-Friday. The instructor cannot
guarantee a response on the weekends or after 6:00 PM on weekdays. If you do not
hear a response within 24 hours, re-send the e-mail. It is the student’s responsibility
to ensure that the instructor has received their e-mail.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
Under the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the
college is required to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. Reasonable
accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. If you have a diagnosed learning
disability that might affect your performance in this class, and you would like to request special
accommodations, you should provide documentation to the campus ADA officer and meet with him or her
at the beginning of each term. The ADA officer will review students’ needs to determine the appropriate
course of action. This information will be kept confidential, with the exception of the relevant instructors.
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Tracking Calendar for Microbiology Lecture
INSTRUCTOR:
DAYS/ TIME:
WEEK
CONTENT:
TOPICS
COURSE
OUTCOME(S)
To be addressed
1, 2, 6
Week 1
Course Introduction
Introduction to Microbiology
Week 2
Chemistry as it pertains to microbiology
Cellular structure and function
1, 2
Week 3
Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Viruses, Classification
1, 2, 6
Week 4
Exam 1: Introduction, Chemistry, Cell Structure/
Function, Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Viruses
Microbial Metabolism
1
Week 5
Microbial Metabolism
Microbial Nutrition/ Growth
1
Week 6
Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology
1
Week 7
Controlling microbial growth in the environment and
body
1, 2, 5, 6
Week 8
Exam 2: Microbial metabolism, nutrition and
growth, genetics, recombinant DNA technology
Infection, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology
1, 2, 3, 4
ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS TEXTBOOK &
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIRED READINGS
DUE DATES
Textbook: Ch. 1
Assignments: Set up blackboard, answer EQ in discussion
Read Ch. 1-3 for next class
Textbook: Ch. 1, 2, 3
Assignments: Chemistry and Cell Structure Homework
Read Ch. 11-13 for next class
Textbook Ch. 3, 11, 12, 13
Assignments: Classification of Microorganisms Homework
STUDY FOR EXAM 1
Read Ch. 5 for next class
Textbook: Ch. 5
Assignments: Microbial Metabolism Homework
Assessments: Exam 1
Read Ch. 6 for next class
Textbook: Ch. 5, 6
Assignments: Microbial Nutrition and Growth Homework
Read Ch. 7-8 for next class
Textbook: 7, 8
Assignments: Genetics/ Recombinant DNA Homework
Read Ch. 9, 10 for next class
Textbook: 9, 10
Assignments: Controlling microbial growth homework
STUDY FOR EXAM 2
Read Ch. 14 for next class
Textbook: 14
Assignments: Epidemiology homework
Assessments: Exam 2
Read Ch. 15-16 for next class
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Week 9
Innate and Adaptive Immunity
1, 2, 3, 4
Week 10
Immunization/ Immune Testing, Immune Disorders
1, 2, 3, 4
Week 11
Exam 3: Immunology and Immune Disorders
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Week 12
Microbial diseases of the Skin, Wounds, Nervous
System, and Eyes
Microbial diseases of cardiovascular system, systemic
diseases, respiratory diseases, and digestive diseases
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Week 13
Microbial diseases of the urinary/ reproductive systems
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Week 14
Final Exam
New material: microbial diseases
Cumulative material: all content covered in exams 1-3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Textbook: 15, 16
Assignments: Immunology Homework
Assessments: Read Ch. 17-18 for next class
Textbook: 17, 18
Assignments: Immunization and Immune Disorders
Homework
STUDY FOR EXAM 3
Read Ch. 19-20 for next class
Textbook: 19-20
Assignments: Microbial diseases Part I Homework
Assessments: Exam 3
Read Ch. 21-23 for next class
Textbook: 21, 22, 23
Assignments: Microbial diseases Part II Homework
Read Ch. 24-25 for next class
Textbook: Ch. 24, 25
Assignments: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Homework
STUDY FOR FINAL EXAM
Assessments: Final Exam
Week 15
~ Schedule subject to change at instructor’s discretion ~
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Tracking Calendar For BIOL 120 Microbiology Applications Lab
INSTRUCTOR:
DAYS/ TIME:
WEEK
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
CONTENT:
TOPICS
Laboratory Safety
Lab 1: The Ubiquity of Microorganisms
Lab 2: Gram-Stain
Information Literacy activity
Lab 3: Eukaryotic Microorganisms
Information Literacy activity
Lab quiz 1: Lab 1
Project: Literature Search and Approval (will meet in a
lecture classroom, Room TBD)
Lab Quiz 2: Lab 2
Lab 4: Cellular Respiration
Lab Quiz 3: Lab 3
Lab 5: pGLO Transformation
Post-Exam Evaluation
Lab Quiz 4: Lab 4
Lab 6: Antibiotic Sensitivity
Antibiotic Resistance and Natural Selection Game
Lab Quiz 5: Lab 5
Movie: Dallas Buyer’s Club
Week 9
Lab 7: DNA Chips: Genes to Disease Kit
Lab Quiz 6: Lab 6
Week 10
Lab 8: ELISA
Presentation Prep
COURSE
OUTCOME(S)
To be addressed
1, 2, 6, 7
1, 2, 7
1, 2, 6, 7
1, 7
1, 7
1, 7
1, 2, 5, 6, 7
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 4, 7
ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS TEXTBOOK &
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIRED READINGS
DUE DATES
Assignment: Lab 1
Read Lab 2 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 2
Read Lab 3 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 3
Assessment: Lab Quiz 1
Review information literacy activity and complete worksheet
Assignment: Primary literature search and approval
Assessment: Lab Quiz 2
Read Lab 4 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 4
Assessment: Lab Quiz 3
Read Lab 5 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 5
Assessment: Lab Quiz 4
Read Lab 6 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 6, Game worksheet
Download and print worksheet for next lab
Assignment: Movie Worksheet
Assessment: Lab Quiz 5
Read Lab 7 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 7
Assessment: Lab Quiz 6
Read Lab 8 for next lab
Assignment: Lab 8
Read Lab 9 for next lab
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Week 11
Lab 9: Gram-Positive Cocci
Lab Quiz 7: Lab 7
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Assignment: Lab 9
Assessment: Lab Quiz 7
Read Lab 10 for next lab
Week 12
Lab 10: Urine Culture
Lab Quiz 8: Lab 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Week 13
Presentations (Room TBD)
Lab Quiz 9: Lab 9
Final Exam Study Day
Lab Quiz 10: Lab 10
Review Activities in Lab
Final day, movie or game TBD
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Assignment: Lab 10
Assessment: Lab Quiz 8
Finish presentations
Assignment: Peer Reviews
Assessment: Lab Quiz 9
Assessment: Lab Quiz 10
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Watch a movie, discuss grades
Week 14
Week 15
~ Schedule subject to change at instructor’s discretion ~
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STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT
(Please tear off, sign and return to the instructor.)
I have received a copy of the above Supplement to Course Syllabus with Weekly Tracking Calendar for Microbiology; I have had the
opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with this document and fully understand all of the policies and procedures contained
therein.
Student signature:
____________________________________________
Date:
_________________
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