Course Description:

This course gives an introduction to the microbial world including microbial structure, function, metabolism, classification, and genetics, control of microbial growth and the basis of immunity. The laboratory provides practical experience with fundamental concepts, techniques and instrumentation of modern microbiology. This course is designed for students in the clinical laboratory science program and is open to other students by permission of the professor.

Prerequisites:

CHEM 122 or consent of the instructor

Learning Objectives:

Give examples of and compare and contrast different types of microbial cells (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa). Identify cell structures and define their functions.


Explain the various metabolic strategies employed by microbes. Know how metabolism is linked to environmental cycling of elements and pathogenesis.


Describe basic concepts involving of how genetic information flows in microbial cells. Detail the importance of mutation, recombination, and lateral genetic exchange in virulence.


Distinguish between chemical, physical, and biological means of controlling microbial growth. Decide which means would be most appropriate when given a hypothetical scenario.


Summarize and diagram the interrelated systems of the host immune defenses. Differentiate between the innate, humoral, and cellular defenses and identify points of interaction. Explain how inappropriate immune responses can result in host damage.


Compare the different interactions possible between host and microbial cells. Describe several different molecular strategies employed by microbial pathogens and give several specific examples of each.


Correctly perform proper laboratory skills and display a habit of good laboratory practices that extend to the students’ homes.


Demonstrate an ability to isolate microbes from mixed cultures and successfully passage pure cultures from solid and liquid media.


Perform simple and differential stains on isolates and properly use compound light microscopes to visualize and describe microbial cell morphologies.


Accurately follow instructions and collect data based upon observations from laboratory exercises or clinical case studies. Plot data when appropriate and interpret any trends. Make inferences and predictions based upon these interpretations.


Demonstrate an ability to work in group settings and exchange ideas concerning course-related topics. Read, write, and speak about Microbiology with classmates and members of the community.


Develop an understanding of how microbes affect life on Earth.


Appreciate how often microbes (both bad and good) are in the news. Observe how members of the press portray microbes (often incorrectly).

Course Materials:

Course information is made available on WebCT. This site contains the following material:

• A PDF copy of the current course syllabus.
  
  
• Additional course materials. This section includes PDF copies of the lecture slides for your note-taking convenience, HTML lecture study guides, and links to additional information on the internet. These are meant to supplement, but not replace, class attendance and reading.
  
  
• A calendar of all course assignments and deadlines.
  
  
• Assignment descriptions.
  
  
• Quizzes for class credit and also for practice.
  
  
• On-line access to your course grades.
  
  
• An e-mail interface to contact me about the class.
  
  
• A bulletin board for on-line class discussions. I will post course announcements here as well as answer any questions or comments that you might post.
  
  
• An extensive glossary of terms used during the semester. These will be linked to other pages with in the site.
  
  
• A search tool to allow you to find material in the site.