Applied Microbiology: BIOL 21300

Lecture:  Tuesday/Thursday 10:50 am-12:05 pm, CNS 212

Lab:  Thursday 1-3:50 pm, CNS 109

Fall 2008

     Suggested Text: 

1. Microbiology Principles and Explorations 7^th edition  by: Jacquelyn Black
2. A photographic atlas; Microbiology laboratory.  3^rd edition by: Michael Leboffe & Burton Pierce

Course schedule (PDF)

Course description

This course explores the physiology and identification of microorganisms and explores the central role of microbes in biology including the influences and impact of microorganisms on the biosphere, as well as, the interrelationship of microbes with humans, and the transmission of disease.

Course learning outcomes

The course is divided into 4 sections.  The learning outcomes for each section are stated on the specific lecture notes for a given section.  In general, students should be able to:

• Define Microbiology
• Understand & discuss how all life on earth is organized. 
• Understand & discuss the characteristics of prokaryotes and how they differ from eukaryotes.
• Understand & discuss how prokaryotes cause disease.
• Apply learned material to the broader scope of biology and our lives

Attendance 

I expect, and encourage all students enrolled in this course to attend each scheduled lecture.  The undergraduate handbook states the general policy that students are expected to attend classes and that they are responsible for all material even when absent.  I will not provide course material for un-excused absences.  Attendance in all labs is mandatory.

Standards of Academic Conduct

It is the responsibility of each student to familiarize him/herself with the institutions policy on acceptable academic conduct and the definition of plagiarism.  Please refer to you student handbook for said policies.  Academic dishonesty can lead to a zero grade on that assignment, a failing grade in the course, academic code probation, suspension or expulsion from the College depending on the gravity of the violation and the decision of the judicial board.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services (607-274-1005, TDD 607-274-7319, acssd@ithaca.edu) and schedule an appointment with their instructors as soon as possible to discuss their needs.

Course Performance Evaluation

Assessment (final grade determination) will be a combination of  3 in-class examinations, 1 student presentation, and 1 final examination; each being worth 1/5^th of the course grade.  Each examination will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and application/diagram questions. Each examination will cover the specific course learning outcomes for a given course section. Lab material is covered with the respective lecture material in a given exam. Grading of the student presentation is based on the student’s ability to successfully address the 9 points of the assignment.  The assignment hand out is attached below.

 Grade scale:

A=93-100
A- =90-92
B+ =87-89
B=83-86
B- =80-82
C+ =77-79
C=73-76
C- =70-72
D+ =67-69
D=63-66
D- =60-62
F<60.

Examinations

All exams are written off campus the night before it is given.  This provides security, as well as, ensures that the exam reflects all lecture material. Unexcused absences will result in a zero grade unless justified by a medical reason with accompanying formal documentation.  Justified absences will result in a make up examination being awarded within one week of the original exam.

You will be randomly assigned a microorganism and a partner for this assignment.  You will research the microorganism, and give a short presentation/lecture to the class. 

Presentation is to be in the form of a short (10 minute), PC-compatible, Power point “lecture”.  Presentations over 10 minutes in length will result in a grade reduction of 10%.

Please:

1. E-mail a copy of the talk to yourself
2. Bring a digital copy of the presentation to class.  Format can be on a USB device, or CD. 

You are responsible for computer compatibility issues.  If your presentation is not with you, or functional at the day/time that you are assigned, then you will receive a failing grade.

All individuals are to be present in class during your groups’ presentation.  One individual will present the material via PowerPoint.  The other individual will be a supporting “cast member”.

The goals of this assignment are to:

1. Stimulate learning in an informal manner
2. Encourage student participation
3. Have fun (so be creative!)

 Your presentation must include:

1. A model representation of the organism that is large enough for all to see.  (Electronic and print images, and the like are not acceptable).
2. What the organism is
3. How does it infect or affect another organism (disease or accidental host for example).
4. How is infections diagnosed if applicable to your organism.
5. How is infection treaded if applicable to your organism?
6. Are there long term consequences to infection or exposure to the organism?
7. How prevalent is the organism and what is its natural habitat.
8. What benefits does the organism offer to:

9. Are there any governmental concerns and policies associated with your organism? 

Remember that this assignment is worth 1/5 of your final grade.