BIOL& 260 Microbiology (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled STEM with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Prerequisite BIOL& 160 with a minimum grade of 2.0, and CHEM& 139 or CHEM& 121 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or instructor permission.
Course Description
This course covers the diversity, structure and physiology of beneficial and harmful microbes, and includes laboratory practice in identifying microbial species through culturing, staining and biochemical testing. Includes laboratory.
Course Content
A. Brief historical perspective of microbiology, including the concepts of cell theory, biogenesis, the germ theory of disease, and the endosymbiotic theory
B. Basic chemistry principles as applied to microbiology
C. The Domain system of classification, including specialized structures of prokaryotic cells that differentiate them from eukaryotic cells
D. Characteristics of archaea, bacteria, microbial eukaryotes and viruses, including viral replication cycles
E. Microbial metabolic processes of cellular respiration and fermentation, including their connections to concepts of enzyme function and biochemical testing for identification
F. Microscopy and staining techniques, including simple stain, Gram stain, endospore stain
G. Microbial growth process (DNA synthesis and binary fission), growth requirements, and growth characteristics on various media
H. Physical and chemical methods of microbial growth control, including the human impact of antibiotic overuse
I. Biotechnology used to identify and modify microorganisms for human needs
J. Microbial genetics, including structure of chromosomes, protein synthesis, regulation of the lac operon and horizontal gene transfer
K. Microbes in the environment, including extreme environments, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships
Student Outcomes
Lecture Outcomes
- Identify contributions to the field of microbiology including those made by scientists from historically marginalized groups.
- Describe structural and metabolic characteristics of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic microbes and viruses.
- Analyze the current use of antimicrobial agents in society to develop recommendations for appropriate use of these drugs.
- Explain the role of vertical and horizontal gene transfer in microbial evolution of antibiotic resistance and in biotechnology endeavors.
- Apply concepts of protein expression to describe the regulation of the lac operon.
- Describe ways in which microbial activities impact our environment, and impact their relationships with hosts.
Lab Outcomes
- Safely and successfully perform microbiology-specific lab techniques including microscopic observation and description of bacteria, simple and differential staining, and streak plate for isolation.
- Experimentally determine requirements for growth and control of microorganisms in the laboratory, and classify bacteria according to these requirements.
- Identify a bacterial unknown using morphological and biochemical identification techniques.
Degree Outcomes
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 30
Lab Contact Hours 40
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 70
Potential Methods
1. Exams
2. Written Report
3. Instructor Observation
4. Oral Presentation
5. Group Activity
6. Laboratory Report
7. Laboratory Practicum
8. Research Paper
9. Article Summaries
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