BIOL 221Introductory Microbiology*
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
General Education
General Education Competency
GEM Scientific Ways of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
4 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
45
Corequisite Narrative
BIOL 221L
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
BIOL 221 is an introduction to the fundamental principles of microbial systems and to the information generated in microbiology that has enriched all segments of biology. The course has a public health/infectious disease emphasis. Many dimensions of the microbial world will be discussed that will include sub-cellular organization and functions, basic information about life cycles, cell division and genetics. The activities of microorganisms in disease, global elemental cycles, sewage disposal, industrial processes and food and dairy product manufacturing will be introduced. In addition, contemporary topics in microbiology will be covered.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to discuss &/or demonstrate each of the following: evolution; structure and function of living things; information flow, exchange, and storage; pathways and transformations of energy and matter; how living systems are interconnected and interacting; and impacts of microorganisms.
- Demonstrate competence in the following laboratory skills: properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy; use pure culture and selective techniques to enrich for and isolate microorganisms; use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms; estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample; use appropriate microbiological and molecular lab equipment and methods; practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures; each student will sign and date a written copy of the safety/protective/emergency procedures; and document and report on experimental protocols, results and conclusions.
- Demonstrate competence in the following abilities: apply the process of science; use quantitative reasoning; use modeling and simulation; apply the inderdisciplinary nature of science; communicate and collaborate scientific information; and understand the relationship between science and society.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Part 1 Concepts and Statements
Evolution
Cells, organelles (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts) and all major metabolic pathways evolved from early prokaryotic cells.
Mutations and horizontal gene transfer, with the immense variety of microenvironments, have selected for a huge diversity of microorganisms.
Human impact on the environment influences the evolution of microorganisms (e.g., emerging diseases and the selection of antibiotic resistance).
The traditional concept of species is not readily applicable to microbes due to asexual reproduction and the frequent occurrence of horizontal gene transfer.
The evolutionary relatedness of organisms is best reflected in phylogenetic trees.
Cell Structure and Function
The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including
bright field, phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity and phage infection.
Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical capabilities.
While microscopic eukaryotes (for example, fungi, protozoa and algae) carryout some of the same processes as bacteria, many of the cellular properties are fundamentally different.
The replication cycles of viruses (lytic and lysogenic) differ among viruses and are determined by their unique structures and genomes.
Metabolic Pathways
Bacteria and Archaea exhibit extensive, and often unique, metabolic diversity (e.g., nitrogen fixation, methane production, anoxygenic photosynthesis).
The interactions of microorganisms among themselves and with their environment are determined by their metabolic abilities (e.g., quorum sensing, oxygen consumption, nitrogen transformations).
The survival and growth of any microorganism in a given environment depends on its metabolic characteristics.
The growth of microorganisms can be controlled by physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological means.
Information Flow and Genetics
Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
Although the central dogma is universal in all cells, the processes of replication, transcription, and translation differ in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes.
The regulation of gene expression is influenced by external and internal molecular cues and/or signals
The synthesis of viral genetic material and proteins is dependent on host cells.
Cell genomes can be manipulated to alter cell function.
Microbial Systems
Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
Most bacteria in nature live in biofilm communities.
Microorganisms and their environment interact with and modify each other.
Microorganisms, cellular and viral, can interact with both human and nonhuman hosts in beneficial, neutral or detrimental ways.
Impact of Microorganisms
Microbes are essential for life as we know it and the processes that support life (e.g., in biogeochemical cycles and plant and/or animal microbiota).
Microorganisms provide essential models that give us fundamental knowledge about life processes.
Humans utilize and harness microorganisms and their products.
Because the true diversity of microbial life is largely unknown, its effects and potential benefits have not been fully explored.
Part 2: Competencies and Skills
Scientific Thinking
Ability to apply the process of science
Demonstrate an ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments based on the scientific method.
Analyze and interpret results from a variety of microbiological methods and apply these methods to analogous situations.
Ability to use quantitative reasoning
Use mathematical reasoning and graphing skills to solve problems in microbiology.
Ability to communicate and collaborate with other disciplines
Effectively communicate fundamental concepts of microbiology in written and oral format.
Identify credible scientific sources and interpret and evaluate the information therein.
Ability to understand the relationship between science and society
Identify and discuss ethical issues in microbiology.
Microbiology Laboratory Skills
Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
Use pure culture and selective techniques to enrich for and isolate microorganisms.
Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample (using, for example, direct count, viable plate count, and spectrophotometric methods).
Use appropriate microbiological and molecular lab equipment and methods.
Practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
Document and report on experimental protocols, results and conclusions.
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
Wet lab experiments including but not limited to:
Microscopy: protists, fungi, bacteria [gram, negative, capsule, endospore, acid fast stains]
Growth: pH, temperature, NaCl
Control of microbial growth: disinfectants, antiseptics
Selective media for isolation of bacteria; streak isolation technique
Quantitative techniques: Urine cultures, Viable plate counts, Turbidity analysis, Pour plates
Medical microbiology: Kirby-Bauer, Gram + cocci ID
Environmental microbiology: Soil analysis, water quality
Food microbiology: Probiotics
Lab worksheets: investigative labs.
Purpose/Hypothesis
Current understanding
Results/Figures
Conclusions/Application
Disease Project
Diagnosis
Pathogen Review
Treatment Plan/Public Health
Power point presentation
Required Exams
Skills Assessments:
Microscope Care
Microscopy
Aseptic Technique
Pipetting/Metrics
*These skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass these then they will not pass the class
Lab Exams: 3
Lecture Exams: 5 + Comprehensive Final
Required Text
Nester’s Microbiology: A Human Perspective 8th Ed. McGraw Hill with Connect online resources.Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Application, Leboffe & Pierce, CSI Custom Edition.
Required Materials
Laboratory supplies as necessary to meet the outcomes of the course. These include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Microbiological media/reagents as necessary for lab experiments/bacterial identification, staining reagents, bacterial cultures, incubators, fume hoods, biological hood, autoclave(s), micropipettes, membrane filtration apparatus, water baths, incubators for bacterial cultures, metric balance, Bunsen burners, vortexes and assorted disposables as necessary (slides, microfuge tubes, loops, pipette tips, petri dishes etc.)
Lab items
lab coats, goggles, calculators,
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Wet lab experiments including but not limited to:
Microscopy: protists, fungi, bacteria [gram, negative, capsule, endospore, acid fast stains]
Growth: pH, temperature, NaCl
Control of microbial growth: disinfectants, antiseptics
Selective media for isolation of bacteria; streak isolation technique
Quantitative techniques: Urine cultures, Viable plate counts, Turbidity analysis, Pour plates
Medical microbiology: Kirby-Bauer, Gram + cocci ID
Environmental microbiology: Soil analysis, water quality
Food microbiology: Probiotics
Lab worksheets: investigative labs.
Purpose/Hypothesis
Current understanding
Results/Figures
Conclusions/Application
Disease Project
Diagnosis
Pathogen Review
Treatment Plan/Public Health
Power point presentation
Skills Assessments:
Microscope Care
Microscopy
Aseptic Technique
Pipetting/Metrics
*These skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass these then they will not pass the class
Lab Exams: 3
Lecture Exams: 5 + Comprehensive Final