Objectives: A lecture and laboratory course for non-biology majors that deals with many aspects of microbiology in general, and more specifically, with the biology of disease-causing microorganisms. One section of this course is offered in each of the fall and spring semesters, as well as summer session I.

Prerequisites: General Biology (Biol 101) , or Human Biology (Biol 102), or Principles of Biology (Biol 104), or Anatomy and Physiology (Biol 216), or Anatomy and Physiology (Biol 217), or Medical Anatomy and Physiology (Biol 218)

Credit Value: 3

Contact Time: Three 50 minute lectures and two 1 hour laboratories per week

Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course the student should:

• be able to recognize the position microorganisms occupy in the biological world, as well as their various biological functions
• be able to recognize the basic similartities and differences, from structural and functional standpoints, of microbes compared to higher forms of life
• have an appreciation of the problems and methods involved in the cultivation and identification of microorganisms
• have a deeper understanding of the means used by microorganisms to cause disease and of human mechanisms of defense
• know the various modes of disease transmission
• have familiarity with microbial-caused diseases
• have the knowledge base to critically evaluate methods used to control microorganisms
• have a larger and more functional vocabulary

• have developed the ability to perform basic microbiological techniques such as isolation and culturing methods, staining procedures and biochemical testing
• have an understanding of the principles of asepsis, disinfection, sterilization, sanitation, and immunity
• be able to apply the knowledge and principles of asepsis to daily personal and community hygiene
• have respect for the research necessary to build the body of knowledge that makes microbiology a science
• be cognizant of tests run in hospitals to isolate and identify pathogens
• be aware that microorgansisms are all around us and that our every day lives are constantly affected by these organisms

Assessment:

• Term tests: The four term tests will cover material since the previous test.
• Laboratory tests: Two laboratory examinations will be administered during the semester.
• Final Examination: The final lecture exam will be cumulative and cover all material presented in the lecture component of the course.

• NOTE: Assessment format may vary between instructors

Lecture Schedule:

• Introduction and Taxonomy
• History of Microbiology
• Principles of Microscopy
• Bacterial Morphology and Anatomy
• Microbial Metabolism
• First Term Test
• Microbial Genetics
• Microbial Growth
• Antimicrobial Drugs
• Viruses
• Epidemiology
• Second Term Test
• Pathogenesis
• Immunology - Host Defenses
• Immunology - Humoral Immunity
• Immunology - Cell-Mediated Immunity
• Immunology - Immunizations
• The Cocci of Medical Importance
• The Gram-Positive Bacilli of Medical Importance
• Third Term Test
• The Gram-Negative Bacilli of Medical Importance
• Miscellaneous Bacterial Agents of Disease
• Fungal Diseases
• Protozoan and Helminth Diseases
• Viral Diseases
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Fourth Term Test
• Final Examination

• NOTE: Lecture sequence and emphasis may vary between instructors

Laboratory Schedule:

• Introduction, Safety, Microscopy
• Handling and Examination of Cultures
• Simple Stains
• Gram Stains
• Culture Media, Pure Culture Technique
• Culturing Environmental Microorganisms
• Culturing Environmental Microorgansisms
• Moist and Dry Heat Killing Microorganisms
• Disinfectants
• Antimicrobial Agents
• Review for First Laboratrory Practical
• First Laboratory Practical
• Primary Isolation Media: Food Microorganisms
• Primary Isolation Media: Food Microorganisms
• Metabolic Activities; Bacterial Enzymes
• Metabolic Activities; Bacterial Enzymes
• Streptococci and Related Microorganisms
• Streptococci and Related Microorganisms
• Staphylococci
• Staphylococci
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Mycobacteria; Neisseria
• Acid Fast Stain
• Anaerobic Bacteria
• Anaerobic Bacteria
• Fungi
• Protozoans
• Review for Second Laboratory Practical
• Second Laboratory Practical

• NOTE: Laboratory sequence and emphasis may vary between instructors