Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology

This course provides a foundational understanding of microbiology and immunology, focusing on the diversity, structure, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry of microorganisms. It is designed for pre-nursing, pre-allied health, and non-science majors, emphasizing medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and public health.

• Microorganisms: Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths.

• Acellular Agents: Viruses, viroids, and prions and their roles in disease.

• Microbial Diversity: Classification and ecological roles of microorganisms.

• Medical Microbiology: Study of pathogens and their impact on human and animal health.

• Immunology: Basic principles of the immune system and its response to microbial invasion.

Additional info: The course aligns with standard microbiology topics, including microbial structure, growth, genetics, metabolism, and disease mechanisms.

Course Structure and Requirements

Textbook and Materials

• Required Text: Microbiology An Introduction – Modified Mastering Microbiology with Pearson eText Access Code; 14th edition; by Tortora.

• Online Platform: All assignments, quizzes, and lab exercises are completed online via Pearson.

Grading Breakdown

The course grade is determined by a combination of quizzes, mastering activities, a project, exams, and lab work.

Additional info: Quizzes and mastering activities are based on lecture material. The project analyzes microorganisms covered in the course. Exams and lab work are significant components of the final grade.

Course Policies

• Attendance: Not required for online courses; assignment submission counts as attendance.

• Academic Dishonesty: Zero-tolerance policy; plagiarism detection software used.

• Late Work: Not accepted; due dates strictly enforced.

Course Calendar and Topics

Part 1: Early Microbiology Concepts

• Sections 1–6: Introduction, microbial world, chemical principles, microscopy, cell structure, microbial metabolism, and growth.

• Assignments: Section quizzes, mastering activities, labs 1–7.

• Midterm Exam: Covers Sections 1–6.

Part 2: Advanced Microbiology and Disease

• Sections 7–12: Control of microbial growth, genetics, biotechnology, classification, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses, and principles of disease.

• Assignments: Section quizzes, mastering activities, labs 8–13, project.

• Final Exam: Covers Sections 7–12.

Additional info: The course topics correspond to standard microbiology chapters, including microbial genetics, classification, pathogenicity, immunity, and diseases.

Lab Component

Culture and Identification of Microorganisms

• Lab Exercises: Focus on culturing, identifying bacteria, and understanding microbial ecology.

• Medical Microbiology: Emphasis on laboratory techniques relevant to infectious diseases and public health.

Summary Table: Course Topics and Corresponding Chapters

Additional info: Later chapters (Ch. 13–28) may be covered in subsequent sections or as part of lab and project work, focusing on viruses, disease, immunity, and applied microbiology.

Conclusion

This syllabus outlines a comprehensive introduction to microbiology, covering essential topics for non-majors and pre-health students. The course structure, grading, and calendar are designed to ensure mastery of fundamental concepts in microbial biology, disease, and laboratory techniques.