Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, host defenses, and infectious diseases. It emphasizes the structure and function of microorganisms, their role in disease, and the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and host defenses against infectious agents.

• Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Pathogenesis: The process by which microorganisms cause disease.

• Host Defenses: The mechanisms by which the body protects itself from infectious agents.

• Applications: Understanding infectious diseases, epidemiology, and biotechnology.

Course Structure and Requirements

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Lynne Cary

• Contact: Messages through Canvas Inbox

• Office Phone: 575-624-7211

• Email: lynne.cary@rosell.enmu.edu

• Office Location: RTC 133

Prerequisites and Corequisites

• Corequisite: BIOL2310L – Microbiology Laboratory

• Recommended: BIOL2110L and CHEM1215L

Required and Recommended Materials

• Required Textbook: Mastering Microbiology with Pearson eText for Microbiology: An Introduction, Tortora, Funke, Case, Bair, Weber, 2023, 14th Edition.

• Optional/Recommended: Paper Text Microbiology: An Introduction, Tortora et al., 2023, 14th Edition.

Course Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of BIOL 2310, students should be able to:

1. Describe and compare the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

2. Describe the role of microorganisms in disease and the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis.

3. Explain host defenses, including innate and adaptive immunity.

4. Apply microbiological techniques for identification and classification of microorganisms.

5. Interpret data from microbiological experiments and clinical case studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of how microorganisms impact human health and the environment.

• Apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking to solve microbiological problems.

• Communicate scientific information effectively.

Course Format and Credit

Attendance and Participation

• 16-week, 3-credit hour course: 3 hours/week of faculty-directed instructional sessions.

• 8-week remote course: Weekly workload is doubled to meet equivalent total hours.

Assignments and Assessment

Grading Breakdown

Grading Scale

Course Policies

Attendance and Assignment Policies

• Attendance is required for all scheduled class periods and online sessions.

• Assignments must be completed and submitted by the posted deadlines.

• Late assignments may not be accepted except in documented emergencies.

• Academic integrity is strictly enforced; plagiarism and cheating result in zero points/assignment.

Technology Requirements

• Personal laptop required for in-class sessions and online assignments.

• Access to Pearson Mastering Microbiology platform is mandatory for homework and assessments.

Key Topics Covered (Based on Syllabus and Textbook)

• The Microbial World and You: Introduction to microorganisms and their impact.

• Chemical Principles: Basic chemistry relevant to microbiology.

• Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope: Microscopy techniques and applications.

• Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Cell structure and function.

• Microbial Metabolism: Biochemical pathways in microorganisms.

• Microbial Growth: Factors affecting growth and reproduction.

• The Control of Microbial Growth: Sterilization, disinfection, and antimicrobial agents.

• Microbial Genetics: DNA, gene expression, and genetic engineering.

• Biotechnology & DNA Technology: Applications in medicine and research.

• Viruses, Viroids, and Prions: Non-cellular infectious agents.

• Principles of Disease and Epidemiology: Disease transmission and epidemiological methods.

• Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity: How microbes cause disease.

• Innate Immunity: Nonspecific host defenses.

• Adaptive Immunity: Specific immune responses.

Example Equation (Microbial Growth)

Microbial population growth can be modeled by the following equation:

Where:

• : Final number of cells

• : Initial number of cells

• : Number of generations

Additional Info

• Students are expected to register for and use the Pearson Mastering Microbiology platform for assignments and assessments.

• Remote courses require double the weekly workload compared to 16-week courses.

• Attendance and participation are mandatory and contribute to the final grade.