Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the key elements of the MCBC 2010 Microbiology for Health Sciences course at Eastern Florida State College. The course provides an introduction to the morphology, physiology, metabolism, and genetics of microorganisms, with a focus on medically significant microbes and laboratory techniques essential for health sciences.

Course Description and Objectives

• Credit Hours: 4 (Three hours lecture, three hours lab per week)

• Prerequisite: BSCC 1010 or BSCC 1010H with a grade of "C" or higher

• Major Topics:

  • Structure, metabolism, and activities of microbes (bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi, animals)

  • Microbial genetics and biotechnology

  • Microbial diseases and epidemiology

  • Laboratory techniques: asepsis, staining, culturing, test interpretation

  • Environmental, food, and industrial microbiology

Course Materials

• Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, Tortora et al., 14th Edition, Pearson

• Lab Manual: MCBC 2010 Laboratory Manual, James R. Yount, Spring 2026

• Other Required Items: Colored pencils for lab drawings, chemical safety glasses

Learning Competencies

• Evaluate events in the history of microbiology

• Apply theoretical principles of microscopy to laboratory procedures

• Analyze structure and function of microbial cells

• Evaluate processes of microbial reproduction, growth, and control of growth

• Assess metabolic requirements and biochemical activity of microorganisms

• Apply taxonomic principles to bacterial classification

• Evaluate characteristics of disease and pathogenesis

• Evaluate epidemiological procedures and data for microbial diseases

• Assess etiology, pathology, and detection of bacterial, eukaryotic, and viral diseases

• Assess principles of environmental, food, and industrial microbiology

Course Outline and Module Structure

The course is divided into five modules, each covering specific textbook chapters and laboratory exercises. Each module concludes with an exam or practical assessment.

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

• Ch. 1 – The Microbial World and You

• Ch. 2 – Chemical Principles

• Ch. 3 – Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope

• Ch. 4 – Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Lab Exercises: Aseptic transfer, bacterial growth patterns, staining techniques

Module 2: Microbial Metabolism and Control

• Ch. 5 – Microbial Metabolism

• Ch. 6 – Microbial Growth

• Ch. 7 – The Control of Microbial Growth

• Ch. 20 – Antimicrobial Drugs

• Lab Exercises: Differential stains, metabolic function tests, growth rate calculations, antimicrobial susceptibility

Module 3: Genetics, Classification, and Pathogenicity

• Ch. 8 – Microbial Genetics

• Ch. 9 – Biotechnology & DNA Technology

• Ch. 10 – Classification of Microorganisms

• Ch. 14 – Principles of Disease and Epidemiology

• Ch. 15 – Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

• Lab Exercises: Human microbiota, bacterial transformation, microbial genera/species identification

Module 4: Eukaryotic Microbes and Disease

• Ch. 12 – The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths

• Ch. 21–26 – Microbial Diseases of Organ Systems

• Lab Exercises: PCR/electrophoresis, protozoan and helminth identification, phage DNA analysis

Module 5: Viruses and Applied Microbiology

• Ch. 13 – Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

• Ch. 21–26 – Viral Taxonomy and Disease

• Ch. 28 – Applied and Industrial Microbiology

• Lab Exercises: ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

Assessment and Grading

• Exams (65%): Five tests including a comprehensive final; lowest test grade replaced by final exam score

• Lab Reports & Homework (35%): Professional lab reports, online assignments, quizzes

• Grading Scale:

  • A: >90%

  • B: 80–89%

  • C: 70–79%

  • D: 60–69%

  • F: <60%

Laboratory Policies and Safety

• Attendance is essential for mastering lab techniques and completing reports

• Lab reports must be based on personal participation; submitting work for unattended labs is academic dishonesty

• Make-up labs are limited, especially for live or hazardous materials

• Proper attire and chemical safety glasses are required in the lab

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism, cheating, and unauthorized collaboration are strictly prohibited

• Use of AI is limited to basic word processing (grammar/spell check); AI-generated content is not allowed

• Violations may result in failing grades or expulsion

Student Support and Accessibility

• Students with disabilities should contact the SAIL office for accommodations

• Course materials are designed to be accessible; contact the instructor for any access issues

Tips for Success

• Read the textbook in advance and take thorough notes

• Attend all lectures and labs; participation is key to understanding material

• Use provided objective sheets to guide study

• Complete assignments and exams on schedule

• Seek help from the instructor and utilize open lab hours for additional practice

Course Schedule Overview

Conclusion

This course provides foundational knowledge and laboratory skills in microbiology, emphasizing medically relevant microorganisms and their impact on human health. Success in this course requires active participation, academic integrity, and consistent study habits.