Microbiology Course Overview

Course Description

This college-level Microbiology course (BIO 228) provides a comprehensive study of viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi, and bacteria. Laboratory sessions focus on the preparation of cultures, aseptic techniques, staining, and biochemical identification of organisms. The course also examines the impact of microbes on health and disease.

• Credits: 4

• Prerequisites: Bio 121 (Biological Principles), Bio 181 (Anatomy & Physiology I) with grade of C or better

• Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction by Gerard Tortora (14th Edition, Pearson)

• Lab Manual: Laboratory Experiments in Microbiology by Ted Johnson (12th Edition, Pearson)

Course Learning Goals

• Describe the characteristics of cells, viruses, and prions

• Explain the basic differences between protozoa, algae, and fungi

• Demonstrate aseptic technique, maintenance of bacterial cultures, bacterial staining techniques, and specimen identification

• Explain the role of microbes in the disease state

Course Schedule & Topics

Lecture and Laboratory Topics

The course is structured around weekly lectures and laboratory sessions, covering the following major topics:

• Introduction to Microbiology (Chap 1): Microbial world & you

• Chemical Principles of Microbiology (Chap 2): Basic chemistry relevant to microbial life

• Microscopes & Observing Microbes (Chap 3): Survey of microbes, microscopy techniques

• Cell Structure & Function (Chap 4): Functional anatomy of prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• Microbial Metabolism (Chap 5): Biochemical pathways in microbes

• Microbial Growth (Chap 6): Dynamics and control of microbial populations

• Controlling Microbial Growth (Chap 7): Methods of sterilization and disinfection

• Microbial Genetics (Chap 8): DNA, gene regulation, and genetic variation

• Biotechnology & DNA Technology (Chap 9): Genetic engineering and applications

• Classification of Microorganisms (Chap 10): Taxonomy and systematics

• The Prokaryotes: Bacteria (Chap 11): Diversity and characteristics

• The Eukaryotes: Fungi (Chap 12): Structure, function, and importance

• Viruses, Viroids, and Prions (Chap 13): Structure, replication, and impact

• Principles of Disease & Epidemiology (Chap 14): Disease mechanisms and spread

Laboratory sessions reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on activities such as aseptic transfer, streak plate technique, staining (simple and Gram), microscopy, unknown organism identification, and ELISA testing.

Key Microbiology Concepts

Microbial Diversity

• Bacteria: Prokaryotic, unicellular organisms with diverse metabolic capabilities.

• Viruses: Acellular entities requiring host cells for replication.

• Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts and molds, important in decomposition and disease.

• Protozoa: Unicellular eukaryotes, often motile, some pathogenic.

• Algae: Photosynthetic eukaryotes, important in aquatic ecosystems.

• Prions: Infectious proteins lacking nucleic acids, cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Laboratory Techniques

• Aseptic Technique: Methods to prevent contamination of cultures and samples.

• Staining: Procedures (e.g., Gram stain, simple stain) to visualize and differentiate microbes.

• Microscopy: Use of light and electron microscopes to observe microbial morphology.

• Biochemical Tests: Identification of microbes based on metabolic activities.

• ELISA: Immunological assay for detecting antigens or antibodies.

Microbial Impact on Health

• Pathogenesis: Mechanisms by which microbes cause disease.

• Epidemiology: Study of disease spread and control in populations.

• Normal Flora: Microbes normally present in the human body, often beneficial.

• Antimicrobial Agents: Chemicals used to control microbial growth and treat infections.

Grading and Assessment

Grading Breakdown

BCCC Grading System

Course Policies

• Attendance: Mandatory for labs and tests; chronic absenteeism affects grades.

• Withdrawal: Students may withdraw until the deadline; after the deadline, a grade of F is assigned.

• Academic Integrity: Strict policy against cheating, plagiarism, and falsification. Penalties range from warnings to course failure and suspension.

• Disability Accommodations: Support available through the Accessibility Office.

Summary Table: Major Microbiology Topics Covered

Additional Info

• For detailed chapter content, refer to the textbook Microbiology: An Introduction by Gerard Tortora.

• Laboratory manual provides step-by-step protocols for all lab activities.

• Academic support and food insecurity resources are available for students in need.