Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (BIOL-2420) - Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the morphology, physiology, and taxonomy of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. It also covers food microbes, public health, and immunology, making it highly relevant to the foundational chapters of a college-level Microbiology course.

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

• Importance: Microbiology is essential for understanding evolution, genetics, medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology.

Core Objectives

Upon completion, students will be evaluated on:

• Communication: Expressing ideas through written, oral, and visual means.

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and synthesizing information.

• Quantitative/Empirical Reasoning: Manipulating and analyzing numerical data.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Describe characteristics and growth requirements of prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic organisms.

• Explain the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, energy, and human health.

• Distinguish mechanisms of physical and chemical control of microbial populations.

• Explain bacterial metabolism and genetics.

• Describe evidence for evolution of cells and organelles.

• Compare characteristics and replication of viruses, prions, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes.

• Describe host defenses and immunizations.

• Explain transmission and virulence mechanisms.

Laboratory Outcomes

• Use laboratory safety rules and universal precautions.

• Demonstrate use of a compound light microscope.

• Prepare stains and wet mounts for microorganism identification.

• Perform aseptic techniques for transfer, isolation, and observation of bacteria.

• Use culture media for growth and identification.

• Perform bacterial identification using biochemical tests.

• Estimate microorganism counts using direct counts, plate counts, or spectrophotometry.

• Identify fungi and parasites based on microscopic morphology.

Broad Microbiology Objectives

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Sporadic, Endemic, Epidemic, Pandemic: Types of disease occurrence and spread.

• Bacterial Structures: Cell wall, membrane, flagella, pili, etc., and their functions.

• Antigenic Shift and Drift: Mechanisms of genetic variation in pathogens.

• Scientific Method: Steps for hypothesis-driven research.

• Robert Koch: Pioneer in microbiology; developed Koch’s postulates.

• Cell Wall Structure: Influences Gram staining and antibiotic action.

• Koch’s Postulates: Criteria for linking microbes to disease.

• Normal Microbial Flora: Microorganisms normally present in the body.

• Antibiotic Resistance: Mechanisms and importance in medicine.

• Microbial Pathogen: Organism capable of causing disease.

• Host Defense Mechanisms: Innate and adaptive immunity.

• Transcription and Translation: Processes of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Sterilization Methods: Physical and chemical techniques.

• Genetic Code: Relationship between DNA structure and protein synthesis.

• DNA vs. RNA: Three key differences (structure, function, stability).

• Food-borne Pathogens: Microbes causing diseases via contaminated food.

• Bacterial Isolation and Cultivation: Methods for growing and storing bacteria.

• Aseptic Technique: Procedures to prevent contamination.

• Plasmids, Phage, Transposons: Mobile genetic elements and their significance.

• Epidemiology: Study of disease distribution and determinants.

• Microscope Use: Identification and care of microscope parts.

• Vaccines: Types, production, and diseases prevented.

• Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Respiration: Comparison of metabolic pathways.

• Emerging Pathogens: Newly identified disease-causing organisms.

• Bacterial Counts: Methods for quantifying bacteria.

Course Schedule Overview

The course follows a structured schedule covering the following chapters:

• 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

• Ch. 5: Microbial Metabolism

• Ch. 6: Microbial Growth

• Ch. 7: The Control of Microbial Growth

• Ch. 8: Microbial Genetics

• Ch. 9: Biotechnology & DNA Technology

• Ch. 13: Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

• Ch. 15: Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

• Ch. 16: Innate Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the Host

• Ch. 17: Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host

• Ch. 18: Practical Applications of Immunology

• Ch. 19: Disorders Associated with the Immune System

• Ch. 20: Antimicrobial Drugs

• Ch. 21-26: Selected Infectious Diseases

Grade Computation

Grade Scale

Course Policies

• Attendance is mandatory; valid reasons required for reinstatement after drop.

• Exams must be taken as scheduled; strict rules against cheating and plagiarism.

• Cell phones and unauthorized devices are prohibited during exams.

• Academic integrity is enforced; violations may result in course failure and disciplinary action.

• Use of generative AI tools for assignments is considered cheating.

Instructional Materials

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

• Electronic and print options available with Mastering Microbiology access code.

Support Services

• Academic advising, tutoring, library services, and IT support are available to all students.

• Disability support services provide accommodations as needed.

Additional info:

• This syllabus covers all major foundational topics in Microbiology, including microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, immunology, and infectious diseases, aligning closely with the standard college Microbiology curriculum.