BIO 125 Introductory Microbiology – Syllabus and Core Concepts

Course Overview

This course, BIO 125 Introductory Microbiology, provides a foundational understanding of microbiology for health sciences students. It covers the morphology, physiology, cultivation, and control of microorganisms, surveys human pathogens, and introduces fundamental concepts of immunity. Laboratory experiments are integral to the curriculum.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

1. Microbial Morphology and Cell Function

Students will examine the structure and function of microbial cells, emphasizing how cell structure relates to pathogenicity.

• Scientific Nomenclature: Application of rules for naming microorganisms.

• Three Domains of Life: Identification and characteristics of Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

• Microbial Diversity: Differentiation among bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, and subviral agents.

• Microscopy: Types of microscopes, their uses, and related terminology.

• Microscopic Techniques: Processes for studying bacteria under the microscope.

• Gram Stain: Importance in screening specimen quality, identifying microbes, and guiding therapy.

• Cell Types: Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Bacterial Morphology: Shapes and arrangements of bacterial cells.

• Cell Structures: Functions of microbial cell components (e.g., cell wall, membrane, flagella).

• Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative: Cell wall composition and its relationship to Gram stain results.

• Pathogenicity: Factors contributing to a microbe's ability to cause disease; distinction between virulence, virulence factors, and pathogenicity.

2. Microorganisms and Human Health

This objective focuses on the interactions between microbes and humans, including the role of normal flora and the immune response.

• Normal Flora: Development and protective role in preventing infection.

• Microbial Roles: Differentiation of normal flora, opportunists, parasites, pathogens, and carriers/hosts.

• Immunity: Mechanisms and responses of nonspecific (innate) and specific (adaptive) immunity.

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

3. Infectious Diseases

Students will explain the nature and progression of infectious diseases, including examples affecting various body systems.

• Infection vs. Disease: Distinction between colonization and disease manifestation.

• Types of Infections: Acute, chronic, latent, and subclinical infections.

• Disease Development: Stages such as incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and convalescence.

• Systemic Examples: For each body system, describe etiologic agent, reservoir, transmission, pathogenesis, treatment, and control.

4. Microbial Growth and Control

This section covers the requirements for microbial growth and methods for controlling microbial populations.

• Microbial Classification: Based on energy and carbon sources (e.g., autotrophs, heterotrophs).

• Growth Requirements: Essential chemical and physical factors (e.g., temperature, pH, nutrients).

• Growth Control: Importance of controlling microbial growth in disease prevention and treatment.

• Bacterial Growth Curve: Four phases—lag, log, stationary, and death.

• Antimicrobial Terms: Definitions of sepsis, antisepsis, asepsis, and related concepts.

• Antimicrobial Agents: Effects on hosts and pathogens; mechanisms of action.

• Drug Resistance: Mechanisms and strategies to minimize resistance development.

5. Specimen Collection and Diagnosis

Students will learn procedures for collecting, testing, and preserving specimens to aid in diagnosing infectious diseases.

• Specimen Quality: Variables affecting specimen integrity.

• Generation Time: Relationship to specimen collection and processing.

• Collection Procedures: Proper methods for specimen handling and diagnosis.

• Testing Protocols: Metabolic and enzymatic tests used in identification.

6. Laboratory Skills and Safety

Emphasis on practical laboratory skills and adherence to safety protocols in microbiology and healthcare settings.

• Microscope Use: Identification and function of light microscope parts.

• Gram Stain Procedure: Evaluation of bacterial morphology.

• Differential Media: Comparison of bacterial growth characteristics.

• Microbial Control Methods: Comparison of various control techniques.

Course Evaluation

Evaluation Measure	Percentage of Final Grade
Summative Assessments (Exams)	70%
Lab Skills Assessments	10%
Formative Assessments (Quizzes, Assignments, Homework, Discussions)	10%
Lab Activities (Pre/Post Lab Questions, Lab Quizzes, Lab Reports)	10%
Total	100%

Core Curriculum Competencies

• Apply clear and effective communication skills.

• Use critical thinking to solve problems.

• Collaborate to achieve a common goal.

• Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.

• Use information literacy for effective research.

• Apply quantitative reasoning and scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Additional Information

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to seek accommodations through the campus Disabilities Support Counselor.

• Minimum technology requirements apply for online and hybrid courses.

• Academic integrity, attendance, and electronic device policies are enforced as per college guidelines.