BIO-186 Microbiology Course Syllabus: Structure, Policies, and Content Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to BIO-186 Microbiology

This course provides an in-depth examination of the microbial world, focusing on the classification, reproduction, genetics, physiology, infectious disease, and control of microorganisms. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of equipment and identification of clinically and economically important organisms.

• Course Code: BIO-186-DER02

• Credit Hours: 4

• Modality: Online (Canvas)

• Instructor: Dr. Lynne Trevisan

• Prerequisites: BIO 114 or BIO 168

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the main principles of microbiology.

• Demonstrate laboratory techniques utilized in the field of microbiology.

• Use critical thinking to evaluate scientific information to make informed decisions.

Required Course Materials

• Textbook: Tortora, G. J., Case, C. L., Bair III, W. B., Weber, D., & Funke, B. R. (2023). Microbiology: An Introduction (14th ed.) with Mastering Access Code. Pearson Education Inc.

• Access to Mastering Microbiology assignments and Dynamic Study Modules via Canvas.

Technology Requirements

• Desktop or laptop computer with current software and web applications

• Reliable high-speed internet

• Current version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge

• Webcam and microphone for virtual meetings

• Speakers or headset

• Microsoft 365 (provided free to students)

Course Content and Assessment Structure

Major Topics Covered (by Chapter)

• 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. 10 - Classification of Microorganisms

• Ch. 11 - The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea

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

• Ch. 13 - Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

• Ch. 14 - Principles of Disease and Epidemiology

• 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 - Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes

• Ch. 22 - Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System

• Ch. 23 - Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

• Ch. 24 - Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System

• Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

• Ch. 26 - Microbial Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems

• Ch. 27 - Environmental Microbiology

• Ch. 28 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology

Assessment Overview

• Mastering Microbiology Assignments: Weekly, due Sundays

• Quizzes: Chapter and lab quizzes, due Sundays

• Discussions: Weekly, initial posts due Wednesdays, replies due Sundays

• Exams: Four non-cumulative exams, covering specific chapters

• Lab Assignments: Including written reports (e.g., The Importance of Hand Hygiene)

Exam Content Breakdown

Exam	Chapters Covered
Exam 1	1, 10, 2, 3, 4
Exam 2	6, 8, 9, 14, 15
Exam 3	16, 17, 19
Exam 4	20, 7, 12, 13

Assignment Weights

Assignment Type	Total Points	Percentage of Total
Syllabus Quiz	15	1%
Quizzes	495	28%
Discussions	340	18%
Mastering Microbiology	540	29%
Lab Report	50	3%
Exams	400	22%
Total	1840	100%

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	93-100
A–	90-92.9
B+	87-89.9
B	83-86.9
B–	80-82.9
C+	77-79.9
C	73-76.9
C–	70-72.9
D+	67-69.9
D	63-66.9
D–	60-62.9
F	0-59.9

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Regular participation is required; this is not a self-paced course.

• Assignment Submission: All assignments have specific due dates; late work is generally not accepted.

• Discussion Participation: Weekly discussions with required initial and peer responses.

• Exam Policy: Exams are open book/notes but time-limited; only one attempt is allowed.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized use of AI for assignment completion are strictly prohibited.

Support Resources

• Canvas and Technology Support: 24/7 Canvas support, EICC Help Desk, and Microsoft 365 access.

• Disability Services: Accommodations available through campus coordinators.

• Tutoring: Brainfuse Online Tutoring (15 hours/year), campus Success Centers, and Academic Support Centers.

• Additional Resources: Counseling, career services, military/veteran support, library access, and FERPA compliance.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Textbook	Microbiology: An Introduction (14th ed.)
Major Topics	Microbial world, classification, genetics, metabolism, disease, immunity, control, and applied microbiology
Assessments	Quizzes, exams, discussions, lab reports, Mastering Microbiology assignments
Support	Canvas, tech support, tutoring, disability services, counseling
Policies	Strict academic integrity, attendance, and submission guidelines

Additional Info

• This syllabus outlines the structure and expectations for a comprehensive college-level microbiology course, closely aligned with standard microbiology textbook chapters and laboratory practices.

• Students are expected to engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology, preparing them for further study or careers in health, science, or related fields.