BIO 205 Microbiology: Course Syllabus and Schedule Study Guide

Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the key elements of the BIO 205 Microbiology course at Hagerstown Community College, including course structure, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and a detailed schedule of lecture and laboratory topics. The course introduces students to the biology of microorganisms, covering microbial diversity, structure, metabolism, genetics, immunity, and their relationship to human health and the environment.

Course Structure and Materials

• Credits: 4 (3 lecture, 1 lab)

• Format: Hybrid (online lecture, face-to-face lab)

• Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, 14th edition by Tortora (Inclusive Access)

• Lab Manual: Required, available at campus store

• Additional Materials: Safety glasses for lab

Student Learning Outcomes

• Apply fundamental terminology and concepts of microbiology, including evolution, cell structure and function, metabolic pathways, genetics, microbial systems, and the impact of microorganisms.

• Use the scientific process and quantitative reasoning to analyze and interpret results from microbiological methods and communicate findings.

• Demonstrate appropriate microbiological lab skills and document results effectively.

Assessment Overview

• Major Exams (4) & Final: 50% of course grade

• Lecture Quizzes & Assignments: 20% (lowest two scores dropped)

• Lab Written Exams: 15%

• Lab Attendance & Assignments: 15%

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Required for all labs; more than 3 absences result in a grade penalty.

• Make-up Policy: Make-up exams allowed only with valid documentation; no make-up quizzes; late homework penalized 10% per day.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism result in a zero and possible disciplinary action.

• AI Usage: Generative AI tools are not permitted.

• Disability Services: Reasonable accommodations available with proper documentation.

• Technical Requirements: Reliable internet, computer with camera/microphone, ability to use D2L, and other digital tools.

Course Schedule: Lecture and Laboratory Topics

The following schedule outlines the main topics covered each week, aligned with textbook chapters and laboratory activities. Students are expected to complete homework for each chapter and prepare for labs in advance.

Week	Lecture Topic (Textbook Chapter)	Laboratory Activity
1	Course Guidelines Ch. 1 – The Microbial World and You Ch. 2 – Chemical Principles (Review)	Lab Safety, Introduction to Microscopy, Cell Shapes & Arrangements, Bright Field Microscopy, Oil Immersion
2	Ch. 3 – Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope	Pond Water Observation
3	Ch. 4 – Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells	Oil Immersion, Ubiquity of Bacteria, Aseptic Technique, Smear Prep, Simple Stain
4	Ch. 5 – Microbial Metabolism	Streak for Isolation, Gram Stain
5	Exam 1 (Ch. 1, 3, 4, 5) Ch. 6 – Microbial Growth	Pipetting, Serial Dilutions
6	Ch. 8 – Microbial Genetics	Bacterial Transformation
7	Ch. 9 – Biotechnology Ch. 13 – Viruses, Viroids, and Prions	Lab Exam 1, Start Unknown 1 (SFI, Gram Stain)
8	Ch. 13 continued Exam 2 (Ch. 6, 8, 9, 13)	Continue Unknown 1
9	Ch. 15 – Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity Ch. 16 – Innate Immunity	Antiseptic Lab (Table 7.5), Antiseptic Results
10	Ch. 16 continued Ch. 17 – Adaptive Immunity	Epidemic Simulation, UV Light, Unknown 2 (Biochemical Tests, SFI, Gram Stain)
11	Ch. 18 – Practical Applications of Immunology Ch. 20 – Antimicrobial Drugs	Unknown 2 (Day 2), Kirby Bauer Test
12	Ch. 20 continued Exam 3 (Ch. 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)	Finish Kirby Bauer
13	Ch. 21 – Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes Ch. 23 & 26 – Nervous System Diseases & STIs	Staph and Strep Labs
14	Ch. 24 – Respiratory Diseases	Staph and Strep Labs
15	Ch. 24 continued Ch. 25 – Digestive Diseases Exam 4 and Cumulative Final	Lab Final

Key Microbiology Topics Covered

• Microbial World and Diversity: Introduction to microorganisms, their roles, and diversity (Ch. 1, 11, 12, 13)

• Chemical Principles: Basic chemistry relevant to microbiology (Ch. 2)

• Microscopy: Techniques for observing microorganisms (Ch. 3)

• Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell anatomy (Ch. 4)

• Metabolism and Growth: Microbial metabolic pathways and growth conditions (Ch. 5, 6)

• Genetics and Biotechnology: Microbial genetics, transformation, and DNA technology (Ch. 8, 9)

• Pathogenicity and Immunity: Mechanisms of disease, innate and adaptive immunity, immunological applications (Ch. 15, 16, 17, 18)

• Antimicrobial Drugs: Mechanisms and applications (Ch. 20)

• Microbial Diseases: Diseases of skin, eyes, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems (Ch. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)

• Laboratory Skills: Microscopy, staining, aseptic technique, bacterial identification, antimicrobial testing, and epidemiological simulations

Laboratory Component

• Emphasizes hands-on skills: microscopy, staining, aseptic technique, bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

• Lab reports and unknowns are graded; attendance is mandatory.

• Lab safety is strictly enforced; safety glasses required.

Important Course Policies

• Attendance: Required for all labs; excessive absences result in grade penalties.

• Academic Integrity: Strictly enforced; no AI tool usage permitted.

• Technical Skills: Students must be able to use D2L, install software, and participate in online assessments.

• Disability Services: Accommodations available with proper documentation.

Summary Table: Major Topics and Corresponding Chapters

Topic	Textbook Chapter(s)
The Microbial World and You	1
Chemical Principles	2
Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope	3
Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells	4
Microbial Metabolism	5
Microbial Growth	6
Microbial Genetics	8
Biotechnology & DNA Technology	9
Viruses, Viroids, and Prions	13
Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity	15
Innate Immunity	16
Adaptive Immunity	17
Practical Applications of Immunology	18
Antimicrobial Drugs	20
Microbial Diseases (Skin, Eyes, Nervous, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive)	21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

Additional Info

• Students are expected to check the D2L platform regularly for updates, assignments, and announcements.

• Major exams may require in-person proctoring; check the syllabus and D2L for details.

• Lab activities are subject to modification; flexibility is required.