BIO 230: Microbiology Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology

This course provides a comprehensive survey of microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and impact of microorganisms. It is designed for students in Nursing, Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition, Health Education, and Physical Education. The course emphasizes both foundational theory and applied aspects, such as infectious diseases, human resistance, food and industrial microbiology, and biotechnology.

• Prerequisites: Two semesters of 100-level biology.

• Textbook (Recommended): An Introduction to Microbiology, 13th edition by Tortora, Funke, and Case.

• Format: Fully in-person lectures and labs; all exams are in person.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the "invisible" world of microorganisms and their profound impact on human health and the environment.

• Connect microbiological theory with real-world applications, especially in health and disease.

• Develop critical thinking skills through exposure to current microbiology research and concepts.

Course Topics and Schedule

The course follows a structured schedule, covering key chapters from the recommended textbook. Below is a summary of the main topics and their sequence:

Week	Chapters/Topics
Jan 26	Ch. 1 & 4: History & Functional Anatomy of Microbes
Feb 2	Ch. 6 & 7: Microbial Growth and Control
Feb 9	Ch. 5 & 8: Microbial Metabolism and Genetics
Feb 23	Ch. 8 (cont.) & 20: Microbial Genetics and Antimicrobial Drugs
March 2	Exam 1 (Ch. 1, 4-8, 20)
March 9	Ch. 10 & 11: Classification of Microorganisms and Bacteria
March 16	Ch. 12 & 13: Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Viruses
March 23	Ch. 27 & 28: Environmental and Applied Industrial Microbiology
March 30	Ch. 14 & 15: Principles of Disease, Epidemiology, Pathogenicity
April 13	Exam 2 (Ch. 10-15, 27 & 28)
April 20	Ch. 16 & 17: Host Defenses, Immune Response
April 27	Ch. 21 & 22: Microbial Diseases of Skin, Eye, Nervous System
May 4	Ch. 23 & 24: Diseases of Lymphatic, Cardiovascular, Respiratory Systems
May 11	Ch. 24 & 26: Diseases of Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive Systems
May 18	Final Exam (Ch. 16-17, select Ch. 21-26; not cumulative)

Additional info: The course schedule is subject to change at the instructor's discretion.

Grading Structure

Grades are determined by a combination of exams, participation, and laboratory performance. The breakdown is as follows:

Activity	Percentage of Final Grade
Exam 1	20%
Exam 2	20%
Final Exam	25%
Lecture Attendance and Participation	5%
Laboratory Score	30%
Total	100%

Letter Grade Scale

Grade	Percent Range
A	93-100%
A-	90-92.99%
B+	87-89.99%
B	83-86.99%
B-	80-82.99%
C+	77-79.99%
C	73-76.99%
C-	70-72.99%
D+	67-69.99%
D	61-66.99%
F	0-60%

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is recorded at each lecture; on-time attendance is essential for success.

• Participation includes answering questions, engaging in activities, and respectful classroom behavior.

• One excused and one unexcused absence are permitted; lab has separate policies.

Exams and Make-up Policy

• All exams are in-person and must be taken at the scheduled time.

• Make-up exams require official documentation (e.g., medical note, police report) and are at the instructor's discretion.

• Use of electronic devices during exams is strictly prohibited and results in a zero.

• Leaving the exam room results in point deductions.

Extra Credit

• Available for each exam unit; format varies by unit.

• Must be submitted on Brightspace by the deadline; late submissions are not accepted.

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to academic integrity is required; violations result in an F and reporting to the Academic Integrity Officer.

• Examples of dishonesty include plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, and falsifying records.

• Students must sign an honor statement for each exam or assignment.

Support and Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should register with the Office of Student Disability Services for accommodations.

• Emergency assistance and food support are available through Lehman College resources.

• Religious and health-related exemptions require timely official documentation.

Key Microbiology Topics Covered

• History and Scope of Microbiology (Ch. 1)

• Cell Structure and Function (Ch. 4)

• Microbial Growth and Control (Ch. 6, 7)

• Microbial Metabolism (Ch. 5)

• Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology (Ch. 8, 20)

• Classification of Microorganisms (Ch. 10-13)

• Environmental and Industrial Microbiology (Ch. 27, 28)

• Principles of Disease and Epidemiology (Ch. 14, 15)

• Host Defenses and Immunity (Ch. 16, 17)

• Microbial Diseases of Organ Systems (Ch. 21-26)

Additional info: For detailed content on each chapter, refer to the recommended textbook and lecture slides provided on Brightspace.

Best Practices for Success

• Attend all lectures and labs on time.

• Engage actively in class discussions and activities.

• Review PowerPoint slides and textbook chapters regularly.

• Utilize office hours and review sessions for additional support.

• Adhere strictly to academic integrity policies.