BIO140 Microbiology & Immunology: Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview: Microbiology and Immunology (BIO140)

Introduction

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the microbial world, focusing on the biological properties of microorganisms and their relationship to humans. It covers infectious disease transmission, prevention, control, and immunity, with both lecture and laboratory components.

Course Structure and Requirements

Prerequisites and Materials

• Prerequisites: Recent completion of introductory biology and chemistry courses with a minimum grade of "C".

• Required Materials: Lab coat, safety goggles, textbooks, and lab manual.

• Textbooks: Tortora et al., Microbiology: An Introduction (14th ed.), and BIO140 Lab Manual.

Course Delivery

• Face-to-face lectures and labs held on campus.

• Lecture: 1 ¾ hours per session; Lab: 1 ¾ hours per session.

• Mandatory attendance for all sessions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Lecture Outcomes

• Understand microbial characteristics (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses).

• Describe disease transmission and microbial control methods.

• Explain body defense mechanisms (immunology).

• Discuss global diversity of diseases.

• Review laboratory diagnostic methods.

Laboratory Outcomes

• Use microscopes to identify microorganisms.

• Perform Gram stains and identify bacteria.

• Use diagnostic media and tests for bacterial differentiation.

• Conduct sensitivity testing of bacteria.

• Develop scientific laboratory reports.

Instructional Topics

Lecture Topics

• Introduction to Medical Microbiology: Microbial world, history.

• Cell Structure and Function: Microscopy, metabolism, growth.

• Microbial Classification and Identification: Kingdoms, nomenclature, methods.

• Microbial Control: Sterilization, disinfection, antibiotics, vaccines.

• Survey of the Microbial World: Bacteria, fungi, parasites, algae, viruses.

• Host-Parasite Relationships: Disease principles, pathogenicity, immune responses.

• Microorganisms and Human Disease: Diseases of respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous, cardiovascular, skin, and eyes; AIDS.

Laboratory Topics

• Lab rules and microscope use.

• Environmental organisms and handwashing importance.

• Bacterial morphology: simple, Gram, and acid-fast stains.

• Aseptic technique and streak dilution.

• Identification of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Gram-negative bacilli.

• Controlling bacteria with disinfectants.

• Throat and urine cultures; susceptibility testing.

• Scientific method in laboratory reporting.

Course Schedule

Lecture Schedule (Selected Chapters)

• Chapters 1 & 10: Introduction to Microbiology

• Chapter 3: Microscopy

• Chapter 4: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Chapter 5: Microbial Metabolism

• Chapter 6: Microbial Growth

• Chapter 7: Control of Microbial Growth

• Chapter 10: Identification of Microbes

• Chapters 11, 21-26: Bacteria and Diseases

• Chapter 12: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, Helminths

• Chapter 13: Viruses

• Chapter 14: Epidemiology

• Chapter 15: Pathogenicity Mechanisms

• Chapter 16: Nonspecific Defenses

• Chapter 17: Specific Defenses (Immune Response)

• Chapter 18: Immunology Applications (Vaccines)

• Chapter 19: Hypersensitivity, AIDS

• Chapter 20: Antimicrobial Drugs

• Chapters 21-26: Microbial Diseases of Organ Systems

• Chapters 22 & 23: Nervous & Cardiovascular Diseases

Laboratory Schedule (Selected Activities)

• Lab rules, microscope use, environmental cultures.

• Bacterial morphology: simple and Gram stains.

• Wet mounts, bacteriological media, aseptic technique.

• Identification of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

• Disinfectants, unknown cultures, Gram-negative bacilli.

• Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test, urine cultures, acid-fast stain.

• Lab practical exam: identification and interpretation of specimens.

Grading Policy

Assessment Components

• Lecture Tests: 50%

• Final Exam (Cumulative): 23%

• Laboratory Practical Exam (Cumulative): 17%

• Lab Grade: 10%

Grade Criteria

Grade	Percentage
A	93–100
A-	90–92
B+	87–89
B	83–86
B-	80–82
C+	77–79
C	70–76
D	60–69
F	0–59

Attendance and Academic Integrity

• Mandatory attendance for all lectures and labs.

• Absences result in grade deductions; five absences lead to course failure.

• Academic honesty is required; cheating results in automatic zero and possible disciplinary action.

• Use of generative AI tools for assignments is prohibited.

Assignment Submission and Participation

• Assignments submitted on paper during class; online assignments via Pearson and Canvas.

• Weekly discussions on Canvas; posts graded for completion and quality.

• Writing assignment based on CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal.

Support and Resources

• Free tutoring, academic workshops, and study skill specialists available.

• Disability Services provide accommodations and support.

• Resources for physical and mental health are accessible via campus guides.

Course Communication and Netiquette

• Use MC3 email for all course communications.

• Follow respectful and professional netiquette guidelines.

Course Calendar and Schedule

• Refer to syllabus and Canvas for detailed schedule and assignment due dates.

• Final Exam: May 5, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 10:04 a.m.

Signature Form

Students must verify receipt and understanding of the syllabus, prerequisites, and laboratory rules by signing the provided form.

Relevant Image

Additional info: The course schedule and topics directly align with the standard microbiology curriculum, covering all major chapters listed in the reference guide. Laboratory activities reinforce lecture content and provide hands-on experience with microbial identification and control methods.