BIOL 2117 Introductory Microbiology: Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology

This course provides a foundational understanding of microbiology, focusing on microbial diversity, cell biology, genetics, interactions with humans, and infectious diseases. The curriculum is structured to cover major topics in microbiology, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths, microbial growth, genetics, immunity, and disease mechanisms.

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

• Prerequisites: Completion of introductory biology courses with laboratory.

• Course Format: Weekly readings, lectures, quizzes, discussion forums, and exams.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

Major Chapters and Content Areas

The following chapters and topics are covered, aligning with standard microbiology curriculum:

• Ch. 1: The Microbial World and You

• Ch. 4: Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Ch. 6: Microbial Growth

• Ch. 7: The Control of Microbial Growth

• Ch. 8: Microbial Genetics

• 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. 20: Antimicrobial Drugs

• Ch. 21-26: Microbial Diseases of Organ Systems (Skin, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive)

Course Competencies and Student Learning Outcomes

Core Competencies

• Microbial Growth, Genetics, and Classification: Understanding historical contributions, taxonomy, cell anatomy, growth requirements, and genetic mechanisms.

• Bacterial Classification and Diseases: Identification of major bacterial groups and diseases affecting various organ systems.

• Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Classification and life cycles of fungi, algae, protozoa, and multicellular parasites, including associated diseases.

• Viruses and Viral Diseases: Structure, classification, life cycles, and diseases caused by viruses.

• Disease Principles and Epidemiology: Mechanisms of pathogenicity, epidemiological terms, and disease transmission.

• Control of Microorganisms and Antimicrobial Drugs: Methods of sterilization, disinfection, and antibiotic mechanisms.

• Host Defenses: Nonspecific (innate) and specific (adaptive) immune responses.

Grading and Evaluation

Assessment Breakdown

Assignment Category	Weight (%)	Description
Lecture Exams (3 @ 25% each)	75%	Closed book, multiple-choice, in-person exams
Discussion Forum	5%	Online participation in three forums
Multiple Choice Study Question Quizzes	12%	Timed quizzes, two attempts allowed
Essay Questions	8%	Open-book, written responses on Blackboard

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage	Description
A	90-100	Excellent
B	80-89	Good
C	70-79	Average
D	60-69	Below Average
F	0-59	Fail
W	-	Withdrawn
I	-	Incomplete

Key Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance and timely submission of assignments are required.

• Absences should be communicated in advance.

Academic Integrity

• Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for assignments is strictly prohibited and considered cheating.

• Plagiarism will result in disciplinary action.

Course Time Commitment

• Expect to spend at least 3 hours per week per credit hour on coursework, including lectures, labs, and study time.

Support Services

• Tutoring, counseling, and library resources are available via the Success Center and Assist page on Blackboard.

• Disability accommodations are provided through the ADA coordinator.

Sample Calculation Formula

Percentage Grade Calculation

• To calculate your percentage grade for any assignment:

$\text{Percentage Grade} = \frac{\text{Number Correct}}{\text{Total Number}} \times 100$

Course Outline: Major Topics by Week

Week	Topic	Chapters	Competencies
1	The Microbial World	1	I(A,B)
2	Functional Anatomy of Microbes	4	I(C)
2	Microbial Growth	6	I(D)
2	Control of Microbial Growth	7	VI(A,B)
3	Microbial Genetics	8	I(E)
4	Classification of Microorganisms	10	I(B)
6	Bacteria & Bacterial Diseases	11, 21-26	II(A-E)
7	Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, Helminths & Diseases	12, 21-26	III(A-F)
8-9	Viruses & Viral Diseases	13, 21-26	IV(A-E)
13	Innate Immunity	16	VII(A)
14	Adaptive Immunity	17	VII(B,C)
14-15	Practical Applications of Immunology	18	VII(B,C)
12	Epidemiology	14	V(B,C)
12	Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity	15	V(A)
11	Antimicrobial Drugs	20	VI(C)

Summary of Major Microbiology Themes

• Microbial Diversity: Study of bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa, and helminths.

• Cell Biology: Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Genetics: Replication, gene expression, and genetic variability in microbes.

• Growth and Control: Requirements for microbial growth, measurement, and methods of control (sterilization, disinfection, antibiotics).

• Classification: Taxonomy and identification of microorganisms.

• Pathogenicity and Disease: Mechanisms of disease, epidemiology, and diseases affecting major organ systems.

• Immunity: Host defenses, including innate and adaptive immune responses, and practical applications of immunology.

Additional Info

• This syllabus aligns closely with the standard microbiology curriculum and covers all major topics required for a college-level introductory microbiology course.

• Students are expected to engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology, including laboratory safety and ethical conduct.