BackBIOL 2117L Introductory Microbiology Lab Syllabus & Study Guide
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Course Overview
Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory
This course provides hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology, paralleling the major topics covered in BIOL 2117. Students will engage in exercises covering microbial diversity, cell biology, genetics, human-microbe interactions, and disease. The course emphasizes laboratory safety, proper use of equipment, and scientific analysis.
Course Code: BIOL 2117L
Credits: 1
Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, 13th edition by Tortora, Funke, and Case
Virtual Labs: McGraw-Hill Connect Labs Access Card required
Major Topics & Competencies
Laboratory Safety
Laboratory safety is foundational in microbiology. Students must understand and apply safety protocols to prevent contamination and accidents.
Key Point: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles.
Key Point: Know the location and proper use of safety equipment (eyewash stations, fire extinguishers).
Example: Proper disposal of biohazardous materials in designated containers.
Microscopy
Microscopy is essential for observing microorganisms. Students will learn the parts, functions, and operation of brightfield and oil immersion microscopes.
Key Point: The brightfield microscope uses visible light to illuminate specimens, while oil immersion increases resolution for small bacteria.
Key Point: Proper care includes cleaning lenses and handling slides with care.
Example: Identifying bacterial shapes (cocci, bacilli, spirilla) under the microscope.
Aseptic Technique
Aseptic technique prevents contamination of cultures and the environment. It is critical for reliable experimental results.
Key Point: Sterilize instruments (loops, needles) before and after use by flaming.
Key Point: Minimize exposure of sterile media to air.
Example: Transferring bacteria from broth to agar plate without introducing contaminants.
Control of Microbial Growth
Understanding how to control microbial growth is vital in both laboratory and clinical settings.
Key Point: Physical methods include heat, filtration, and radiation.
Key Point: Chemical methods include disinfectants and antiseptics.
Example: Using autoclaves to sterilize media and equipment.
Microbial Diversity
Microorganisms are diverse, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses. Students will observe and classify different types.
Key Point: Classification is based on morphology, staining, and metabolic properties.
Key Point: Ubiquity of microorganisms demonstrated by sampling various environments.
Example: Isolating bacteria from soil, water, or surfaces using streak plate method.
Microbial Cell Biology
Cell biology focuses on the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Key Point: Prokaryotes lack a nucleus; eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles.
Key Point: Cell wall composition differs between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Example: Gram staining to differentiate bacterial cell wall types.
Microbial Genetics
Genetics explores how microorganisms inherit and express traits, including mechanisms of gene transfer and mutation.
Key Point: Bacterial transformation, conjugation, and transduction are key genetic processes.
Key Point: Mutations can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Example: Simulating bacterial transformation in lab experiments.
Interactions and Impact of Microorganisms and Humans
Microorganisms play roles in health, disease, and the environment. Students will study epidemiology and case studies.
Key Point: Pathogenic microbes cause disease; beneficial microbes aid digestion and immunity.
Key Point: Epidemiology tracks disease spread and prevention.
Example: Childbed fever and stomach ulcer case studies.
Microorganisms and Human Disease
Understanding the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and disease transmission is crucial for public health.
Key Point: Diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Key Point: Laboratory diagnosis involves staining, culturing, and biochemical tests.
Example: Identifying unknown bacteria using biochemical and staining techniques.
Laboratory Assignments & Activities
Weekly Schedule Highlights
Lab Safety and Introduction: Safety quizzes, ID verification, and course orientation.
Microscopy and Metric System: Tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on practice.
Genetics Labs: Experiments and case studies on microbial genetics.
Aseptic Technique and Isolation: Streak plate, subculturing, and quantification of bacteria.
Staining Techniques: Gram, acid-fast, capsule, and spore staining.
Biochemical Testing: Simulations and reports on metabolic properties.
Antibiotic Sensitivity: Kirby-Bauer method and resistance studies.
Biotechnology: Transformation and genetic engineering experiments.
Epidemiology and Disease Case Studies: Ebola, tropical diseases, and coliforms in Antarctica.
Grading & Evaluation
Grading Scale
Letter | Score Range |
|---|---|
A | 90-100 |
B | 80-89 |
C | 70-79 |
D | 60-69 |
F | 0-59 |
W | Withdrawn |
I | Incomplete |
Grade Calculation Formula
To calculate percentage grade:
Assignment Categories & Weights
Assignment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
Lab Practical Exams (2) | 50% (25% each) |
Discussion Forum | 10% |
Lab Reports | 30% |
Connect Lab Assignments | 10% |
Course Policies & Support
Attendance and Participation
Regular attendance and timely submission of assignments are required.
Excessive absence or tardiness may affect final grades.
Academic Integrity
Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized use of AI tools are strictly prohibited.
Violations will result in disciplinary action and a zero for the assignment.
Support Services
Disability accommodations available through the Counseling Center.
Tutoring and academic support offered at the Success Center.
Student Learning Outcomes
Apply laboratory safety practices.
Use and care for microscopes.
Perform aseptic techniques.
Control microbial growth.
Identify microbial diversity.
Understand microbial cell biology and genetics.
Analyze human-microbe interactions and disease mechanisms.
Course Schedule Summary
Weeks | Main Topics | Assignments/Evaluations | Competencies |
|---|---|---|---|
1-11 | History of Microbiology; Semmelweiss Case Study | Lab Practical, Discussion Forum | III, IV |
2-7 | Antarctic Case Study; Microscopy (Ch. 3); Metric System | Lab Practical, Lab Reports | I, II, IV, V |
3, 11 | Genetics Activity; Spillover video | Genetics Activities Report, Spillover Lab Report | VI, VII |
1-7, 10 | Lab Safety; Gram Stain; Observation of slides; Stomach Ulcers Case Study | Ulcers Post-Case Questions, Lab Practical | I, II, VI, VIII, IX |
8 | Lab Safety; Biochemical Testing Experiment | Biochemical Testing Report | I, III, VI |
9 | Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing Experiment | Antibiotic Sensitivity Report | I, III, VI, VIII |
12 | Epidemiology Lab; Ebola video; Tropical Disease Case Study | Lab Reports, Ebola Report, Tropical Disease Case Study Report | VIII, IX |
10 | Biotechnology Experiment | Biotechnology Experiment Report | III, VII, VIII |
13, 15 | Selected Diseases | Disease Powerpoint Presentation, Annotated Bibliography | VIII, IX |
Additional Information
All assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM each week.
Late work is only accepted with prior notice and documentation.
There are no exam retakes or grade recovery options.
Students must commit at least 3 hours per week per credit hour.
