BIOL 351: Fundamentals of Microbiology - intro

Course Overview

Introduction

BIOL 351, Fundamentals of Microbiology, is a college-level course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of microbiology, including the biology of microbes and their significance in various contexts. The course is suitable for both microbiology majors and non-majors, offering essential knowledge for further study or general scientific literacy.

Course Logistics

Lecture Schedule and Instructor Information

• Lecture Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:35 am – 10:50 am, BSBE 115

• Instructor: Dr. James L. Smith

• Office: BSBE 314B

• Phone: [phone]

• Email: [e-mail] (preferred contact method)

• Office Hours: Flexible scheduling (contact via email to arrange)

Course Outcomes

Learning Objectives

• Develop a basic understanding of microbial biology and the importance of microbes.

• For microbiology majors: Establish a foundation for advanced study in microbiology.

• For non-majors: Gain essential knowledge to understand the impact of microbes on health, environment, and society.

Assessment and Grading

Exams

• There will be three exams and a comprehensive final exam.

• Exam 1: 100 points, Tuesday, Sept 23 (Class Time)

• Exam 2: 100 points, Tuesday, Nov 4 (Class Time)

• Exam 3: 100 points, Thursday, Dec 4 (Class Time)

• Final Exam: Friday, Dec 11, 12:30 pm

Make-up Policy

• Make-up exams are permitted for excused absences (illness, family emergency, legal proceedings, university-sanctioned events).

• Students must contact the instructor within 48 hours of the missed exam to request a make-up.

• Failure to request within 48 hours results in a score of zero for that exam.

Laboratory Requirement

• Laboratory attendance and participation are mandatory.

• Students must complete all laboratory assignments.

• Details on assignments, grading, and required supplies are provided in the laboratory manual.

Grading Breakdown

• Lecture Grade: 70% of final course grade (based on three exams and the comprehensive final exam; total 400 points)

• Laboratory Grade: 30% of final course grade (based on percentage of points earned in laboratory assignments)

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
90–100	A
80–89	B
70–79	C
60–69	D
0–59	F

Grades on the border will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 89.49 = 89, 89.50 = 90).

Additional Information

• In some cases, the final exam score may replace the lowest midterm exam score if it is higher.

• All students are required to take the comprehensive final exam.

Example Application

If a student scores 85, 78, and 92 on the three exams, and 88 on the final, the lowest score (78) may be replaced by the final exam score (if allowed by the instructor), potentially improving the overall grade.

Additional info: The syllabus provides a structured overview of course expectations, assessment methods, and grading policies, which are essential for student success in a college-level microbiology course.