MCB2010C Microbiology: Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview: MCB2010C Microbiology

Introduction to Microbiology

This course provides a foundational understanding of microbiology, focusing on the structure, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism, and introductory genetics of bacteria. It also covers fungi, parasites, and viruses, with laboratory experience in techniques and primary isolation.

• Course Prefix & Number: MCB2010C

• Course Title: Microbiology

• Course Format: Online

• Credit Hours: 4

• Prerequisites: None

• Faculty: Dr. Shawn McPartland

• Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, 12th Edition, Tortora, Funke, Case

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply concepts of science: Understand and utilize scientific principles in microbiology.

• Demonstrate the principles of scientific inquiry: Use the scientific method to investigate microbiological phenomena.

• Discuss infectious diseases: Explain the causes, transmission, and control of infectious diseases.

• Identify bacteria: Recognize and classify bacterial species based on structure and function.

• Identify microorganisms: Distinguish between bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

• Differentiating cellular classifications: Classify microorganisms based on cellular structure (prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes).

Course Policies and Structure

Attendance and Participation

Regular online attendance is vital for student academic success. Attendance is tracked weekly and is recorded by completing academic activities. Students must complete at least one academic activity per week to be marked present.

• Academic Activity Examples:

  • Participating in faculty-led threaded discussions or blogs

  • Submitting assignments or posting comments

  • Submitting assessments (exams, quizzes, pre-unit tests, post-unit tests, or practice exams)

• Last Day of Attendance (LDA): Students must complete a minimum of one academic activity each week to avoid being marked absent.

Live Course Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend live classes (one hour/week). Missing more than two live classes per term may result in being dropped from the class.

Due Dates and Late Work

• The week begins on Monday at 12:01am EST and ends on Sunday at 11:59pm EST.

• Quizzes and assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59pm EST.

• Discussion posts are due by Thursday at 11:59pm EST; peer responses by Sunday at 11:59pm EST.

• Late assignments may incur a 10% penalty unless prior arrangements are made.

Grading and Assessment

Grading Scale

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

Assessment Types and Weights

Graded Assessment Types	Weights (%)
Discussions	20%
Writing Assignments, Reaction and Response, Case Studies, and Practice Exercises	50%
Quizzes and Final	15%
Web Research	15%
TOTAL	100%

Technical and Learning Management Requirements

Browser and Software Recommendations

• Use a supported web browser such as Google Chrome.

• Do not have multiple windows or tabs open while testing.

• Disable pop-up blockers and remove cookies for optimal performance.

• Ensure reliable internet connection and access to a computer in good working condition.

Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

Online Etiquette

• Communicate in a collaborative, professional, and respectful manner.

• Responses should be civil and not offensive to others.

• Respect differing opinions and avoid sharing confidential information.

Student Code of Conduct

• Students must act ethically, professionally, and civilly.

• Violations may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism

• All work must be original and properly cited.

• Plagiarism or academic dishonesty may result in sanctions or dismissal.

• Anti-plagiarism software is used to verify originality.

Legal and Privacy Policies

Copyright Infringement

• Students must not engage in unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material.

• Violations may result in civil and criminal penalties.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

• Student records are protected and may only be disclosed with student consent, except in specific legal circumstances.

• Students have the right to inspect and review their records.

Additional info:

• This guide summarizes the course structure, objectives, and policies for MCB2010C Microbiology, providing a foundation for further study in microbiology topics such as microbial structure, function, and classification.

• For detailed microbiology content (e.g., bacterial genetics, virology, immunology), refer to the course textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction by Tortora, Funke, and Case.