Microbiology 343: Course Syllabus, Laboratory Safety, and Core Concepts Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology 343

This course provides an upper-division introduction to microbiology, focusing on the fundamental principles of microbial structure, growth, metabolism, taxonomy, pathogenicity, and immunity. Students will explore microorganisms as both agents of disease and as part of the normal human microbiota. The laboratory component emphasizes hands-on techniques for isolation, cultivation, and identification of microorganisms.

• Lecture: Covers theoretical foundations and contemporary issues in microbiology.

• Laboratory: Focuses on practical skills, including aseptic technique, staining, and identification of unknown bacteria.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Core Concepts

• Basic Terminology: Mastery of essential microbiological vocabulary.

• Microbial Metabolism, Growth, and Regulation: Understanding how microorganisms obtain energy, grow, and regulate cellular processes.

• Structure-Function Relationships: Linking microbial structures to their biological functions.

• Microbial Interactions: Exploring how microorganisms interact with their environment and hosts, especially humans.

Reasoning Skills

• Scientific Method: Application and critical examination of experimental design and hypothesis testing.

• Data Analysis: Interpretation of experimental results and evaluation of hypotheses.

• Integration: Ability to explain relationships among diverse microbiological topics.

Assessment and Grading

Course Components

• Exams: Four exams (three midterms and a final), each worth 100 points. Exams include in-class and take-home components (except the final).

• Laboratory: Total of 250 points, including weekly exercises and an unknown bacteria identification report.

• Term Paper: Review of a scientific paper, worth 50 points.

• Participation: Attendance and active participation in lab (30 points).

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	94-100%
A-	90-93%
B+	87-89%
B	83-86%
B-	80-82%
C+	77-79%
C	73-76%
C-	70-72%
D	60-69%
F	0-59%

Lecture Schedule and Major Topics

Weekly Topics Overview

• Bacterial Structure: Cell morphology, cell wall, and membrane features (Ch. 4).

• Bacterial Metabolism: Energy production, catabolic and anabolic pathways (Ch. 5).

• Microbial Growth and Control: Growth curves, environmental factors, and methods of controlling microbial populations (Ch. 6, 7).

• Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Structure and diversity of fungi, protozoa, and helminths (Ch. 12).

• Viruses: Structure, replication, and classification (Ch. 13).

• Principles of Disease and Pathogenicity: Mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and host interactions (Ch. 14, 15).

• Host Defenses: Innate and adaptive immunity (Ch. 16, 17).

• Vaccines and Antimicrobial Drugs: Practical applications in disease prevention and treatment (Ch. 18, 20).

• Medically Important Microbes: Cocci, bacilli, and viral pathogens (Ch. 21-26).

Additional info: The schedule includes exam dates, spring break, and final exam timing. Laboratory and lecture topics are closely coordinated to reinforce learning.

Laboratory Schedule and Techniques

Key Laboratory Exercises

• Microscope Use: Review of light microscopy and its application in observing microorganisms.

• Aseptic Technique: Methods to prevent contamination during microbial handling.

• Staining Techniques: Smear preparation, simple staining, Gram staining, spore staining, and acid-fast staining for bacterial identification.

• Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing: Disc-diffusion method to evaluate effectiveness of antibiotics.

• DNA Isolation and Analysis: Extraction of DNA, quantitation using spectrophotometry, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis.

• Unknown Bacterium Identification: Morphological, cultural, biochemical, and sensitivity tests to identify an unknown bacterial species.

Laboratory Safety Rules

Essential Safety Practices

• No Eating or Drinking: Prevents accidental ingestion of hazardous materials.

• Clean Workspace: Only necessary materials on the bench; disinfect before and after lab.

• Spill Management: Cover spills with disinfectant and paper towel, report immediately.

• Bunsen Burner Safety: Turn off when not in use; tie back long hair.

• Pipetting: Use pipette pumps, never mouth pipette.

• Culture Disposal: Place used cultures on designated cart, not in trash.

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands before leaving the lab.

• Incident Reporting: Report all accidents or injuries to the instructor immediately.

Biosafety Training Instructions

Online Safety Certification

1. Register at about.citiprogram.org using Whittier College affiliation.

2. Complete all required modules with an average score of at least 80%.

3. Print and submit the completion certificate as proof of training.

Academic Honesty and Disability Services

Academic Integrity

• All students are expected to adhere to the college's standards of academic honesty.

• Violations will result in sanctions as outlined in the college catalog.

Disability Services

• Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Contact Disability Services for support and further information.

Summary Table: Major Laboratory Techniques and Their Purposes

Technique	Main Purpose
Microscopy	Observation of microbial morphology and structure
Aseptic Technique	Prevention of contamination
Simple/Gram/Spore/Acid-Fast Staining	Differentiation and identification of bacteria
Disc-Diffusion Test	Assessment of antimicrobial sensitivity
DNA Isolation & PCR	Genetic analysis and identification
Biochemical Tests	Determination of metabolic capabilities

Key Definitions

• Microorganism: A microscopic organism, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Aseptic Technique: Procedures used to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms.

• Gram Stain: A differential staining technique that classifies bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on cell wall structure.

• Antimicrobial: An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

• Pathogenicity: The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

• Immunity: The body's defense mechanisms against infectious agents.

Example: Gram Staining Procedure

1. Prepare a bacterial smear on a slide and heat-fix.

2. Apply crystal violet (primary stain) for 1 minute; rinse.

3. Add iodine solution (mordant) for 1 minute; rinse.

4. Decolorize with alcohol briefly; rinse.

5. Counterstain with safranin for 1 minute; rinse and dry.

6. Observe under microscope: Gram-positive bacteria appear purple, Gram-negative appear pink/red.

Additional Info

• The syllabus aligns with standard microbiology curricula, covering foundational topics such as microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, immunity, and laboratory techniques.

• Laboratory safety and biosafety training are emphasized to ensure safe handling of microorganisms.