Microbiology Course Outline and Study Guide

Microbiology Course Overview

Course Description

This course introduces students to the structure, function, and diversity of microorganisms, emphasizing their roles in health, disease, and the environment. Topics include microbial metabolism, genetics, immunology, and epidemiology, with a focus on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes.

• Course Title: Microbiology

• Course Number: BIO-205

• Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

• Credit Hours: 4

• Instructor: Angela DeMeriitt

• Required Texts: Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles, 2nd Edition by Alcamo; Laboratory Manual by Enger et al.

Student Behavioral Objectives

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the diversity, complexity, and ubiquity of the microbial world and its significance to higher organisms and the environment.

• Identify major groups of cell structures and products, and explain their role in cellular activity.

• Describe the epidemiology of common human infectious diseases.

• Discuss host defense mechanisms, including innate and adaptive immunity.

• Analyze microbial growth factors and methods of controlling unwanted microbial activity.

• Describe basic microbiological techniques and safety procedures.

Topic Outline

Major Topics Covered

Date	Lecture	Topic
1/30/18	1	Introduction to Microbiology, Chapter 1
2/1/18	2	Introduction to Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes; Pathogens
2/6/18	3	Exam #1: History of Microbiology - Prokaryotes
2/8/18	4	Microbial Metabolism, Chapter 7
2/13/18	5	Microbial Genetics, Chapter 8
2/15/18	6	Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
2/20/18	7	Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, Chapter 9
2/22/18	8	Innate Immunity, Chapter 11
2/27/18	9	Exam #2: Metabolism - Genetics
3/1/18	10	Adaptive Immunity, Chapter 12
4/3/18	23	Adaptive Immunity, Chapter 12
4/10/18	24	Vaccines, Chapter 13+
5/8/18	25	Exam #4: Antimicrobial Chemicals - Vaccines
5/15/18	26	Quick Review/Refresher
5/17/18	27	Cumulative Final Exam

Course Policies and Grading

Attendance

• Attendance is required. More than 5 absences result in grade penalties.

• Students must attend lectures and submit assignments on time.

Grade Computation

• Lecture average is based on 4 lecture exams (weighted) and one cumulative final exam.

• Lab grade is based on lab participation and lab final.

• Final course grade: 75% lecture, 25% lab.

Grade	Percentage
A	90-100
B+	85-89
B	80-84
C+	75-79
C	70-74
D	60-69
F	Below 60

Academic Integrity and Support

Plagiarism and Cheating

• Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of zero for the exam or assignment.

Help and Support

• Science Study Center and tutoring available for academic support.

• ADA compliance and anti-discrimination policies are enforced.

Key Microbiology Topics (from Syllabus)

Introduction to Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. It explores their structure, function, and impact on humans and the environment.

• Definition: Microbiology is the branch of science dealing with microorganisms.

• Importance: Microbes play essential roles in health, disease, biotechnology, and ecological balance.

• Example: Escherichia coli is a common bacterium studied in microbiology.

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structures

Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic based on their structural features.

• Prokaryotes: Lack a nucleus; include bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; include fungi, protozoa, and algae.

• Comparison Table:

Feature	Prokaryotes	Eukaryotes
Nucleus	No	Yes
Organelles	No	Yes
Cell Wall	Peptidoglycan (bacteria)	Cellulose (plants), chitin (fungi)

Microbial Metabolism

Microbial metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within microorganisms to maintain life.

• Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to release energy.

• Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

• Equation Example:

$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Energy}$

Microbial Genetics

Microbial genetics studies the mechanisms of heredity and variation in microorganisms.

• DNA Replication: Process by which DNA is copied before cell division.

• Central Dogma: Flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.

• Equation:

$\text{DNA} \xrightarrow{\text{transcription}} \text{RNA} \xrightarrow{\text{translation}} \text{Protein}$

Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

Viruses are acellular entities that require host cells for replication. Viroids are infectious RNA molecules, and prions are misfolded proteins causing neurodegenerative diseases.

• Virus Example: Influenza virus

• Prion Disease Example: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology

Epidemiology studies the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations.

• Incidence: Number of new cases in a population over a period.

• Prevalence: Total number of cases at a given time.

• Equation:

$\text{Incidence Rate} = \frac{\text{Number of new cases}}{\text{Population at risk} \times \text{Time}}$

Immunity: Innate and Adaptive

The immune system protects against pathogens through innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) mechanisms.

• Innate Immunity: First line of defense; includes barriers and phagocytes.

• Adaptive Immunity: Involves lymphocytes and the production of antibodies.

• Example: Vaccination stimulates adaptive immunity.

Antimicrobial Chemicals and Vaccines

Antimicrobial agents inhibit or kill microorganisms. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to provide protection against specific pathogens.

• Antibiotics: Drugs that target bacterial infections.

• Vaccine Example: Influenza vaccine

Laboratory Techniques and Safety

Microbiology labs require strict safety procedures to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.

• Aseptic Technique: Prevents contamination of cultures and environment.

• Data Collection: Accurate recording and analysis of experimental results.

Additional info: The above study guide is based on the course syllabus and topic outline, expanded with academic context to provide a comprehensive overview for exam preparation.