Microbiology Course Syllabus and Study Guide Overview

Microbiology Course Syllabus Overview

I. Course Information

This section provides essential details about the Microbiology course, including prerequisites, meeting times, and lab requirements.

• Course Title and Numbers: Microbiology BIOL& 260 and BIOL& 260L

• Prerequisite: BIOL& 160 or instructor permission

• Lab Times: FSBM-LAB (27729), Tue/Thu 11:10am - 12:29pm, STEM building, Room SBG 324; FSBM-LAB (27730), Tue/Thu 1:10pm - 2:29pm, SBG 306

• Lab Safety: Attendance in the first week is mandatory for Lab Safety Training

• Lab Coat Requirement: Students must have a lab coat by the first lab meeting

II. Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Roberto Anitori

• Contact: Email via CANVAS mailbox

• Office/Help Hours: SBG 367, Mon/Wed 12:00 - 1:00 pm & Tue/Thu 9:45 - 10:45 am or by arrangement

III. Textbooks, Materials, and Other Resources

Students are required to use a standard microbiology textbook and are encouraged to utilize free online resources and study guides.

• Required Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, Tortora, Funke & Case (current edition)

• Free Online Textbook: Microbiology by OpenStax (link)

• Lab Manual: Provided free of charge on the first day of lab

• Recommended Study Guide: Get Ready for Microbiology (especially Ch.3 for terminology)

• Optional: Photographic Atlas for Microbiology, Microbiology Coloring Book

IV. Course Description

This course provides a survey of common microbes in the study of microbiology, with emphasis on their structure, function, and role in health and disease.

• Focus on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

• Emphasis on laboratory techniques and safety

• Application to Allied Health Programs and general education

V. Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain and apply microbiological safety techniques

• Demonstrate understanding of basic microbiological principles

• Analyze microbiological problems, such as infection, growth, and antibiotic resistance

• Apply scientific reasoning to microbiological questions

• Communicate complex scientific information

Assessment of Course Outcomes

Course Outcome	Assessment	Program Outcome Supported
Safety techniques	Quizzes, Exams, Lab Practicals, Lab Reports	1, 2
Microbiological principles	Quizzes, Exams, Lab Practicals, Lab Reports	1, 2, 4
Problem analysis	Discussion, Project, Lab Practicals	1, 2, 4
Scientific reasoning	Unknowns Project, Exams, Extra Credit	1, 2, 4
Communication	Unknowns Project, Exams, Extra Credit	1, 2, 4

VI. General Education Requirement

BIOL& 260 fulfills the science distribution requirement for the AA degree and is a prerequisite for many Allied Health Programs.

VII. Course Policies and Suggested Study Methods

• Attendance: Mandatory for lab safety and participation

• Lab Safety: Students must complete lab safety training and wear appropriate attire

• Illness Policy: Do not attend lab if you have symptoms of infectious disease; contact instructor for arrangements

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited; all assignments must be original work

• Study Strategies: Emphasis on understanding concepts (Feynman Method recommended)

• Time Commitment: Expect to spend 25-35 hours per week on study and assignments

Recommended Study Strategies

• Review lecture notes and textbook before and after class

• Use concept mapping and active recall techniques

• Form study groups for collaborative learning

• Practice answering questions using the Feynman Method

VIII. Requirements, Assessment, and Grading

• Grading is based on quizzes, exams, lab reports, assignments, and participation

• Extra credit may be available but is not guaranteed

• Late assignments may be penalized unless prior arrangements are made

• APA style is required for written assignments

IX. Student Conduct

• Students are expected to follow the Clark College Code of Student Conduct

• Respectful behavior and academic honesty are required at all times

X. Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use campus resources such as tutoring, counseling, and library services

• Contact instructor as soon as possible for any illness or special arrangements