Microbiology Course Syllabus and Study Guide – Schoolcraft College BIOL 243

Course Overview

This course, BIOL 243: Microbiology, provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of microorganisms, their biology, laboratory techniques, and their impact on human health and the environment. The syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and core competencies for students enrolled in this college-level microbiology course.

Course Description

• Explores microbial structures and functions, biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, and control of microbial growth.

• Covers infectious diseases, immunity, classification, and epidemiology.

• Introduces laboratory techniques: microscope use, bacterial smears, staining methods, aseptic techniques, isolation of pure cultures, identification of unknown microorganisms, and antibiotic testing.

Course Structure

• Credit Hours: 4 (3 lecture, 4 lab)

• Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 120

• Lecture: Asynchronous online

• Lab: On-campus, hands-on sessions

• Textbooks:

  • Microbiology with Disease by Body System by Bauman, 2nd Edition

  • Microbiology: Laboratory Theory & Application by Leboffe & Pierce, 3rd Edition

Core Abilities and Skills Developed

• Creative and Critical Thinking

• Effective Use of Technology

• Cooperative Work in Laboratory Settings

Major Course Competencies

• Summarize the history of microbiology and major discoveries.

• Demonstrate proper use of light microscopes and laboratory equipment.

• Prepare and stain slides for microbial examination.

• Apply aseptic techniques and maintain pure cultures.

• Identify and classify major groups of microorganisms: bacteria, algae, protists, fungi, and viruses.

• Explain microbial metabolism, genetics, and the significance of genetic engineering.

• Contrast cell wall structures (Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative), and differentiate bacteria from viruses.

• Describe microbial diseases, their transmission, and epidemiological techniques.

• Compare innate and adaptive immunity, and discuss immune disorders.

• Evaluate methods for controlling microbial growth in the environment and the body.

• Discuss the use of microbes in industrial and environmental applications.

Laboratory Safety Protocols

• Lab coats and splash-resistant safety goggles are required.

• No food or beverages in the lab; long hair must be tied back; no open-toed shoes or dangling jewelry.

• Familiarize with safety equipment: shower, eyewash, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and biohazard disposal.

• Report all accidents immediately; wash hands before leaving the lab.

Assessment and Grading

• Lecture Exams (4): 40%

• Quizzes: 17%

• Laboratory Exams: 20%

• Laboratory Analyses and Safety: 13.5%

• Identification of Unknown Bacterium Project: 6.5%

• Discussions and Written Assignments: 3%

Grades are assigned on a standard 4.0 scale, with 90-100% earning a 4.0 and below 60% considered unacceptable.

Key Topics and Laboratory Exercises

• History and scope of microbiology

• Microscopy, staining, and classification of microorganisms

• Microbial metabolism, genetics, and recombinant DNA technology

• Control of microbial growth (physical and chemical methods)

• Host-microbe interactions, immunity, and immune disorders

• Microbial diseases of various body systems

• Applied and industrial microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbiomes

Sample Laboratory Exercises

• Glow Germ Hand Wash Education System

• Microscopic Examination of Eukaryotic Microorganisms

• Gram Stain, Acid-fast Stain, Endospore Stain

• Bacterial Transformation (pGLO System)

• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (Kirby-Bauer Method)

• Identification of Unknown Bacterium

Student Responsibilities

• Attend all scheduled sessions and complete all assignments on time.

• Follow laboratory safety protocols and academic integrity policies.

• Communicate respectfully and seek help when needed.

• Budget time for study and preparation (recommended: 21 hours/week).

Important Dates and Policies

• Final Exam: April 30, 2026

• Refer to the college website for holidays, registration, and withdrawal deadlines.

• Emergency alerts and class cancellations communicated via SC Alerts RAVE system.

Support Services

• Free tutoring, writing support, and academic coaching available through Learning Support Services.

• Disability accommodations provided through the Disability Support Services Office.

Grading Scale Table

Percentage	Grade Point	Description
100-90	4.0	Excellent
89-80	3.9-3.0	Very Good
79-70	2.9-2.0	Average
69-60	1.9-1.0	Below Average/Poor
59 & Below	0.0	Unacceptable

Course Alignment with Microbiology Topics

• This syllabus covers all major topics in a standard college microbiology course, including microbial structure and function, metabolism, genetics, classification, control of growth, infectious diseases, immunity, and applied microbiology.

• Laboratory exercises reinforce theoretical concepts and provide hands-on experience with essential microbiological techniques.