Microbiology I: Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview: Microbiology I (MCB 2000C)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to microbiology, focusing on the morphology, behavior, characteristics, and activities of common microorganisms. It covers the identification, culturing, staining, counting, and isolation of microbes, as well as the diseases they cause and their impact on human health. The course integrates foundational concepts with practical laboratory skills and emphasizes the relationship of microbiology to the physical and social sciences.

Course Description and Objectives

• Course Description: Presents pathogens and the diseases they cause. Topics include morphology, behavior, characteristics, and activities of common microorganisms, as well as techniques for identification, culturing, staining, counting, and isolating microorganisms.

• Program Goal: Understand the major concepts and applications of microbiology and their relationship to the physical and social sciences.

• Course Objectives/Outcomes:

  • List several ways microbes affect our lives.

  • Understand microbial structure and how microbes are observed and measured.

  • Understand microbial function, including their growth, control, and genetics.

  • Understand microbial classification.

  • State the structural and functional relationships of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes.

  • Understand the structure and function of viruses, viroids, and prions.

  • Understand principles of epidemiology and pathogenesis.

  • Understand the principles and role of immunology, including non-specific and specific host defense mechanisms.

  • Understand the classes of anti-microbial drugs and their potential side-effects.

  • Describe the effects of microorganisms on the different body systems.

Topical Outline & Weekly Structure

Week 1: Fundamentals of Microbiology & Survey of the Microbial World

• Key Topics:

  • Ways microbes affect our lives

  • Microbial structure and observation

  • Microbial function: growth, control, genetics

  • Microbial classification

  • Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic microbes

  • Viruses, viroids, and prions

• Required Reading: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13

• Laboratory Skills: Scientific method, cell structure, microscopy

Week 2: Microbial Function & Host Interaction

• Key Topics:

  • Microbial growth and control

  • Microbial genetics

  • Biotechnology and DNA technology

  • Immunology: innate and adaptive immunity

  • Disorders of the immune system

• Required Reading: Chapters 6, 7, 9, 16, 17, 19

• Laboratory Skills: Smear preparation, Gram stain, acid-fast stain, endospore stain

Week 3: Microbe-Host Interaction & Human Disease

• Key Topics:

  • Principles of disease and epidemiology

  • Microbial mechanisms of pathogenicity

  • Antimicrobial drugs and side-effects

  • Microbial diseases of the skin, eyes, and nervous system

• Required Reading: Chapters 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

• Laboratory Skills: Aseptic technique, streak for isolation, natural selection

Week 4: Microorganisms and Human Disease

• Key Topics:

  • Microbial diseases of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems

• Required Reading: Chapters 23, 24, 25, 26

• Laboratory Skills: Biochemical tests (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Grading and Evaluation Methods

Evaluation Method	Percent of Total Grade
Weekly Exams	60%
Weekly Laboratory Assessments	20%
Weekly Discussions	14%
Post Test	5%
Signature Assignment	1%

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Numeric Grade
A	90.00-100.00%
B	80.00-89.99%
C	70.00-79.99%
D	65.00-69.99%
F	Up to 64.99%

Required Textbook

• Title: Microbiology: An Introduction with Mastering Microbiology Pearson eText

• Authors: Tortora, Case, Bair, Weber, Funke

• Edition: 14th ed. (2024)

• ISBN: 9780135317075 or 9780138244156

Academic Integrity and Course Policies

• Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic conduct and integrity.

• Participation in class and online activities is required for success.

• Makeup exams and late assignments are only accepted with valid reasons and instructor approval.

• Respectful communication and professionalism are essential in all interactions.

• Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be disclosed and comply with university policies.

• Students with disabilities should seek accommodations through the appropriate university channels.

Program Mission and Learning Outcomes

• Develop critical thinking skills.

• Foster effective communication.

• Promote ethical and social responsibility.

• Encourage lifelong learning and information literacy.

• Enhance quantitative and empirical reasoning or problem-solving abilities.