Microbiology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Microbiology I (MCB 2000C) is an accelerated, four-week online course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of microbiology. The course covers the morphology, behavior, characteristics, and activities of common microorganisms, as well as laboratory techniques for identification, culturing, staining, counting, and isolating microbes. Students will also explore the relationship between microbes and human health, including disease mechanisms, immunity, and antimicrobial drugs.

Course Information

• Credit Hours: 4.0

• Course Format: Online, accelerated (4 weeks)

• Learning Platform: Blackboard Ultra

• Instructor: Dr. Christina Nevel-McGarvey, PhD, MS, MT(ASCP)

• Required Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction with Mastering Microbiology Pearson eText, 14th ed., Tortora et al.

Program Mission and Goals

The program aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, ethical responsibility, lifelong learning, and quantitative reasoning.

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills

• Foster Effective Communication

• Develop Ethical and Social Responsibility

• Lifelong Learning and Information Literacy

• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning or Problem Solving

Course Learning Objectives

• 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

Weekly Course Outline

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

• Key Topics: Microbial impact, structure, observation, classification, viruses, viroids, prions

• Required Readings: Chapters 1, 3, 4, 10, 13

• Laboratory: Scientific method, cells, microscopy

Week 2: Microbial Function & Host Interaction

• Key Topics: Microbial growth, control, genetics, immunology (innate and adaptive), immune disorders

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

• Laboratory: Smear prep, Gram stain, Acid-fast stain, Endospore stain

Week 3: Microbe-Host Interaction & Human Disease

• Key Topics: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, antimicrobial drugs, diseases of skin and eyes, nervous system

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

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

Week 4: Microorganisms and Human Disease

• Key Topics: Diseases of cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and genital systems

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

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

Grading and Evaluation Methods

Evaluation Component	Percent of Total Grade	Due Date
Weekly Discussion in Bb Ultra	14%	Sunday 11:59PM ET
Optional Weekly Extra Credit	0.5-2%	Wednesday 11:59PM ET
Weekly Examinations in Bb Ultra	60%	Sunday 11:59PM ET
Weekly Interactive Laboratory Exercises	20%	Sunday 11:59PM ET
Signature Assignment (Week 4)	1%	Sunday 11:59PM ET
Post Test (Week 4)	5%	Sunday 11:59PM ET

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%

Course Policies

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are not tolerated and may result in academic penalties.

• Participation: Active participation in discussions and activities is required for success.

• Missed Tests/Quizzes: Makeup exams allowed only with pre-approval or documented reason.

• Late Assignments: Accepted only in emergencies and with instructor approval.

• Civility/Professionalism: Respectful communication and cooperation are expected at all times.

• AI Policy: All student work must be original; use of AI must be disclosed and approved by the professor.

• Disability Accommodations: Available through the university’s established process.

Summary of Major Microbiology Topics Covered

• The Microbial World and You

• Chemical Principles (optional)

• Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope

• Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Microbial Metabolism (optional)

• Microbial Growth

• The Control of Microbial Growth

• Microbial Genetics (optional)

• Biotechnology & DNA Technology

• Classification of Microorganisms

• The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea

• The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths

• Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

• Principles of Disease and Epidemiology

• Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

• Innate and Adaptive Immunity

• Antimicrobial Drugs

• Microbial Diseases of Major Body Systems

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, objectives, weekly topics, and evaluation methods for a college-level microbiology course. Students are encouraged to refer to the official course materials and textbook for detailed content and laboratory protocols.