Microbiology I Syllabus and Course Structure: Ivy Tech Community College

Microbiology I: Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to microbiology, focusing on the fundamental structures, metabolism, classification, and interactions of microorganisms. It covers laboratory techniques, industrial and clinical applications, and the role of microorganisms in health, disease, and the environment.

• Microorganisms studied: Bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses

• Key areas: Structure, metabolism, genetics, laboratory methods, epidemiology, immunology, biotechnology

Major Course Learning Objectives

• Describe properties and characteristics of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses

• Explain divisions and taxonomic classification of bacteria

• Identify internal and external structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

• Use bright field microscopy and identify microscope parts and functions

• Apply safety guidelines for handling microorganisms and infectious materials

• Recognize bacterial morphologies

• Perform and interpret Gram stain on smears

• Describe principles of metabolism, nutrition, reproduction, energy

• Discuss DNA structure and processes (replication, transcription, translation)

• Explain methods of microbial control (physical, chemical, antimicrobial agents)

• Describe epidemiology and invasive mechanisms of bacteria

• Explain genetic information transfer (transformation, transduction, conjugation)

• Apply microbiology concepts to food, agriculture, ecology, health, industry

• Perform identification tests and describe disease correlations

• Describe fundamentals of recombinant DNA technologies and biotechnology

• Explain principles of immunology and serological testing

Course Content Topics

• Scope of Microbiology

• Fundamentals of Chemistry

• Microscopy and Staining

• Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics

• Bacteria

• Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Parasites

• Viruses

• Metabolism

• Growth and Culturing of Bacteria

• Microbial Genetics

• Recombinant DNA

• Sterilization and Disinfection

• Epidemiology and Nosocomial Infections

• Host-Microbe Relationships and Disease Processes

• Nonspecific Host Defenses

• Immunology

• Environmental Microbiology

• Applied Microbiology

• Use of Microbiology Media, Test Systems, and Lab Equipment

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Week	Date	Lecture Topic	Lab Exercise
1	17-Jan	Ch. 1, 2: Introduction to Microbiology and Biochemistry	Microscopy (HMWK 1)
2	22-Jan	Ch. 5: Eukaryotes	Survey of Microorganisms (HMWK 2)
2	24-Jan	Ch. 4: Bacteria and Archaea	Bacterial Morphology and Staining (1 of 2)
3	29-Jan	Ch. 6: Viruses	Bacterial Morphology and Staining (2 of 2) (HMWK 3)
3	31-Jan	Ch. 9: Microbial Genetics	Single Colony Isolation
4	5-Feb	Ch. 10: Genetic Engineering | Class Discussion	Unknown ID- Morphological Study
4	7-Feb	Ch. 7: Microbial Growth and Nutrition	Unknown ID- Oxygen Requirements, Biochemical Tests (1 of 2)
5	12-Feb	Ch. 8: Microbial Metabolism	Unknown ID- Biochemical Tests (2 of 2), Multiple Test Media
5	14-Feb	Ch. 9: Physical Control of Microbes	Unknown ID- Final Data Collection
6	19-Feb	Ch. 10: Chemical Control of Microbes	Antimicrobial Agents (HMWK 4)
6	21-Feb	Ch. 13: Host-Pathogen Interaction	Host-Microbe Interactions (HMWK 5)
7	26-Feb	Ch. 14: Innate Immunity	Presentations
7	28-Feb	Ch. 15: Adaptive Immunity	Presentations
8	4-Mar	Review
8	6-Mar	Final Exam

Assessment and Grading

• Lecture Assignments: 12 assignments, one per chapter (starting with Ch. 5), completed online

• Lecture Exams: 4 exams (lowest score dropped), 100 points each

• Cumulative Final Exam: 150 points, free response, covers all chapters

• Laboratory Homework: 6 assignments, varied points

• Laboratory Quizzes: 5 quizzes, 10 points each

• Laboratory Exams: 2 exams, 50 points each

• Report and Oral Presentation: 1 report/presentation on a chosen pathogen, 100 points

• Class Group Discussion: 1 discussion, 40 points

Letter Grade	Percentage
A	90-100%
B	80-89.9%
C	70-79.9%
D	60-69.9%
F	Below 60%

Key Microbiology Topics (as per syllabus)

Introduction to Microbiology

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

• Scope: Medical, environmental, industrial, and food microbiology

• Applications: Disease diagnosis, biotechnology, ecological studies

Biochemistry

Biochemistry in microbiology focuses on the chemical processes and substances that occur within microorganisms.

• Key concepts: Enzymes, metabolic pathways, energy production

• Example: Glycolysis, fermentation, respiration

Laboratory Techniques

Laboratory techniques are essential for studying and identifying microorganisms.

• Microscopy: Use of bright field microscopes, identification of parts and functions

• Staining: Gram stain, morphological studies

• Culture methods: Single colony isolation, biochemical tests

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Microorganisms are classified as prokaryotes (bacteria, archaea) or eukaryotes (fungi, parasites).

• Prokaryotes: Lack membrane-bound organelles, simple structure

• Eukaryotes: Complex structure, contain nucleus and organelles

• Comparison: Cell wall composition, reproduction, genetic material

Viruses

Viruses are acellular entities that require host cells for replication.

• Structure: Capsid, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), sometimes envelope

• Replication: Lytic and lysogenic cycles

Microbial Genetics

Microbial genetics studies the heredity and variation in microorganisms.

• DNA structure: Double helix, base pairing

• Processes: Replication, transcription, translation

• Gene transfer: Transformation, transduction, conjugation

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology uses microorganisms for industrial, medical, and environmental applications. Genetic engineering involves manipulating DNA for desired traits.

• Recombinant DNA: Combining DNA from different sources

• Applications: Medicine (insulin production), agriculture (GMOs), environmental cleanup

Microbial Growth and Metabolism

Microbial growth refers to the increase in cell number; metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in the cell.

• Growth phases: Lag, log, stationary, death

• Metabolic pathways: Catabolism (breakdown), anabolism (synthesis)

• Energy: ATP production via glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain

Control of Microbial Growth

Microbial control involves physical and chemical methods to inhibit or kill microorganisms.

• Physical methods: Heat, filtration, radiation

• Chemical methods: Disinfectants, antiseptics, antimicrobial agents

Epidemiology and Pathogenesis

Epidemiology studies the spread and control of infectious diseases; pathogenesis examines how microbes cause disease.

• Host-pathogen interactions: Mechanisms of invasion, immune response

• Nosocomial infections: Hospital-acquired infections

Immunology

Immunology explores the body's defense mechanisms against pathogens.

• Innate immunity: Nonspecific defenses (skin, phagocytes)

• Adaptive immunity: Specific responses (antibodies, T cells)

• Serological testing: Detection of antibodies/antigens

Environmental and Applied Microbiology

Environmental microbiology studies microorganisms in natural habitats; applied microbiology uses them in industry, food production, and biotechnology.

• Applications: Waste treatment, bioremediation, fermentation

Laboratory Component

• Microscopy: Observing microorganisms

• Staining: Gram stain, morphological identification

• Biochemical tests: Identifying unknown bacteria

• Antimicrobial testing: Evaluating effectiveness of agents

• Host-microbe interaction studies: Understanding disease mechanisms

Additional info:

• Course aligns with standard college microbiology curriculum, covering all major textbook chapters listed in the prompt.

• Laboratory manual and online assignments supplement lecture content.

• Students are expected to participate in both lecture and laboratory sessions, complete assignments, and demonstrate understanding through exams and presentations.