Syllabus and Study Guide: Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (BIOL-2420)

Course Overview

Introduction to Microbiology for Non-Science Majors

This course provides a foundational understanding of microbiology, focusing on the morphology, physiology, and taxonomy of representative groups of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. It includes laboratory experiences in culturing, identifying, and studying microorganisms, with applications in health, food, and environmental contexts.

• Course Code: BIOL-2420

• Credits: 4 semester hours

• Lecture Hours: 3 per week

• Lab Hours: 3 per week

• Instructor: Dr. Shawanda Stanford

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Lecture-Based Outcomes

• Describe the characteristics and growth requirements of prokaryotic organisms compared to eukaryotic organisms.

• Discuss the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy, and human health, including biotechnology.

• Distinguish between mechanisms of physical and chemical agents to control microbial populations.

• Explain fundamental methods of identifying and classifying microorganisms.

• Describe the structure and function of cell components in bacteria and eukaryotes.

• Compare characteristics of viruses and prions with those of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Explain the mechanisms of microbial genetics and recombinant DNA technology.

• Describe the immune response and principles of immunization and immune testing.

• Discuss the epidemiology of infectious diseases and methods of disease prevention and control.

Laboratory-Based Outcomes

• Demonstrate laboratory safety rules, procedures, and universal precautions.

• Use and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, and discuss their respective functions.

• Perform basic microbiological procedures, including aseptic technique, staining, isolation, and observation of microorganisms.

• Identify microorganisms using standard laboratory tests.

• Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample using methods such as direct counts, viable plate counts, or spectrophotometric measurements.

• Document basic classification protocols based on microscopic morphology of some common fungi and bacteria.

Course Topics and Schedule

Major Topics Covered

• Ch. 1: A Brief History of Microbiology

• Ch. 2: The Chemistry of Microbiology

• Ch. 3: Cell Structure and Function

• Ch. 4: Microscopy, Staining, and Classification

• Ch. 5: Microbial Metabolism

• Ch. 6: Microbial Nutrition and Growth

• Ch. 7: Microbial Genetics

• Ch. 8: Recombinant DNA Technology

• Ch. 9: Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment

• Ch. 10: Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs

• Ch. 13: Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

• Ch. 14: Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology

• Ch. 15: Innate Immunity

• Ch. 16: Adaptive Immunity

• Ch. 17: Immunization and Immune Testing

Additional info: The schedule aligns with standard introductory microbiology curricula, ensuring coverage of foundational topics relevant to non-science majors.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy, 6th Edition, Bauman, R.W. (Pearson Publishing)

• Lab Manual: BIOL 2420 Microbiology Laboratory Manual, 5th Edition, Michael M. Shupe-Austin, Bluedoor, LLC

• Disposable Laboratory Coat (required for lab safety)

• Testing Form: Apperson DataLink 1200 #29240 scantrons for lab exams

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Assessment Components

Component	Percentage of Grade
Lecture Exams	26%
Lab Exams	18%
Lab Assignments	10%
Mastering Homework	11%
Class Participation	15%
Final Exam	20%

Grading Scale: A = 89.5–100; B = 79.5–89.4; C = 69.5–79.4; D = 59.5–69.4; F = 59.4 and below

Laboratory Safety and Policies

• Students must follow all laboratory safety rules and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats and gloves.

• Attendance is required for all lab sessions; missed labs may not be made up except for excused absences.

• Late work is generally not accepted unless due to documented, excused absences.

Academic Integrity and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• All submitted work must be the student's own. Use of unauthorized AI or other resources is prohibited unless specifically permitted by the instructor.

• Exams are proctored using HonorLock, requiring a secure testing environment and identity verification.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Lecture Topics	Lab Topics
1	Ch. 1: History of Microbiology Ch. 2: Chemistry of Microbiology	Lab 1: Safety Lab 2: Microscopy
2	Ch. 3: Cell Structure and Function	Lab 3: Cell Morphology
3	Ch. 4: Microscopy, Staining, and Classification	Lab 4: Staining Techniques
4	Ch. 5: Microbial Metabolism	Lab 5: Enzyme Activity
5	Ch. 6: Microbial Nutrition and Growth	Lab 6: Growth Patterns
6	Ch. 7: Microbial Genetics	Lab 7: Genetic Transfer
7	Ch. 8: Recombinant DNA Technology	Lab 8: DNA Analysis
8	Ch. 9: Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment	Lab 9: Disinfection
9	Ch. 10: Antimicrobial Drugs	Lab 10: Antibiotic Sensitivity
10	Ch. 13: Viruses, Viroids, and Prions	Lab 11: Viral Plaques
11	Ch. 14: Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology	Lab 12: Epidemiology Simulation
12	Ch. 15: Innate Immunity	Lab 13: Immunology
13	Ch. 16: Adaptive Immunity	Lab 14: Antibody Testing
14	Ch. 17: Immunization and Immune Testing	Lab 15: Vaccine Simulation

Additional info: The schedule above is a representative summary based on the detailed course calendar provided in the syllabus. Actual lab and lecture topics may vary slightly by week.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Microorganism: A microscopic organism, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa.

• Prokaryote: An organism whose cells lack a nucleus, such as bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus, including fungi, protozoa, algae, and all multicellular organisms.

• Pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease.

• Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist infection by pathogens.

• Antimicrobial: An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Example Application

Example: In the laboratory, students may use the Gram stain technique to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which is essential for identifying pathogens and selecting appropriate antimicrobial treatments.