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Wayland Baptist University Microbiology (BIOL 3410) Syllabus and Course Overview

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Course Overview: Microbiology (BIOL 3410)

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the identification, growth, nutrition, metabolism, and infectious nature of microorganisms. It includes the study of fungi, protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, with both lecture and laboratory components. Students will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding the microbial world and its impact on human health and the environment.

Course Objectives and Competencies

  • Understand Interrelationships: Demonstrate an understanding of the complex system of interrelationships among the sciences as related to the study of microorganisms.

  • Microscopy: Develop an understanding of microscopy and its importance to the study of microorganisms.

  • Microbial Characteristics: Describe the morphological, structural, and physiological characteristics of some common microorganisms.

  • Disease and Immunity: Demonstrate an understanding of disease-causing microorganisms and immunity relative to human health.

  • Identification and Classification: Demonstrate an understanding of procedures for the proper identification and classification of microorganisms.

  • Aseptic Technique: Demonstrate an understanding of aseptic technique(s).

  • Applications: Develop a basic appreciation for the useful aspects of microorganisms important to human health and nutrition.

Required Materials

  • Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, 14e by Tortora et al. (ISBN 9780137941612). The eTextbook is required and included at registration.

  • Lab Manual: Lab handouts provided by the instructor via Blackboard or in class.

  • Blackboard: Students must regularly access the course Blackboard site for content, assignments, and communication.

  • Wayland Email: Official communication method; students must activate and use their Wayland email account.

Course Structure and Schedule

The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Students are expected to dedicate 4-12 hours per week for reading, reviewing, studying, and completing assignments. The tentative schedule covers one chapter per week, with exams and important dates outlined below.

Tentative Weekly Topics

  • Week 1: Chapter 1 – The Microbial World and You

  • Week 2: Chapters 2-3 – Chemical Principles; Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope

  • Week 3: Chapters 4-5 – Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells; Microbial Metabolism

  • Week 4: Chapter 6 – Microbial Growth (Exam 1)

  • Week 5: Chapter 7 – The Control of Microbial Growth

  • Week 6: Chapter 20 – Antimicrobial Drugs

  • Week 7: Chapter 8 – Microbial Genetics

  • Week 8: Chapter 9 – Biotechnology & DNA Technology (Exam 2)

  • Week 9: Spring Break

  • Week 10: Chapter 10 – Classification of Microorganisms

  • Week 11: Chapter 11 – The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea

  • Week 12: Chapter 12 – The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths

  • Week 13: Chapter 13 – Viruses, Viroids, and Prions (Exam 3)

  • Week 14: Chapter 14 – Principles of Disease and Epidemiology

  • Week 15: Chapter 15 – Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

  • Week 16: Chapter 18 – Practical Applications of Immunology (Exam 4)

Grading Criteria

Component

Percentage

Lecture Exams (4)

40%

Quizzes

10%

Homework/Participation

25%

Lab Exercises

25%

Grading Scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = Below 60

Attendance and Participation

  • Attendance is mandatory and recorded for all class and lab sessions.

  • Absences must be justified and communicated in advance to the instructor via email.

  • Missed assignments, quizzes, or exams require prior arrangement for make-up, except in emergencies with documentation.

  • Some laboratory exercises cannot be made up due to their nature.

Academic Integrity

  • All work must be original and completed by the student or assigned group members.

  • No use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is permitted. Use of such tools will be treated as plagiarism and a violation of academic integrity policies.

Laboratory Safety and Attire

  • Proper attire is required: close-toed shoes, long pants, tied-up long hair, and no loose clothing or jewelry.

  • Students must read and sign the Student Safety Contract before participating in laboratory activities.

Important Dates

  • Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Day (No Class)

  • Mar 16-20 – Spring Break (No Class)

  • Apr 3 – Good Friday (No Class)

  • Apr 6 – Easter Monday (No Class)

  • Jan 30 – Last day to drop without record (Census)

  • Apr 7 – Last day to drop with a “W”

  • May 1 – Last day to drop with “WP/WF”

  • May 15 – End of semester

Contact Information

  • Instructor: Dr. Matthew Dyson

  • Email: dysonm@wbu.edu

  • Office: Moody Science Building 218

  • Office Hours: M/W/F 9:00-10:00 am; M/Tu/W/Th/F 12:30-2:00 pm

Course Topics (Based on Textbook Chapters)

  • The Microbial World and You

  • Chemical Principles

  • Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope

  • Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

  • Microbial Metabolism

  • Microbial Growth

  • The Control of Microbial Growth

  • Microbial Genetics

  • 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

  • Practical Applications of Immunology

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